Source: United States General Services Administration
March 29, 2023
BOSTON – The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Land Port of Entry program, has awarded a contract to provide the National Environmental Policy Act services at four land ports in Vermont.
GSA awarded the $922,938.00 contract to WSP USA Solutions Inc. WSP will evaluate the environmental and related social and economic impacts of each of the four port projects on their surrounding communities.
The firm will support the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which allows the public to provide input and comments through public information meetings and public hearings. NEPA 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 on these four GSA projects.
GSA plans 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 facilities which are functional, technologically efficient, and provide a welcoming gateway into the United States.
The projects covered by this contract are located in Alburg Springs, Beebe Plain, Norton and Richford. Overall, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows GSA to invest more than $115 million in these four Vermont land ports.
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. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, these investments will also foster local economic growth and job creation.
“The ports of entry along the Vermont border are intrinsic to the fabric of life and community along the New England border with Canada,” New England (Region 1) Public Buildings Service Commissioner and Acting Regional Administrator Glenn C. Rotondo said. “Our National Environmental Policy Act efforts will be an integral part of our community engagement efforts for these projects. We are excited for the opportunity to begin the process to improve these facilities, and the economic prospects these projects will bring to the region.”
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA