[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 22, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76822-76827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-27988]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 4940]


Finding of No Significant Impact and Summary Environmental 
Assessment--Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, County of El 
Paso, TX

    The proposed action is to issue a Presidential Permit to the County 
of El Paso, Texas to construct, operate and maintain an international 
vehicular and pedestrian bridge (the proposed ``Tornillo-Guadalupe New 
International Bridge''), its approaches and facilities at the 
international boundary between the United States and Mexico, southeast 
of the city of El Paso, Texas, approximately 1,950 feet upstream on the 
Rio Grande from the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge, near the small 
community of Caseta that is within the municipality of Guadalupe in the 
State of Chihuahua, Mexico.

I. Background

    The U.S. Department of State (``the Department'') is charged with 
the issuance of Presidential Permits for the construction of 
international bridges between the United States and Mexico under the 
International Bridge Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 731, 33 U.S.C. Section 535 
et seq., and Executive Order 11423 of August 16, 1968, 33 FR 11741 
(1968), as amended by Executive Order 12847 of May 17, 1993, 58 FR 
29511 (1993), Executive Order 13284 of January 23, 2003, 68 FR 4075 
(2003), and Executive Order 13337 of April 30, 2004, 69 FR 25299 
(2004).
    In 2001, Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc. (RK) prepared, on behalf of 
the Presidential Permit applicant, the County of El Paso, Texas (the 
``Sponsor''), a draft Environmental Assessment of the proposed 
Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, port of entry, and 
connecting roadway. This Environmental Assessment was submitted to the 
Department as part of the Sponsor's application for a Presidential 
Permit. The Department placed a notice in the Federal Register 
regarding the receipt of the Sponsor's application for a Presidential 
permit and seeking public comments regarding the application (68 FR 
43567 (2003). No public comments were received in response to this 
notice.
    The Department has acted as the lead federal agency in the 
preparation and completion of the Environmental Assessment and has 
worked to address concerns or other issues that have been raised by 
cooperating governmental agencies. The Department, consistent with 
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Department of State

[[Page 76823]]

regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act 
(``NEPA''), has conducted its own, independent review of the 
Environmental Assessment. Numerous Federal, State and local agencies 
have also independently reviewed the Environmental Assessment. Each 
such ``cooperating agency'' has approved or accepted the Environmental 
Assessment, with some recommending certain mitigation measures. These 
cooperating agencies are:
    U.S. Government: The Department of Homeland Security, General 
Services Administration, United States Section of the International 
Boundary and Water Commission, Department of Transportation, Department 
of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug 
Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, 
Department of Justice, and the Council on Environmental Quality.
    State of Texas: Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the 
Attorney General, State Historical Commission, Department of 
Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Parks and Wildlife 
Department, and the Rio Grande Council of Governments.
    The Sponsor has worked closely with the Federal and state agencies 
that have raised concerns to address those concerns about the possible 
environmental impacts of this project. The draft final Environmental 
Assessment, as amended and supplemented, together with the comments 
submitted by Federal and state agencies, the responses to these 
comments, and all correspondence between the agencies and the Sponsor 
addressing the agencies' concerns, constitute the ``Final Environmental 
Assessment.'' Based on this Final Environmental Assessment, including 
mitigation measures that El Paso County has undertaken or is prepared 
to undertake, and the Department's independent review of that 
assessment, the Department has concluded that the issuance of the 
Presidential Permit would not have a significant impact on the quality 
of the human environment within the United States. Therefore, a Finding 
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is adopted and, in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., CEQ 
regulations, 40 CFR 1501.4 and 1508.13, and Department of State 
regulations, 22 CFR 161.8(c), an environmental impact statement 
(``EIS'') will not be prepared.

II. Summary Environmental Assessment

A. The Proposed Project (Preferred Alternative)

    The proposed Bridge Site is approximately 1,950 feet upstream of 
the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge. The new bridge will be 1,274 feet 
long and 94 feet wide and will have six vehicular lanes and two 
pedestrian sidewalks. The County will obtain a 271.75-acre contiguous 
tract of land for the construction of all components of the border 
facilities. The proposed Bridge Site was selected as the preferred 
alternative because it represents the most effective use of financial 
resources in the United States and is the most consistent with the 
Mexican State of Chihuahua's planning and studies, including plans to 
build a new highway in Mexico that would begin at Samalayuca on the 
main Juarez-Chihuahua highway and end at a location approximately 600 
meters west of the proposed location of the new bridge.
    The proposed roadway is designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and to route 
passenger and commercial vehicular traffic north on a new major roadway 
to its terminus at the Interstate Highway-10 (I-10) and Texas Farm to 
Market 3380 (FM 3380) interchange. The anticipated length of the major 
collector is approximately 6.0 miles plus 1.5 miles, which are included 
for access roadways, side road connectors, and interchange 
realignments. These features will require approximately 260 acres of 
land to be acquired for right of way purposes. The width of the right 
of way is 200 feet, which is sufficient to accommodate the necessary 
roadway cross section plus all drainage and storm water retention 
facilities that may be necessary.
    The first phase will be a 2-lane roadway with shoulders along both 
sides and a grade separation over the existing State Highway 20 (SH 20) 
and Union Pacific Railroad Company's (UPRR) tracks. The final cross 
section is to be a 4-lane roadway with shoulders and dedicated left-
turn lanes at most intersections. Free-flow culverts or bridges will be 
required at crossings under the jurisdiction of the El Paso County 
Water Improvement District No. 1.
    This roadway alternative was selected as the preferred alternative 
because it was the least intrusive and most cost-effective alignment. 
Five residential structures were identified within the proposed 
project's alignment. Two residential structures are located adjacent to 
the border facilities and three are near SH 20 and the UPRR tracks. 
Based on current design features, the structures are not expected to be 
affected and no relocations are planned.

B. Bridge Site Alternatives Considered

    The Department in this case considered two alternative bridge sites 
and three alternative roadway alignments. The Department also 
considered a ``no action'' alternative. These are described in detail 
in the Final Environmental Assessment and in summary fashion as 
follows:
    Bridge Site Alternative No. 1 is located approximately 4.6 miles 
upstream of the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge. This alternative was 
viewed as not preferred because the site lacks direct access to Caseta, 
Mexico and would require extensive acquisition of agricultural and 
private underdeveloped lands for right-of-way in the Fabens area. The 
site also presents traffic safety hazards and would require 
construction of a new diamond interchange at IH-10, an ineffective use 
of financial resources.
    Bridge Site Alternative No. 2 is 4.3 miles upstream of the existing 
bridge. While the roadway alignment for this bridge could use the 
existing diamond interchange at IH-10, the lack of direct access to the 
Interstate is a negative factor.
    No Action Alternative. The Department considers the ``no action'' 
alternative for the roadway, described below, to constitute a ``no 
action'' alternative for the bridge as well. The ``no action'' 
alternative for the bridge was viewed as not preferred for the same 
reasons provided with regard to the ``no action'' alternative for the 
roadway.

C. Roadway Alternatives Considered

    Roadway Alternative B was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and direct 
passenger and commercial vehicular traffic west and north on the 
existing Texas Farm to Market 76 (FM 76) alignment to its intersection 
with Texas Highway 20 (SH 20) in Fabens, Texas. The alignment would 
continue north on Texas Farm to Market 793 (FM 793) through the Fabens 
business district to its intersection with Interstate Highway 10 (I-
10).
    The Roadway Alternative B alignment was eliminated early in the 
project, and was viewed as not preferred, because it was not considered 
to be a feasible and prudent option due to taking of additional acreage 
of potential prime or unique farmlands, relocation of families and 
splitting family/caregiver support

[[Page 76824]]

groups, relocation and/or disruption of commercial businesses and 
trade, disruption of community services, relocation and disruption of 
places of religious worship or meetings, and general public opposition.
    Roadway Alternative C was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and divert 
vehicular traffic north on the proposed Preferred Alternate route to 
its intersection with Texas State Highway 20 (SH 20) west of the town 
of Tornillo, Texas. The alignment would traverse on an easterly route 
along SH 20 through Tornillo to its intersection with Texas Farm to 
Market 3380 (FM 3380) and thence north on FM 3380 to the diamond 
interchange at Interstate Highway 10 (I-10).
    Roadway Alternative C was not selected as the preferred route due 
to the taking of additional acreage of potentially prime or unique 
farmlands, relocation of families and splitting family/caregiver 
support groups, relocation and/or disruption of commercial businesses 
and trade, disruption of community services, relocation and disruption 
of places of religious worship or meetings, and relocation of a public 
recreational area.
    Roadway Alternative D was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and divert 
vehicular traffic north on the proposed Preferred Alternate route to a 
point approximately 0.6 miles north of its intersection with State 
Highway 20 (SH 20) west of Tornillo, Texas. The alignment would 
traverse on a northerly route through the dune lands to its 
intersection with Interstate Highway 10 (I-10).
    Roadway Alternative D was not selected as the preferred alternative 
because the alignment would require the construction of approximately 
1.8 miles of roadway through the upland desert area. This would require 
the taking of 43.62 acres of land for right-of-way acquisition. The 
current land use is considered as idle. The project would require the 
construction of a diamond interchange at the roadway intersection with 
I-10. The new diamond interchange would be located approximately 1.95 
miles northwest of the existing I-10 and FM 3380 diamond interchange. 
The short distance between diamond interchanges could create congestion 
in this portion of the I-10 corridor and traffic safety hazards. 
Additionally, the burden of cost related to the interchange at I-10 is 
not considered to be the most effective use of available financial 
resources.
    Roadway Alternative E--No Action. If no action were taken, the long 
and short-term affects on natural and wildlife resources, other 
sensitive areas (with the potential exception of ground water 
resources), the environment, land uses, and human inconveniences would 
be minimal or negligible. Without the project, the potential for 
economic development and enhancement of lifestyles of the local 
inhabitants would be adversely affected in this federally designated 
economically distressed area. Potential for new commercial or 
industrial growth would be stagnant or nonexistent due to the lack of a 
modern border facility and a safer, more direct route to the major 
transportation corridors.
    The No Action Alternative was viewed as not preferred because it 
would impede the benefits to the United States derived from trade 
expansion with Mexico, overtax the existing international crossings 
closer to the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez urban core, and leave in place the 
obsolete existing Fabens Bridge.

III. Summary of the Assessment of the Potential Environmental Impacts 
Resulting From the Proposed Action

    The Environmental Assessment provides information on the 
environmental effects of the alternatives outlined above, including the 
proposed project. On the basis of the Final Environmental Assessment, 
the Department makes the following determinations regarding the 
potential environmental impacts of the preferred alternatives for the 
bridge site and the roadway alignment.

Ground Water and Runoff

    Recharge of the Rio Grande Alluvium aquifer is through storm water 
runoff, seepage from the river and irrigation water returns. The 
transfer of groundwater between the Rio Grande and the aquifer is 
seasonal and dependent on the river's flow. During the spring and 
summer irrigation season, the aquifer gains at the expense of the 
river's flow and volume. The opposite occurs during the non-irrigation 
seasons of fall and winter. The project should not have any long-term 
effects on the inter-basin transfer of groundwater.
    As noted, the County intends to acquire 271.75 acres for the border 
facilities and related activities. While the project will be developed 
and constructed in stages, ultimately it will cover about 171 acres of 
land with impervious surfaces. According to the initial storm water 
runoff retention basin design plan, about 29 acres of land will be used 
for retention basins. The ongoing design for the major arterial roadway 
also includes the use of retention ponds and vegetated swales. Based on 
the design of the retention ponds and related factors, storm water 
runoff should have only negligible effects on surface water bodies and 
shallow groundwater aquifers. Wherever practical, cover other than 
asphalt or concrete will be used to reduce water runoff. In order to 
mitigate runoff and erosion during the construction period, the County 
will instruct its consultants to employ best management practices for 
erosion control, such as the use of hay bales and silt fencing.

Siltation and Sedimentation of Waterways

    Land erosion is expected to be minimal and will be controlled 
through implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. It 
is expected that the construction phases of the project will take place 
during the dry season to minimize the erosional effects of rain. Where 
applicable, portions of the disturbed lands will be restored to their 
pre-construction contours and re-vegetated with plants and grasses 
native to the area.

Precautions To Avoid Injury To Cover Vegetation

    There are four distinct vegetative zones in the project area, 
ranging from a small riparian area to the typical Chihuahuan Desert 
dunes. Precaution and avoidance measures should include limiting the 
disturbance of land areas and cover vegetation to those within the 
construction zone, including barrow pits, rights-of-way and entry and 
exit points for equipment and personnel. As appropriate, disturbed 
areas will be reclaimed in accordance with the permanent erosion 
control requirements of the storm water discharge permit.

Disruption of Wildlife Habitat

    The proposed project is not expected to disrupt wildlife habitat. 
However, in view of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the population 
declines of many migratory bird species, good faith efforts will be 
implemented to minimize or avoid critical vegetative cover clearing and 
grubbing activities during migratory birds' general nesting season from 
March through August.

Wetlands and Floodplains

    A review of the National Wetlands Inventory Maps for the project 
area and a site reconnaissance indicated no wetlands present or 
identified. Based on a review of Flood Insurance Rate Maps, it was 
determined that the bridge

[[Page 76825]]

crossing will span Zone A, which is described as a special flood hazard 
area inundated by 100 year floods, and in which no base flood elevation 
has been established. The border facilities and a part of the access 
road are in Zone X, which is described as an area outside the 500-year 
floodplain.

Air Quality

    The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality classifies El Paso 
County and region as a non-attainment area for critical air pollutants. 
Ozone and Carbon Monoxide are among the critical pollutants. Based on a 
1996 annual emissions study, it was determined that 69 percent of the 
Ozone and Carbon Monoxide non-attainment annual emissions could be 
attributed to on-road mobile sources.
    While studies since 1996 show that the El Paso region has managed 
to achieve substantial reductions in emissions, the long lines of 
northbound traffic at the three existing bridges exacerbate the non-
attainment status in these areas. According to Texas Department of 
Transportation data, a vehicle emits 2.5 times as many pollutants while 
idling as compared to while traveling at 3 miles per hour.
    In a Report to the County Commissioners Court prepared in 2001, the 
County Planning Department concluded that:

    Currently, northbound vehicles on the bridge of the Americas, 
the Paso del Norte Bridge, and the Zaragoza (Ysleta) Bridge generate 
the following pollutants daily: 1,877 pounds of volatile organic 
compounds, 18,292 pounds of Carbon Monoxide, and 751 pounds of 
nitrous oxide. To arrive at an emission estimate, the number of 
vehicles crossing the bridge on a daily and annual basis were 
measured against the waiting time in the line, during rush and non-
rush hour, the idling time spent on the bridge and the fuel used by 
the vehicle.

    The proposed project will improve air quality in the urbanized 
areas of El Paso by alleviating vehicular congestion at the existing 
ports of entry. Both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviewed the application, 
including the Environmental Assessment, in detail. Both concluded that 
emissions resulting from the proposed project are expected to be well 
below the 50 tons per year significant level for Volatile Organic 
Compounds and Nitrogen Oxides and that a general conformity analysis 
would not be required. Moreover, the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency determined that the proposed project is outside the non-
attainment boundary for both PM 10 and CO; therefore, general 
conformity provisions are inapplicable for these two pollutants. During 
the construction phase, the County will instruct its consultants and 
contractors to employ best management practices, such as wetting 
aggregate to minimize dust.

Listed, Threatened and Endangered Species

    The proposed new international bridge and associated roadway are 
not expected to disrupt wildlife habitat. The project design is not 
intended to limit or prohibit movements of species. An endangered 
species habitat assessment conducted in January 2002 concluded that, 
except for habitat for the Texas Horned Lizard and the Pecos River 
Muskrat, the project areas did not constitute sensitive habitat for 
threatened or endangered species or species of concern. There is very 
little potential for significant impacts. The sponsor will implement 
mitigating measures even in the absence of a potential for significant 
impacts. Mitigation efforts for the Pecos River Muskrat will include 
spans over the waterway so as not to cause a fill or redirection of the 
existing waterway habitat. A permitted biologist will be on call during 
the construction phase of the project in order to mitigate any 
potential impact on the Texas Horned Lizard.
    In addition, the County will instruct its construction contractor 
that any burrow pits or staging areas be located in previously 
disturbed sites or sites with little or no vegetation and that these 
sites be reviewed for the potential occurrences of listed species and 
their habitats.

Hazardous Waste

    The proposed project is not located on or near any known hazardous 
waste facilities and will not generate any hazardous wastes. The 
proposed border station will include a hazardous waste containment unit 
in the truck dock area that will provide temporary storage of hazardous 
waste if a spill occurs.
    In the event of a release or spill outside the border station, 
assistance for containment and remediation efforts would fall under the 
jurisdiction of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, whose 
Environmental Crimes Unit has special emergency procedures that have 
been made available by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
    The use of herbicides or defoliating agents for this project is not 
expected. In the event such chemical agents are used, it will be done 
in strict accordance with the manufacturers' requirements and by 
persons qualified to conduct the applications.

Land Use

    There are no public parks, recreational areas, wilderness areas, or 
unusual or unique areas within or near the vicinity of the proposed 
project. The project is not located near or in the vicinity of any 
designated wild and scenic river segments of the Rio Grande.
    Part of the proposed project will be on farmlands. The crops 
cultivated include pecans, cotton, grain and alfalfa. The project will 
directly and indirectly impact approximately 516 acres of farmland.
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation 
Service concluded that the project area does not include any soil 
mapping units that are classified as prime farmland under the Farmland 
Protection Policy Act. After reviewing and evaluating the farmland at 
issue, the NRCS concluded that the project may proceed.

Noise

    As with any major construction undertaking, some impacts will occur 
for which mitigation measures are not reasonable or feasible. One such 
impact identified during the course of this investigation is related to 
increased traffic noise. The traffic noise study conducted as part of 
the Environmental Assessment indicated that exterior noise levels at 
three houses exceeded existing levels by 8dBA and approached a Category 
B Noise Abatement Criteria level. The study investigated four typical 
and acceptable abatement measures and resulted in a finding that none 
was both feasible and reasonable, and no abatement measures were 
proposed for the project. Future avoidance measures of noise impacts 
are to include land use control programs to ensure that no new 
developments are planned or constructed along or within the predicted 
2024 noise impact contours.
    Noise abatement measures during the construction phase may include 
work hour controls and locations, ground support personnel locations 
and maintenance of vehicle muffler systems.

Cultural Resources

    During the course of the archeological survey, four historical 
sites and one engineering property (Fabens-Caseta Bridge) were 
discovered. Two of the sites (Tornillo Sites 1 and 4) and the 
engineering property are eligible for inclusion in the National 
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or formal designation as State 
Archeological Landmarks (SAL). One site (Tornillo 3) did not merit SAL 
designation and one site (Tornillo 2) will require additional

[[Page 76826]]

studies to determine its significance and if it is necessary to avoid 
the site as a mitigation measure. The Texas Historical Commission 
determined that Tornillo Sites 1 and 4 were archeologically significant 
and recommends that they be avoided, if possible. Mitigation measures 
at these sites will be either avoidance or redesign of the roadway, or 
by excavation and curation of artifacts. Burial of the sites will not 
be an acceptable mitigation measure due to the shallow and fragile 
nature of the archeological deposits.
    The existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge will be removed upon completion 
of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, Border Station 
Facilities and Major Arterial Roadway. The County has agreed to fund 
demolition of the U.S. part of the bridge. As recommended by the State 
Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO), the removal of this bridge will 
be in accordance with the requirements, directives, and plans issued by 
the Texas Historic Commission's Division of Architecture. In 
consultation with the SHPO, the IBWC has determined that the bridge is 
eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. As 
a result, the County and IBWC have negotiated a memorandum of 
agreement, currently under review by both parties that, among other 
mitigation measures, will require the County to document the Fabens-
Caseta Bridge to Level II, Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) 
and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Standards, prior to 
beginning demolition.
    The County expects to enter into a programmatic agreement relating 
to historical sites with the SHPO and appropriate federal coordinators.

Native American Tribes

    Four federally recognized Native American groups were identified 
that may have historical ties to the area. The tribes are: (1) Fort 
Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, (2) Mescalero Apache Tribe of the 
Mescalero Reservation of New Mexico, (3) White Mountain Apache Tribe of 
the Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona, and (4) the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo 
of Texas. Each tribe was contacted and invited to consult on the 
project. The Mescalero Apache Tribe determined that the proposed action 
would not affect any objects, sites, or locations important to the 
Tribe. The White Mountain Apache Tribe replied that they deferred to 
the representatives of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Fort Sill Apache 
Tribe. The Fort Sill Apache Tribe failed to respond to repeated 
telephone calls and letters. The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo determined that 
consultation would be required and requested that they be consulted 
through each phase of the project.

Environmental Justice/Socio-Economic Issues

    A potential impact for which direct mitigation measures may not be 
reasonable or feasible in all instances involves personal economic 
issues. The construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International 
Bridge will result in a toll being charged to offset maintenance costs 
and repayment of revenue bonds. The County anticipates permanent 
closure and removal of the toll-free Fabens-Caseta Bridge upon 
completion of the new bridge and border facilities. The closure and 
removal of the toll-free bridge may result in economic impacts to 
regular users of the bridge. The County of El Paso recognizes this and, 
on April 19, 2004, the County Commissioners Court passed a resolution 
to the effect that the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry would be toll 
free for pedestrians. Private and commercial vehicles would pay tolls.
    While the County of El Paso may not be able to fully mitigate all 
such impacts directly, the short and long term employment and economic 
opportunities resulting from implementing the project will greatly 
offset and lessen the effects of the impacts. The construction of the 
bridge, border station facilities, and roadway should provide short-
term employment opportunities to local residents and a positive 
economic ripple affect to the surrounding area businesses. The long-
term employment opportunities for the local residents of this 
economically distressed portion of El Paso County are promising. The 
County of El Paso anticipates implementing its economic development 
plan and tax abatement policies in conjunction with the Renewal 
Community Program. The creation of a 2,000-acre industrial park is one 
major feature of the County's economic development plan. The industrial 
park would be developed on the north side of the IH 10 transportation 
corridor, extending from Clint to the Fabens area. The long-range plans 
include planned affordable housing residential districts and commercial 
developments. The developments would bring infrastructure, such as 
water supply lines and sanitary sewer lines, to this region of the 
County. Overall, the project would improve the quality of life for the 
local and adjacent area residents.
    The projected economic developments potentially are of great 
significance in a County where 30.9 percent of the population lives 
below the poverty threshold, compared to 18.5 percent for the State as 
a whole. The County's unemployment rate in October 2003 was 8.9 
percent, while the national average at that time was 6.0 percent and 
Texas' rate was 6.1 percent.

Cumulative Impacts

    The most significant cumulative impacts of the demolition of the 
Fabens-Caseta Bridge and the construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New 
International Bridge will be socio-economic.
    The construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge 
and related roads and infrastructure will have positive long- and 
short-term economic impacts. The estimated construction costs for the 
proposed new bridge, border facilities, and major arterial roadway are 
$46,544,000. Importation of a major labor force is not expected, thus 
allowing local residents the opportunity to gain employment, develop 
trade skills, and increase personal incomes.
    On a long-term basis the construction of new bridges has generally 
resulted in significant regional increases in population, tourism, 
employment, and income. The County of El Paso anticipates implementing 
an economic development plan that includes industrial development 
areas, residential districts, and tax abatement policies. The 
development of a 2,000-acre industrial park is one major feature of the 
County's plan. The planned industrial park will be located on the north 
side of the Interstate Highway 10, extending from Clint, Texas to the 
Fabens, Texas area. Long-range plans include affordable housing 
residential districts, green spaces, and commercial developments. The 
employment opportunities will include skilled and semi-skilled 
construction labor, manufacturing jobs, and retail sales staff. Through 
tax incentives for businesses, the unskilled labor force will be 
afforded training opportunities resulting in additional job 
opportunities.
    The Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge will be in a low-
income area. The traffic and financial feasibility study that is part 
of the Presidential Permit Application found that the toll revenues 
supporting the financial feasibility of the new bridge would come from 
automobile and truck traffic, with commercial vehicles generating 79 
percent of the tolls. Pedestrian traffic will produce little or no net 
revenues. In order to accommodate the pedestrian crossers in

[[Page 76827]]

this low-income area and promote social justice, the El Paso County 
Commissioners Court passed a resolution dated April 19, 2004 that 
eliminates pedestrian tolls on the new bridge. The resolution states: 
``Therefore Be It Resolved, by El Paso County Government that the new 
Tornillo/Guadalupe Port of Entry will be toll-free for pedestrians 
only, as expenditure of future funds to collect tolls from pedestrians 
at the new Tornillo/Guadalupe Bridge is expected to exceed pedestrian 
toll revenues to be collected.''

IV. Conclusion: Analysis of the Environmental Assessment Submitted by 
the Sponsor

    Based on the Department's independent review of the Final 
Environmental Assessment, comments received during its preparation and 
comments received by the Department from Federal and State agencies 
including measures which are proposed to be taken to prevent or 
mitigate potentially adverse environmental impacts, the Department has 
concluded that issuance of a Presidential Permit authorizing 
construction of the proposed Tornillo-Guadalupe New International 
Bridge as proposed in Bridge Site Alternative No. 3 as set forth in the 
Environmental Assessment, would not have a significant impact on the 
quality of the human and/or natural environment within the United 
States. Accordingly, a Finding of No Significant Impact (``FONSI'') is 
adopted and an environmental impact statement will not be prepared.
    The Final Environmental Assessment prepared by the Department 
addressing this action is on file and may be reviewed by interested 
parties at the Department of State, 2201 C Street NW., Room 4258, 
Washington, DC 20520 (Attn: Mr. John Ritchie, Tel (202) 647-8529).

    Dated: December 15, 2004.
John A. Ritchie,
Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, Office of Mexican Affairs, 
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 04-27988 Filed 12-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-29-P