[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77152-77153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[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 
[email protected], 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: www.gsa.gov/bota 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]
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