Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Alcan Land Port of Entry Expansion and Modernization in Alcan, Alaska, 14070-14071 [2024-03780]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 14070 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 38 / Monday, February 26, 2024 / Notices from 2 through 4:20 p.m. PST at the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Las Vegas, NV hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). GSA leadership understands that some members of Tribal communities have experienced challenges with the entity registration and renewal process using SAM.gov. Pursuant to the December 6, 2023 Executive order on Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination, we recognize that formal consultation with Tribal Nations is essential as GSA takes actions to improve Tribes’ abilities to efficiently navigate SAM.gov, access funding opportunities and execute procurements. GSA representatives would also like to discuss the registration and renewal processes, requirements, and user experience on the SAM.gov system. We are also interested in getting input surrounding GSA’s SAM.gov Federal acquisitions website. Your feedback during the consultation will be utilized to help GSA build a tribal user specific strategic plan and inform appropriate process improvements for both GSA and Tribal personnel to effectively do business with the Government. As stated in the Executive order, the Biden-Harris Administration is ‘‘committed to protecting and supporting Tribal sovereignty and selfdetermination, and to honoring our trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.’’ In order to increase the accessibility, equity, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and support programs for Tribal Nations, GSA is committed to working on ways to streamline a Tribe’s ability to both receive funds from Government agencies and procure Government goods and services. In addition to participating in the inperson consultation opportunity, GSA asks that you fill out a short, 10question survey to help inform our Tribal User Specific strategic plan. This survey is also an opportunity to provide additional context in the comments section to any issues, concerns, or suggestions. Our goals are to: 1. Understand the needs of Tribal Nations with respect to SAM.gov purchasing. 2. Learn about the challenges that some Tribal Nations and Tribal Entities have faced when registering on SAM.gov. 3. Learn about challenges that Tribal Nations face when procuring goods or services and/or receiving funds through SAM.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Feb 23, 2024 Jkt 262001 While registration for the RES 2024 event is not required to participate, we do ask that you register for the consultation through our website, or onsite, so that we can accurately identify the Tribal representatives attending the meeting. Tribes can register for the consultation and access the survey link on our website at gsa.gov/tribal. These resources are intended to help Tribal leaders anticipate discussion items for consultation and consider Tribal interests related to the topics. The official comment period for this consultation will remain open for 30 days after the in-person consultation session occurs; however, our partnership with Tribal leadership will carry on. Additional comments outside of the survey can be submitted via email at tribalaffairs@gsa.gov. Please use the subject line ‘‘GSA 2024 TRIBAL CONSULTATION COMMENTS SUBMISSION.’’ I am committed to transparency and collaboration with Tribal Governments, and I believe we can achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders through a government-to-government relationship that is rooted in respect and earned trust. Robin Carnahan, GSA Administrator, General Services Administration. [FR Doc. 2024–03811 Filed 2–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–34–P GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION [Notice–PBS–2024–02; Docket No. 2024– 0002; Sequence No. 3] Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Alcan Land Port of Entry Expansion and Modernization in Alcan, Alaska Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration (GSA). ACTION: Notice of availability; announcement of public hearing. AGENCY: Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), GSA has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to analyze the potential environmental effects of the proposed expansion and modernization of the existing Alcan LPOE. The Alcan LPOE is located at Milepost 1221.8 on the Alaska Highway, 0.43 miles from the U.S./Canada Border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates this SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 facility year-round in sub-arctic weather conditions. The Alcan LPOE is the only 24-hour port serving privately-owned vehicles (POVs) and commercial traffic between the Yukon Territory, Canada, and mainland Alaska. GSA proposes to build an expanded and modernized LPOE and new housing units at Alcan, Alaska, to replace the existing facilities. The DEIS describes the purpose and need for the proposed project, the alternatives considered, the existing environment that could be affected, the potential impacts resulting from each of the alternatives, and proposed best management practices and mitigation measures. DATES: Public Comment Period— Interested parties are invited to provide comments on the DEIS. The public comment period begins with the publication of this NOA in the Federal Register and will end on April 11, 2024. Comments must be postmarked or received by the last day of the public comment period (see ADDRESSES section of this NOA for how to submit comments). Hearing Date—GSA will host a hybrid public hearing for the DEIS on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. Alaska Daylight Saving Time (AKDT). Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person at the Northway Community Center, Main Hall at 183 Circle Drive, Northway, AK 99764 or participate online via the Zoom platform. Refer to the ADDRESSES section of this NOA for additional details on the public hearing location and registration. ADDRESSES: The DEIS can be viewed or downloaded from the GSA website at www.gsa.gov/Alcan. Comments on the Alcan LPOE DEIS will be accepted until April 11,2024, and may be submitted by one of the following methods: • Mail: Written comments must be postmarked by April 11, 2024. Address all physical mail to: U.S. General Services Administration, Attention: Aaron Evanson, Capital Project Manager, 1301 A Street, Suite 610, Tacoma, WA 98402 • Email: Submit your comments via email to AlcanLPOE@gsa.gov. Include ‘‘Alcan DEIS’’ in the subject line of the message. • Public Hearing: Verbal and written comments will be accepted during the hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. AKDT. The public hearing will begin with a presentation including an overview of the NEPA process and the proposed project as well as the findings of the DEIS. Following the presentation, there will be a moderated session during which members of the public E:\FR\FM\26FEN1.SGM 26FEN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 38 / Monday, February 26, 2024 / Notices participating either virtually or in person will be able to provide comments verbally or in writing. A link to register to attend the public meeting virtually, via Zoom, is available at www.gsa.gov/Alcan. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person at Northway Community Center, Main Hall, 183 Circle Drive, Northway, AK 99764. Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period may not be considered by GSA. All comments received are part of the public record. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. GSA will accept anonymous comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Evanson, Capital Project Manager, (206) 445–5876, AlcanLPOE@ gsa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GSA identified one action alternative that meets the stated purpose and need of the proposed project and thus has been analyzed in detail in the DEIS. GSA also analyzed a ‘‘No Action’’ alternative, which evaluates the effects that would occur if GSA continued to operate the LPOE under current conditions (i.e., the status quo). Alternative 1 consists of expanding and modernizing the existing Alcan LPOE. Alternative 1 would include: land acquisition; site preparation and grading; construction of a new Main LPOE Building, enclosed inspection vehicle spaces, new housing units with improved security measures, a firing range, and a helipad; and demolition of the existing LPOE structures. Land acquisition under Alternative 1 would expand the port to include up to 2.5 acres of land south of and across the Alaska Highway from the existing LPOE. All facility and infrastructure improvements proposed under Alternative 1 would incorporate a sustainable, climate-resilient, cybersecure, and operationally efficient design. GSA would seek to meet or exceed energy and sustainability goals established by federal guidelines and policies, along with industry standard building codes and best practices. Based on CBP and GSA design standards, the total enclosed building area required for the modernized Alcan LPOE and housing would be 129,145 square feet (sf) with an additional 3,820 sf of booths and canopies and 3,600 sf of outdoor parking and hard surfaces. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:23 Feb 23, 2024 Jkt 262001 Alternative 1 would provide dualpurpose inspection lanes to allow for flexibility of inspection operations as well as enclosed spaces for secondary inspection of POVs and commercial vehicles. A modernized Main LPOE Building would also enhance the holding and interview capabilities of the Alcan LPOE to meet current CBP security standards. There would be approximately 15 acres of temporary ground disturbance and 5 acres of permanent ground disturbance under Alternative 1. Approximately 5 acres would be used as a staging area during construction. There are currently 8 acres of impermeable surfaces at the LPOE; expansion and modernization would add an estimated 4 additional acres of impervious surfaces. GSA and CBP are considering an option under Alternative 1 to pursue joint operation of the Alcan LPOE with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA and CBP officers would jointly operate the facility to conduct inspections of U.S. commercial vehicles and POVs entering Canada; however, no housing would be provided for CBSA officers at Alcan. This option would not affect the design or CBP staffing of the expanded and modernized Alcan LPOE, nor contribute additional environmental impacts under the action alternative, and hence is not analyzed further in the DEIS. GSA also evaluated a No Action alternative, which assumes that expansion or modernization of the LPOE would not occur and that port operations would continue under current conditions. The No Action alternative does not meet the stated purpose and need of the proposed project. Classification: The DEIS was prepared in compliance with the NEPA, as amended (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] et seq.), which requires federal agencies to examine the impacts of their proposed projects or actions on the human and natural environment and consider alternatives to the proposal before deciding on taking an action. The DEIS complies with the 2020 Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] § 1500–1508), as modified by the Phase I 2022 revisions. The effective date of the 2022 revisions was May 20, 2022, and reviews that began after this date are required to apply the 2020 regulations as modified by the Phase I revisions unless there is a clear and fundamental conflict with an applicable statute. The DEIS effort began on January 10, 2023, and accordingly proceeds under the 2020 regulations as PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14071 modified by the Phase I revisions. In addition, the DEIS also complies with the GSA Public Buildings Service NEPA Desk Guide and other relevant federal and state laws and regulations and executive orders and integrates the consultation processes required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act with the NEPA process. Anamarie Crawley, Director, R10 Facilities Management Division, 10PM. [FR Doc. 2024–03780 Filed 2–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–DL–P OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS Agency Information Collection Activities; Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request for OGE Form 278e Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report AGENCY: Office of Government Ethics (OGE). Notice and request for comments. ACTION: After this first round notice and public comment period, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) plans to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) renew its approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act for a modified version of an existing information collection, entitled the OGE Form 278e Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report. DATES: Written comments by the public and agencies on the proposed modification and extension are invited and must be received by April 26, 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted to OGE by any of the following methods: Email: usoge@oge.gov (Include reference to ‘‘OGE Form 278e paperwork comment’’ in the subject line of the message.) Mail: Office of Government Ethics, Attention: Jennifer Matis, Associate Counsel, 250 E Street SW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20024–3249. Instructions: Comments may be posted on OGE’s website, www.oge.gov. Sensitive personal information, such as account numbers or Social Security numbers, should not be included. Comments generally will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Matis at the U.S. Office of Government Ethics; telephone: 202– SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26FEN1.SGM 26FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 38 (Monday, February 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14070-14071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03780]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

[Notice-PBS-2024-02; Docket No. 2024-0002; Sequence No. 3]


Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
for the Alcan Land Port of Entry Expansion and Modernization in Alcan, 
Alaska

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

ACTION: Notice of availability; announcement of public hearing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), GSA has prepared a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement (DEIS) to analyze the potential environmental effects 
of the proposed expansion and modernization of the existing Alcan LPOE. 
The Alcan LPOE is located at Milepost 1221.8 on the Alaska Highway, 
0.43 miles from the U.S./Canada Border. U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP) operates this facility year-round in sub-arctic 
weather conditions. The Alcan LPOE is the only 24-hour port serving 
privately-owned vehicles (POVs) and commercial traffic between the 
Yukon Territory, Canada, and mainland Alaska. GSA proposes to build an 
expanded and modernized LPOE and new housing units at Alcan, Alaska, to 
replace the existing facilities. The DEIS describes the purpose and 
need for the proposed project, the alternatives considered, the 
existing environment that could be affected, the potential impacts 
resulting from each of the alternatives, and proposed best management 
practices and mitigation measures.

DATES: Public Comment Period--Interested parties are invited to provide 
comments on the DEIS. The public comment period begins with the 
publication of this NOA in the Federal Register and will end on April 
11, 2024. Comments must be postmarked or received by the last day of 
the public comment period (see ADDRESSES section of this NOA for how to 
submit comments).
    Hearing Date--GSA will host a hybrid public hearing for the DEIS on 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024, starting at 6 p.m. Alaska Daylight Saving Time 
(AKDT). Interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person 
at the Northway Community Center, Main Hall at 183 Circle Drive, 
Northway, AK 99764 or participate online via the Zoom platform. Refer 
to the ADDRESSES section of this NOA for additional details on the 
public hearing location and registration.

ADDRESSES: The DEIS can be viewed or downloaded from the GSA website at 
www.gsa.gov/Alcan. Comments on the Alcan LPOE DEIS will be accepted 
until April 11,2024, and may be submitted by one of the following 
methods:
     Mail: Written comments must be postmarked by April 11, 
2024. Address all physical mail to: U.S. General Services 
Administration, Attention: Aaron Evanson, Capital Project Manager, 1301 
A Street, Suite 610, Tacoma, WA 98402
     Email: Submit your comments via email to 
[email protected]. Include ``Alcan DEIS'' in the subject line of the 
message.
     Public Hearing: Verbal and written comments will be 
accepted during the hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 
starting at 6 p.m. AKDT. The public hearing will begin with a 
presentation including an overview of the NEPA process and the proposed 
project as well as the findings of the DEIS. Following the 
presentation, there will be a moderated session during which members of 
the public

[[Page 14071]]

participating either virtually or in person will be able to provide 
comments verbally or in writing. A link to register to attend the 
public meeting virtually, via Zoom, is available at www.gsa.gov/Alcan. 
Members of the public may attend the meeting in person at Northway 
Community Center, Main Hall, 183 Circle Drive, Northway, AK 99764.
    Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or 
individual, or received after the end of the comment period may not be 
considered by GSA. All comments received are part of the public record. 
All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), 
confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information 
submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. GSA 
will accept anonymous comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aaron Evanson, Capital Project 
Manager, (206) 445-5876, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GSA identified one action alternative that 
meets the stated purpose and need of the proposed project and thus has 
been analyzed in detail in the DEIS. GSA also analyzed a ``No Action'' 
alternative, which evaluates the effects that would occur if GSA 
continued to operate the LPOE under current conditions (i.e., the 
status quo).
    Alternative 1 consists of expanding and modernizing the existing 
Alcan LPOE. Alternative 1 would include: land acquisition; site 
preparation and grading; construction of a new Main LPOE Building, 
enclosed inspection vehicle spaces, new housing units with improved 
security measures, a firing range, and a helipad; and demolition of the 
existing LPOE structures. Land acquisition under Alternative 1 would 
expand the port to include up to 2.5 acres of land south of and across 
the Alaska Highway from the existing LPOE.
    All facility and infrastructure improvements proposed under 
Alternative 1 would incorporate a sustainable, climate-resilient, 
cyber-secure, and operationally efficient design. GSA would seek to 
meet or exceed energy and sustainability goals established by federal 
guidelines and policies, along with industry standard building codes 
and best practices.
    Based on CBP and GSA design standards, the total enclosed building 
area required for the modernized Alcan LPOE and housing would be 
129,145 square feet (sf) with an additional 3,820 sf of booths and 
canopies and 3,600 sf of outdoor parking and hard surfaces. Alternative 
1 would provide dual-purpose inspection lanes to allow for flexibility 
of inspection operations as well as enclosed spaces for secondary 
inspection of POVs and commercial vehicles. A modernized Main LPOE 
Building would also enhance the holding and interview capabilities of 
the Alcan LPOE to meet current CBP security standards.
    There would be approximately 15 acres of temporary ground 
disturbance and 5 acres of permanent ground disturbance under 
Alternative 1. Approximately 5 acres would be used as a staging area 
during construction. There are currently 8 acres of impermeable 
surfaces at the LPOE; expansion and modernization would add an 
estimated 4 additional acres of impervious surfaces.
    GSA and CBP are considering an option under Alternative 1 to pursue 
joint operation of the Alcan LPOE with the Canada Border Services 
Agency (CBSA). CBSA and CBP officers would jointly operate the facility 
to conduct inspections of U.S. commercial vehicles and POVs entering 
Canada; however, no housing would be provided for CBSA officers at 
Alcan. This option would not affect the design or CBP staffing of the 
expanded and modernized Alcan LPOE, nor contribute additional 
environmental impacts under the action alternative, and hence is not 
analyzed further in the DEIS.
    GSA also evaluated a No Action alternative, which assumes that 
expansion or modernization of the LPOE would not occur and that port 
operations would continue under current conditions. The No Action 
alternative does not meet the stated purpose and need of the proposed 
project.
    Classification: The DEIS was prepared in compliance with the NEPA, 
as amended (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] et seq.), which requires 
federal agencies to examine the impacts of their proposed projects or 
actions on the human and natural environment and consider alternatives 
to the proposal before deciding on taking an action. The DEIS complies 
with the 2020 Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA regulations 
(40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Sec.  1500-1508), as modified by 
the Phase I 2022 revisions. The effective date of the 2022 revisions 
was May 20, 2022, and reviews that began after this date are required 
to apply the 2020 regulations as modified by the Phase I revisions 
unless there is a clear and fundamental conflict with an applicable 
statute. The DEIS effort began on January 10, 2023, and accordingly 
proceeds under the 2020 regulations as modified by the Phase I 
revisions. In addition, the DEIS also complies with the GSA Public 
Buildings Service NEPA Desk Guide and other relevant federal and state 
laws and regulations and executive orders and integrates the 
consultation processes required under Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act 
with the NEPA process.

Anamarie Crawley,
Director, R10 Facilities Management Division, 10PM.
[FR Doc. 2024-03780 Filed 2-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-DL-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.