[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 5 (Monday, January 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 920-921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00138]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

[Notice-PBS-2024-01; Docket No. 2024-0002; Sequence No. 1]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Modernization of the Land Port of Entry in Norton, Vermont

AGENCY: Public Buildings Service (PBS), General Services Administration 
(GSA).

ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI); Announcement of meeting.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) GSA intends to prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts 
from the proposed modernization of the Land Port of Entry (LPOE) in 
Norton, Vermont. The proposed project would allow the U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP) to more efficiently carry out its agency 
mission at the international border crossing between Norton, Vermont 
and Stanhope, Quebec. The project study area is located in an area 
susceptible to flooding and therefore project alternatives will be 
reviewed in accordance with Executive Orders 11988, and 13690. GSA also 
intends to initiate consultation as required by Section 106 of the 
National Historic Preservation Act.

DATES: Public Scoping--Interested parties are encouraged to provide 
written comments regarding the scope of the EIS. Written comments must 
be submitted to GSA by March 8, 2024 (see ADDRESSES section for where 
to submit comments).
    Meeting Date--A public scoping meeting will be held on January 30, 
2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., EST, with a presentation to begin at 
6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Norton Town Office (see 
ADDRESSES section for location address). In the event of inclement 
weather, the meeting will be rescheduled, and a new notice will be 
posted.
    Requests for Accommodations: Persons requiring accommodations shall 
notify Kelly Morrison at [email protected] by January 17, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Public Scoping Comments-- The public is encouraged to 
provide written comments regarding the scope of the EIS at the meeting 
and throughout the comment period. Submit comments by any of the 
following methods:
    In-person: Submit written comments at the public scoping meeting 
via comment forms distributed at the meeting. There will be a 
stenographer present to capture comments voiced at the meeting.
    Email: Send an email to [email protected] and reference ``Norton 
LPOE EIS'' in the subject line.
    Mail: U.S. General Services Administration, Attention: U.S General 
Services Administration, Attention: Adam Hunter, Norton Project 
Manager, Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, 
11th Floor, Boston, MA 02222-1077.
    Meeting Location--A public scoping meeting will be held at the 
Norton Town Office, 12 VT-114 East, Norton, VT 05907.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hunter, Norton Project Manager, 
(347) 255-7483, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The project scope consists of the modernization of a LPOE in order 
to meet the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) current Program of 
Requirements to carry out their agency mission at the international 
border crossing between Norton, Vermont and Stanhope, Quebec. The 
existing LPOE was constructed in 1933, with a truck facility 
constructed in 1961. Two additional garages were built in 2003. The 
main building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
The current facilities are significantly outdated and do not meet the 
CBP's current LPOE design standards.
    The proposed modernization of the Norton, Vermont LPOE would help 
improve traffic flow, enhance security, and facilitate trade and travel 
in the region. The proposed new facility will strengthen supply chains, 
improve operational capabilities and facility infrastructure, spur 
economic growth, and bolster the country's security.

Alternatives Under Consideration

    GSA intends to prepare an EIS to analyze the potential 
environmental impacts resulting from the proposed modernization of the 
Norton, Vermont LPOE. The EIS will consider at a minimum, one 
``action'' alternative and one ``no action'' alternative. The action

[[Page 921]]

alternative(s) will consist of modernizing the LPOE to improve public 
and officer safety, and provide for the long-term, safe and efficient 
flow of current and projected traffic volumes. The action 
alternative(s) will be developed and refined based on resource impact 
considerations, floodplain management, site and design logistics, and 
information obtained through public scoping and agency consultation.
    The EIS will address the potential environmental impacts of the 
proposed alternatives on environmental resources which may include 
aesthetics, air quality, geology and soils, hazardous materials, 
hydrology and water quality, cultural resources, biological resources 
including wetlands and threatened and endangered species, land use, 
noise, utilities, and traffic. The EIS will also address the 
socioeconomic effects of the project as well as impacts on 
Environmental Justice populations.

Scoping Process

    The views and comments of the public are necessary to help 
determine the scope and content of the environmental analysis. The 
scoping process will be accomplished through a public scoping meeting, 
direct mail correspondence to appropriate federal, state, and local 
agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously 
expressed or are known to have an interest in the project. Agencies and 
the public are encouraged to attend the public scoping meeting and 
provide written comments regarding the scope of the EIS. There will be 
a project presentation at 6:00 p.m. with a public comment period to 
follow. After the meeting GSA will post the following items at the 
project website, gsa.gov/norton.

 Meeting handouts
 Presentation slide deck
 Meeting transcript
 Audio/video of the meeting with closed captions

    See information provided above for dates, addresses, and contact 
information.

Patrick Sbardelli,
Director, LPOE Project Management Office; Design and Construction 
Division, U.S. General Services Administration, PBS New England Region.
[FR Doc. 2024-00138 Filed 1-5-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-RB-P