Source: United States General Services Administration
January 9, 2023
BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), as part of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Land Port of Entry (LPOE) program, has awarded a contract to provide National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) services for four LPOE projects in the state of Maine.
The $505,435 contract was awarded to Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson (JMT). Using the NEPA process, JMT will evaluate the environmental and related social and economic impacts of each individual LPOE project on its surrounding community.
NEPA compliance will be part of a larger project at each LPOE funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to design and construct facilities that incorporate sustainability features that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate environmental impact, and simultaneously increase the mission readiness of the federal government by increasing resilience to climate change.
GSA’s goal is to provide sustainable, climate resilient, superior facilities with low maintenance and operating costs; and which are functional, technologically efficient, and provide a welcoming gateway into the United States.
The projects covered by this contract are located in Calais Ferry Point, Coburn Gore, Fort Fairfield, and Limestone. Overall, this legislation allows GSA to invest more than $195 million in these four Maine land ports of entry.
The projects will improve public and officer safety, as well as expedite crossing times for the traveling public and businesses that rely on binational commerce. Beyond creating state of the art facilities that support the mission of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, these investments will also foster local economic growth and job creation.
“The ports of entry along the Maine border are more than just a secure, welcoming gateway to our country,” Region 1 Public Buildings Service Commissioner and Acting Regional Administrator Glenn C. Rotondo said. “They are intrinsic to the fabric of life and community along the New England border with Canada. We are excited for the opportunity to begin the process to improve these facilities, and the economic prospects this project will bring to the region. Our NEPA efforts will be an integral part of our community engagement efforts for these projects.”
The NEPA process allows the public to provide input and comments through public information meetings and public hearings. It provides steps and procedures to evaluate the potential social, economic and environmental impacts of project alternatives while providing an opportunity for local, state, tribal and federal agencies to provide input.
About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet and overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services across government, in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s priorities. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.