User Rating: / 1
PoorBest 

    Final Environmental Assessments and Findings of No Significant Impact documents are now available to the public concerning the construction projects at the Scobey and Whitetail Ports of entry. Legal notices appear in this issue on page fourteen.
    Those interested in the findings can look them over at the county libraries in Scobey, Plentywood, Wolf Point and Culbertson or at www.northernbordernepa.com
    The on line files are huge (30 MB and 42 MB) and take a lot of time to download so you will have to be very patient.
    Each impact study looks at three different scenarios for the Land Ports Of Entry (LPOE). Alternatives considered included: 1) No Action, 2) LPOE Modernization and Operation via Constructing a New LPOE, and 3) LPOE Modernization and Operation via Repair and Alterations to the Existing LPOE.
    Alternate 2 appears to be the true course of action although these particular studies are strictly about the environmental impact.
    Alternative 2 at Whitetail consists of modernizing and operating the existing Whitetail LPOE on the current LPOE property near Whitetail, Montana. National security and operational requirements dictate the proposed location of the LPOEs. The Whitetail LPOE operates two overlapping shifts from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm from June 1st to September 15th. From September 16th to May 31st, the LPOE operates from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
    Approximately two CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers work at the LPOE during each shift.
    CBP would utilize the approximate 12 existing acres and acquire approximately 1 acre. The modernized LPOE would be expected to operate in a manner similar to the existing LPOE. The current Whitetail LPOE Main Port Building is 500 gross square feet and there are two 1,300-square foot residences on the site.
    A new Whitetail LPOE would be constructed utilizing the CBP micro port design. Based on preliminary designs, a phased construction of the new port would occur, allowing for uninterrupted border services. Construction activities would include a new two-story Main Port Building (approximately 4,500 gross square feet) north of the existing building. No separate secondary Inspection facilities would be constructed at the Whitetail LPOE. Other support facilities include enclosed parking for government personnel, and two on-site residences (approximately 5,000 gross square feet each).
    Additional parking spaces would be provided for visitors, staff, and referrals needing additional processing. The site would retain its existing firing range. A communication tower would be constructed adjacent to the Main Port Building. The tower would replace an existing 50-foot tower. Replacement would be like-for-like and would be no taller than the existing tower. The proposed buildings are configured on the site so construction would not interfere with existing port operations. The existing LPOE Main Port Building would remain in operation until the new LPOE is completed. The two existing residences, which are currently occupied, would be demolished to allow for new construction.
    Alternative 2 at the Scobey port consists of modernizing and operating an LPOE on the current LPOE property near Scobey, Montana. National security and operational requirements dictate the proposed location of the LPOEs. The Scobey LPOE operates two overlapping shifts from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Approximately five CBP officers work at the LPOE during peak hours.
    CBP would utilize the approximately 3 existing acres and acquire an additional approximately 13 acres. The modernized LPOE is expected to operate in a manner similar to the existing LPOE. The current LPOE is 500 gross square feet and there are no residences on the site. A new Scobey LPOE would be constructed utilizing the CBP micro port design. Based on preliminary designs, a phased construction of the new port would occur, allowing for uninterrupted border services. Construction activities would include a new two-story Main Port Building (approximately 4,500 gross square feet) southwest of the existing building. No separate secondary inspection facilities would be constructed at the Scobey LPOE. Other support facilities include enclosed parking for government personnel and one on-site duplex residence (approximately 5,000 gross square feet). A communication tower would be constructed adjacent to the Main Port Building. The tower would replace an existing 50-foot tower. Replacement would be like-for-like and would be no taller than the existing tower. The proposed buildings are configured on the site so construction would not interfere with existing port operations. The existing LPOE Main Port Building would remain in operation until the new LPOE is completed.
    At both locations, interim repair and alterations (R&A) to address immediate, emerging needs of the existing LPOE would be undertaken to assure that 1) Health and Safety, 2) Mission Criticality, and 3) Operational Enhancement meet OFO requirements until new construction is completed. New construction would be completed at a later date. R&A may include, but is not limited to, upgrading electrical capacity and local code compliance, full emergency power capacity, adequate heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), adequate line of sight of incoming border traffic, vehicle control systems, interior space upgrades, updated information systems and data connectivity, and site signage.
    Each of the reports is 300+ pages and also addresses other forms of impact on the area including economic impact. Due to the size of the documents and time we have not had time to read the complete documents. There is a considerable amount of interesting information in the reports.
    According to this report the capital budget for Alternative 2 at the Whitetail Port, is $14.1 million for construction and $0.5 million for R&A (repairs and alterations) for a project budget of $14.6 million. Approximately $11.0 million of the total project budget would be used for construction and R&A. The remaining amount is for land acquisition and non-construction related costs. The cost of construction materials and supplies is estimated to be 60 percent of the total construction cost.
    According to this report the capital budget for Alternative 2 at the Scobey Ports is $13.6 million for construction and $0.5 million for R&A for a project budget of $14.1 million.  Approximately $10.6 million of the total project budget would be used for construction and R&A.  The remaining amount is for land acquisition and non-construction related costs.  The cost of construction materials and supplies is estimated to be 60 percent of the total construction cost.
    Both construction projects are expected to be done by the fourth quarter of 2011.