Mammoth Cave National Park issues Finding of No Significant Impact to Replace Rapidly Deteriorating Seasonal Quarters Environmental Assessment (EA)

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. (MAMMOTH CAVE) – The National Park Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) to Replace Rapidly Deteriorating Seasonal Quarters. This project will replace three seasonal park housing units that have inappropriate foundation design and are currently being utilized beyond their useful life.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the environmental assessment considers alternatives, including a no-action alternative, and environmental impacts. Based on the analysis presented in the EA, which was available for public review from Oct. 30-Nov. 29, 2023, and considering public comments, the NPS selected the proposed action and preferred alternative. Improvements under the selected alternative include:

Construction of two buildings, each with two stories and 12 bedrooms/baths, for a total of 24 bedroom/baths.

Building amenities including private protected storage, an outdoor pavilion, an indoor gathering space, an electric vehicle charging station, and solar panels on the roofs of the buildings.

Site development in the Operations Area of the park located at the northern end of the Administrative and Housing Areas. This site already has access to sewer, water, telephone, fiber optic cable, and electrical utilities.

The FONSI, EA, and related documents are available on the NPS Planning Environmental and Public Comment website (https://parkplanning.nes.gov/MACASeasonalHousing). The FONSI establishes that, based on the EA, there would be no significant impact on the environment as a result of the selected action.