N E W S
| October 13, 2004 |
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| WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has asked the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the public comment period on a proposed annual funding agreement that will allow the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to perform biological, fire, maintenance and visitor services activities at the National Bison Range Complex. The agency said it will grant Rehberg’s request for a 15-day public comment period extension.
“I’ve asked for a 15-day extension because new information has come to light since the public comment period began,” Rehberg said. “I’m pleased with how quickly we were able to secure this additional comment period from the Fish and Wildlife Service.” “We are pleased to join with Representative Denny Rehberg, and the Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the public an additional 15 days to comment on the draft Annual Funding Agreement,” said Fred Matt, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Chairman. “This gives the public another opportunity to participate in the process now that we have a more accurate cost analysis.” The reopening will begin following publication of a notice in the Federal Register and last 15 days, according to Fish and Wildlife Service officials. Public comments will be accepted during the days preceding publication of the Federal Register notice, effectively extending the original 90-day public period, which concluded on October 12. “I appreciate that both the agency and the tribe have agreed to this request,” Rehberg added. “With new facts and figures only recently available, it’s appropriate for the public to have a chance to comment on this new information.” |
