The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized the publication of the Environmental Assessment for the town of Boone's proposed water intake in the Brownwood area of Watauga County. USDA had to first review related documents, request changes and have questions answered before the Environmental Assessment could be made available for public comment. A copy of the Assessment is available online at townofboone.net. A 30-day period following the Dec. 4 publication of allows for public comment. Comments should be made by Jan. 4, 2010.