Notice2024-21068
Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Modernization of the Bridge of the Americas LPOE in El Paso, Texas
Primary source
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Published
September 20, 2024
Issuing agencies
General Services Administration
Abstract
The GSA, in cooperation with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas. The Draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of GSA's Proposed Action for the GSA to support CBP's mission by bringing the BOTA LPOE operations in line with current CBP land port design standards and operational requirements while addressing existing deficiencies identified with the ongoing port operations.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 183 (Friday, September 20, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77152-77153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-21068]
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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
[Notice-PBS-2024-12; Docket No. 2024-0002; Sequence No. 42]
Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for the Proposed Modernization of the Bridge of the Americas
LPOE in El Paso, Texas
AGENCY: Office of Public Building Service (PBS); General Services
Administration, (GSA).
ACTION: Notice of Availability.
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SUMMARY: The GSA, in cooperation with the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission and in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces
the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
the proposed modernization of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of
Entry in El Paso, Texas.
The Draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of GSA's
Proposed Action for the GSA to support CBP's mission by bringing the
BOTA LPOE operations in line with current CBP land port design
standards and operational requirements while addressing existing
deficiencies identified with the ongoing port operations.
DATES: September 20, 2024.
Interested parties should submit written comments on or before
Monday November 04, 2024, 45 days after the date of publication in the
Federal Register to be considered in the formation of the Final EIS.
The 45-day comment period will be set by the date the EPA publishes the
NOA not the date GSA publishes the NOA.
ADDRESSES: Written comments may be sent to GSA via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4b6bba0b5dabab1a4b5979b9999919a8087b4938795da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="85c7cad1c4abcbc0d5c4e6eae8e8e0ebf1f6c5e2f6e4abe2eaf3">[email protected]</span></a>, or the address in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Further information, including an
electronic copy of the DEIS, may be found online at the following
website: <a href="http://www.gsa.gov/bota">www.gsa.gov/bota</a> under the Environmental Review section or by
contacting Karla R. Carmichael, NEPA Program Manager, Environmental,
Fire and Safety & Health Branch, GSA/PBS, Facilities Management and
Services Programs Division, Greater Southwest Region 7, 819 Taylor St,
Fort Worth, TX, 76102 or via telephone at 817-822-1372.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Bridge of the Americas is located in El Paso County Texas along
the Rio Grande River, which serves as the boundary between the U.S. and
Mexico. The BOTA LPOE connects with the Mexican land port of
``Cordova'' in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico and is one of 4 crossings in
the City of El Paso. The port currently processes toll-free inbound and
outbound private vehicular, pedestrian, and commercial truck traffic.
The existing LPOE facilities were built in 1967 with minor updates
and repairs occurring in the 80's and 90's. The facilities at BOTA are
inadequate for processing the amount of inbound and outbound private
vehicular, pedestrian, and commercial truck traffic it receives daily
leading to significant wait times, congestion and lines of idling cargo
trucks. Thus, the purpose and need for the modernization project
[[Page 77153]]
at the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry.
GSA conducted internal and external scoping meetings to seek input
on alternatives and issues associated with implementation of the
proposed action through various alternatives. The GSA has narrowed the
alternatives that best fulfill the purpose and need to the following
two with the addition of the No Action Alternative:
Multi-Level Modernization with High/Low Booths Primarily within
Existing Port Boundaries with Minor Land Acquisition. (Viable Action
Alternative #A1)
Multi-Level Modernization within Existing Port Boundaries with
Minor Land Acquisition Immediately Adjacent to the Port and Elimination
of Commercial Cargo Operations. (Viable Action Alternative #4)
The Draft EIS states the purpose and need for the Proposed Action,
analyzes the alternatives considered, including the option of No Action
and assesses environmental impacts of each alternative, including
avoidance, minimization, and potential mitigation measures.
GSA, in cooperation with CBP has selected Viable Action Alternative
#4 Multi-Level Modernization within Existing Port Boundaries with Minor
Land Acquisition Immediately Adjacent to the Port and Elimination of
Commercial Cargo Operations as its Preferred Alternative.
GSA believes this alternative would best fulfill its statutory
mission and responsibilities, giving consideration to economic,
environmental, technical and other factors and is seeking public and
stakeholder comments on this alternative before a final decision is
made.
Michael Clardy,
Director, Facilities Management Division (7PM), General Services
Administration--Public Building Service, Greater Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2024-21068 Filed 9-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-AY-P
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