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Finding of No Significant Impact and Summary Environmental Assessment--Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, County of El Paso, TX
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
[Federal Register: December 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 245)]
[Notices]
[Page 76822-76827]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22de04-111]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 4940]
Finding of No Significant Impact and Summary Environmental
Assessment--Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, County of El
Paso, TX
The proposed action is to issue a Presidential Permit to the County
of El Paso, Texas to construct, operate and maintain an international
vehicular and pedestrian bridge (the proposed ``Tornillo-Guadalupe New
International Bridge''), its approaches and facilities at the
international boundary between the United States and Mexico, southeast
of the city of El Paso, Texas, approximately 1,950 feet upstream on the
Rio Grande from the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge, near the small
community of Caseta that is within the municipality of Guadalupe in the
State of Chihuahua, Mexico.
I. Background
The U.S. Department of State (``the Department'') is charged with
the issuance of Presidential Permits for the construction of
international bridges between the United States and Mexico under the
International Bridge Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 731, 33 U.S.C. Section 535
et seq., and Executive Order 11423 of August 16, 1968, 33 FR 11741
(1968), as amended by Executive Order 12847 of May 17, 1993, 58 FR
29511 (1993), Executive Order 13284 of January 23, 2003, 68 FR 4075
(2003), and Executive Order 13337 of April 30, 2004, 69 FR 25299 (2004).
In 2001, Raba-Kistner Consultants, Inc. (RK) prepared, on behalf of
the Presidential Permit applicant, the County of El Paso, Texas (the
``Sponsor''), a draft Environmental Assessment of the proposed
Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, port of entry, and
connecting roadway. This Environmental Assessment was submitted to the
Department as part of the Sponsor's application for a Presidential
Permit. The Department placed a notice in the Federal Register
regarding the receipt of the Sponsor's application for a Presidential
permit and seeking public comments regarding the application (68 FR
43567 (2003). No public comments were received in response to this notice.
The Department has acted as the lead federal agency in the
preparation and completion of the Environmental Assessment and has
worked to address concerns or other issues that have been raised by
cooperating governmental agencies. The Department, consistent with
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Department of State
[[Page 76823]]
regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
(``NEPA''), has conducted its own, independent review of the
Environmental Assessment. Numerous Federal, State and local agencies
have also independently reviewed the Environmental Assessment. Each
such ``cooperating agency'' has approved or accepted the Environmental
Assessment, with some recommending certain mitigation measures. These
cooperating agencies are:
U.S. Government: The Department of Homeland Security, General
Services Administration, United States Section of the International
Boundary and Water Commission, Department of Transportation, Department
of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce,
Department of Justice, and the Council on Environmental Quality.
State of Texas: Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the
Attorney General, State Historical Commission, Department of
Transportation, Department of Agriculture, Parks and Wildlife
Department, and the Rio Grande Council of Governments.
The Sponsor has worked closely with the Federal and state agencies
that have raised concerns to address those concerns about the possible
environmental impacts of this project. The draft final Environmental
Assessment, as amended and supplemented, together with the comments
submitted by Federal and state agencies, the responses to these
comments, and all correspondence between the agencies and the Sponsor
addressing the agencies' concerns, constitute the ``Final Environmental
Assessment.'' Based on this Final Environmental Assessment, including
mitigation measures that El Paso County has undertaken or is prepared
to undertake, and the Department's independent review of that
assessment, the Department has concluded that the issuance of the
Presidential Permit would not have a significant impact on the quality
of the human environment within the United States. Therefore, a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is adopted and, in accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., CEQ
regulations, 40 CFR 1501.4 and 1508.13, and Department of State
regulations, 22 CFR 161.8(c), an environmental impact statement
(``EIS'') will not be prepared.
II. Summary Environmental Assessment
A. The Proposed Project (Preferred Alternative)
The proposed Bridge Site is approximately 1,950 feet upstream of
the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge. The new bridge will be 1,274 feet
long and 94 feet wide and will have six vehicular lanes and two
pedestrian sidewalks. The County will obtain a 271.75-acre contiguous
tract of land for the construction of all components of the border
facilities. The proposed Bridge Site was selected as the preferred
alternative because it represents the most effective use of financial
resources in the United States and is the most consistent with the
Mexican State of Chihuahua's planning and studies, including plans to
build a new highway in Mexico that would begin at Samalayuca on the
main Juarez-Chihuahua highway and end at a location approximately 600
meters west of the proposed location of the new bridge.
The proposed roadway is designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and to route
passenger and commercial vehicular traffic north on a new major roadway
to its terminus at the Interstate Highway-10 (I-10) and Texas Farm to
Market 3380 (FM 3380) interchange. The anticipated length of the major
collector is approximately 6.0 miles plus 1.5 miles, which are included
for access roadways, side road connectors, and interchange
realignments. These features will require approximately 260 acres of
land to be acquired for right of way purposes. The width of the right
of way is 200 feet, which is sufficient to accommodate the necessary
roadway cross section plus all drainage and storm water retention
facilities that may be necessary.
The first phase will be a 2-lane roadway with shoulders along both
sides and a grade separation over the existing State Highway 20 (SH 20)
and Union Pacific Railroad Company's (UPRR) tracks. The final cross
section is to be a 4-lane roadway with shoulders and dedicated left-
turn lanes at most intersections. Free-flow culverts or bridges will be
required at crossings under the jurisdiction of the El Paso County
Water Improvement District No. 1.
This roadway alternative was selected as the preferred alternative
because it was the least intrusive and most cost-effective alignment.
Five residential structures were identified within the proposed
project's alignment. Two residential structures are located adjacent to
the border facilities and three are near SH 20 and the UPRR tracks.
Based on current design features, the structures are not expected to be
affected and no relocations are planned.
B. Bridge Site Alternatives Considered
The Department in this case considered two alternative bridge sites
and three alternative roadway alignments. The Department also
considered a ``no action'' alternative. These are described in detail
in the Final Environmental Assessment and in summary fashion as follows:
Bridge Site Alternative No. 1 is located approximately 4.6 miles
upstream of the existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge. This alternative was
viewed as not preferred because the site lacks direct access to Caseta,
Mexico and would require extensive acquisition of agricultural and
private underdeveloped lands for right-of-way in the Fabens area. The
site also presents traffic safety hazards and would require
construction of a new diamond interchange at IH-10, an ineffective use
of financial resources.
Bridge Site Alternative No. 2 is 4.3 miles upstream of the existing
bridge. While the roadway alignment for this bridge could use the
existing diamond interchange at IH-10, the lack of direct access to the
Interstate is a negative factor.
No Action Alternative. The Department considers the ``no action''
alternative for the roadway, described below, to constitute a ``no
action'' alternative for the bridge as well. The ``no action''
alternative for the bridge was viewed as not preferred for the same
reasons provided with regard to the ``no action'' alternative for the
roadway.
C. Roadway Alternatives Considered
Roadway Alternative B was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and direct
passenger and commercial vehicular traffic west and north on the
existing Texas Farm to Market 76 (FM 76) alignment to its intersection
with Texas Highway 20 (SH 20) in Fabens, Texas. The alignment would
continue north on Texas Farm to Market 793 (FM 793) through the Fabens
business district to its intersection with Interstate Highway 10 (I-10).
The Roadway Alternative B alignment was eliminated early in the
project, and was viewed as not preferred, because it was not considered
to be a feasible and prudent option due to taking of additional acreage
of potential prime or unique farmlands, relocation of families and
splitting family/caregiver support
[[Page 76824]]
groups, relocation and/or disruption of commercial businesses and
trade, disruption of community services, relocation and disruption of
places of religious worship or meetings, and general public opposition.
Roadway Alternative C was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and divert
vehicular traffic north on the proposed Preferred Alternate route to
its intersection with Texas State Highway 20 (SH 20) west of the town
of Tornillo, Texas. The alignment would traverse on an easterly route
along SH 20 through Tornillo to its intersection with Texas Farm to
Market 3380 (FM 3380) and thence north on FM 3380 to the diamond
interchange at Interstate Highway 10 (I-10).
Roadway Alternative C was not selected as the preferred route due
to the taking of additional acreage of potentially prime or unique
farmlands, relocation of families and splitting family/caregiver
support groups, relocation and/or disruption of commercial businesses
and trade, disruption of community services, relocation and disruption
of places of religious worship or meetings, and relocation of a public
recreational area.
Roadway Alternative D was designed to originate at the Tornillo-
Guadalupe New International Bridge and border facilities and divert
vehicular traffic north on the proposed Preferred Alternate route to a
point approximately 0.6 miles north of its intersection with State
Highway 20 (SH 20) west of Tornillo, Texas. The alignment would
traverse on a northerly route through the dune lands to its
intersection with Interstate Highway 10 (I-10).
Roadway Alternative D was not selected as the preferred alternative
because the alignment would require the construction of approximately
1.8 miles of roadway through the upland desert area. This would require
the taking of 43.62 acres of land for right-of-way acquisition. The
current land use is considered as idle. The project would require the
construction of a diamond interchange at the roadway intersection with
I-10. The new diamond interchange would be located approximately 1.95
miles northwest of the existing I-10 and FM 3380 diamond interchange.
The short distance between diamond interchanges could create congestion
in this portion of the I-10 corridor and traffic safety hazards.
Additionally, the burden of cost related to the interchange at I-10 is
not considered to be the most effective use of available financial
resources.
Roadway Alternative E--No Action. If no action were taken, the long
and short-term affects on natural and wildlife resources, other
sensitive areas (with the potential exception of ground water
resources), the environment, land uses, and human inconveniences would
be minimal or negligible. Without the project, the potential for
economic development and enhancement of lifestyles of the local
inhabitants would be adversely affected in this federally designated
economically distressed area. Potential for new commercial or
industrial growth would be stagnant or nonexistent due to the lack of a
modern border facility and a safer, more direct route to the major
transportation corridors.
The No Action Alternative was viewed as not preferred because it
would impede the benefits to the United States derived from trade
expansion with Mexico, overtax the existing international crossings
closer to the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez urban core, and leave in place the
obsolete existing Fabens Bridge.
III. Summary of the Assessment of the Potential Environmental Impacts
Resulting From the Proposed Action
The Environmental Assessment provides information on the
environmental effects of the alternatives outlined above, including the
proposed project. On the basis of the Final Environmental Assessment,
the Department makes the following determinations regarding the
potential environmental impacts of the preferred alternatives for the
bridge site and the roadway alignment.
Ground Water and Runoff
Recharge of the Rio Grande Alluvium aquifer is through storm water
runoff, seepage from the river and irrigation water returns. The
transfer of groundwater between the Rio Grande and the aquifer is
seasonal and dependent on the river's flow. During the spring and
summer irrigation season, the aquifer gains at the expense of the
river's flow and volume. The opposite occurs during the non-irrigation
seasons of fall and winter. The project should not have any long-term
effects on the inter-basin transfer of groundwater.
As noted, the County intends to acquire 271.75 acres for the border
facilities and related activities. While the project will be developed
and constructed in stages, ultimately it will cover about 171 acres of
land with impervious surfaces. According to the initial storm water
runoff retention basin design plan, about 29 acres of land will be used
for retention basins. The ongoing design for the major arterial roadway
also includes the use of retention ponds and vegetated swales. Based on
the design of the retention ponds and related factors, storm water
runoff should have only negligible effects on surface water bodies and
shallow groundwater aquifers. Wherever practical, cover other than
asphalt or concrete will be used to reduce water runoff. In order to
mitigate runoff and erosion during the construction period, the County
will instruct its consultants to employ best management practices for
erosion control, such as the use of hay bales and silt fencing.
Siltation and Sedimentation of Waterways
Land erosion is expected to be minimal and will be controlled
through implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. It
is expected that the construction phases of the project will take place
during the dry season to minimize the erosional effects of rain. Where
applicable, portions of the disturbed lands will be restored to their
pre-construction contours and re-vegetated with plants and grasses
native to the area.
Precautions To Avoid Injury To Cover Vegetation
There are four distinct vegetative zones in the project area,
ranging from a small riparian area to the typical Chihuahuan Desert
dunes. Precaution and avoidance measures should include limiting the
disturbance of land areas and cover vegetation to those within the
construction zone, including barrow pits, rights-of-way and entry and
exit points for equipment and personnel. As appropriate, disturbed
areas will be reclaimed in accordance with the permanent erosion
control requirements of the storm water discharge permit.
Disruption of Wildlife Habitat
The proposed project is not expected to disrupt wildlife habitat.
However, in view of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the population
declines of many migratory bird species, good faith efforts will be
implemented to minimize or avoid critical vegetative cover clearing and
grubbing activities during migratory birds' general nesting season from
March through August.
Wetlands and Floodplains
A review of the National Wetlands Inventory Maps for the project
area and a site reconnaissance indicated no wetlands present or
identified. Based on a review of Flood Insurance Rate Maps, it was
determined that the bridge
[[Page 76825]]
crossing will span Zone A, which is described as a special flood hazard
area inundated by 100 year floods, and in which no base flood elevation
has been established. The border facilities and a part of the access
road are in Zone X, which is described as an area outside the 500-year
floodplain.
Air Quality
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality classifies El Paso
County and region as a non-attainment area for critical air pollutants.
Ozone and Carbon Monoxide are among the critical pollutants. Based on a
1996 annual emissions study, it was determined that 69 percent of the
Ozone and Carbon Monoxide non-attainment annual emissions could be
attributed to on-road mobile sources.
While studies since 1996 show that the El Paso region has managed
to achieve substantial reductions in emissions, the long lines of
northbound traffic at the three existing bridges exacerbate the non-
attainment status in these areas. According to Texas Department of
Transportation data, a vehicle emits 2.5 times as many pollutants while
idling as compared to while traveling at 3 miles per hour.
In a Report to the County Commissioners Court prepared in 2001, the
County Planning Department concluded that:
Currently, northbound vehicles on the bridge of the Americas,
the Paso del Norte Bridge, and the Zaragoza (Ysleta) Bridge generate
the following pollutants daily: 1,877 pounds of volatile organic
compounds, 18,292 pounds of Carbon Monoxide, and 751 pounds of
nitrous oxide. To arrive at an emission estimate, the number of
vehicles crossing the bridge on a daily and annual basis were
measured against the waiting time in the line, during rush and non-
rush hour, the idling time spent on the bridge and the fuel used by
the vehicle.
The proposed project will improve air quality in the urbanized
areas of El Paso by alleviating vehicular congestion at the existing
ports of entry. Both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reviewed the application,
including the Environmental Assessment, in detail. Both concluded that
emissions resulting from the proposed project are expected to be well
below the 50 tons per year significant level for Volatile Organic
Compounds and Nitrogen Oxides and that a general conformity analysis
would not be required. Moreover, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency determined that the proposed project is outside the non-
attainment boundary for both PM 10 and CO; therefore, general
conformity provisions are inapplicable for these two pollutants. During
the construction phase, the County will instruct its consultants and
contractors to employ best management practices, such as wetting
aggregate to minimize dust.
Listed, Threatened and Endangered Species
The proposed new international bridge and associated roadway are
not expected to disrupt wildlife habitat. The project design is not
intended to limit or prohibit movements of species. An endangered
species habitat assessment conducted in January 2002 concluded that,
except for habitat for the Texas Horned Lizard and the Pecos River
Muskrat, the project areas did not constitute sensitive habitat for
threatened or endangered species or species of concern. There is very
little potential for significant impacts. The sponsor will implement
mitigating measures even in the absence of a potential for significant
impacts. Mitigation efforts for the Pecos River Muskrat will include
spans over the waterway so as not to cause a fill or redirection of the
existing waterway habitat. A permitted biologist will be on call during
the construction phase of the project in order to mitigate any
potential impact on the Texas Horned Lizard.
In addition, the County will instruct its construction contractor
that any burrow pits or staging areas be located in previously
disturbed sites or sites with little or no vegetation and that these
sites be reviewed for the potential occurrences of listed species and
their habitats.
Hazardous Waste
The proposed project is not located on or near any known hazardous
waste facilities and will not generate any hazardous wastes. The
proposed border station will include a hazardous waste containment unit
in the truck dock area that will provide temporary storage of hazardous
waste if a spill occurs.
In the event of a release or spill outside the border station,
assistance for containment and remediation efforts would fall under the
jurisdiction of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, whose
Environmental Crimes Unit has special emergency procedures that have
been made available by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The use of herbicides or defoliating agents for this project is not
expected. In the event such chemical agents are used, it will be done
in strict accordance with the manufacturers' requirements and by
persons qualified to conduct the applications.
Land Use
There are no public parks, recreational areas, wilderness areas, or
unusual or unique areas within or near the vicinity of the proposed
project. The project is not located near or in the vicinity of any
designated wild and scenic river segments of the Rio Grande.
Part of the proposed project will be on farmlands. The crops
cultivated include pecans, cotton, grain and alfalfa. The project will
directly and indirectly impact approximately 516 acres of farmland.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation
Service concluded that the project area does not include any soil
mapping units that are classified as prime farmland under the Farmland
Protection Policy Act. After reviewing and evaluating the farmland at
issue, the NRCS concluded that the project may proceed.
Noise
As with any major construction undertaking, some impacts will occur
for which mitigation measures are not reasonable or feasible. One such
impact identified during the course of this investigation is related to
increased traffic noise. The traffic noise study conducted as part of
the Environmental Assessment indicated that exterior noise levels at
three houses exceeded existing levels by 8dBA and approached a Category
B Noise Abatement Criteria level. The study investigated four typical
and acceptable abatement measures and resulted in a finding that none
was both feasible and reasonable, and no abatement measures were
proposed for the project. Future avoidance measures of noise impacts
are to include land use control programs to ensure that no new
developments are planned or constructed along or within the predicted
2024 noise impact contours.
Noise abatement measures during the construction phase may include
work hour controls and locations, ground support personnel locations
and maintenance of vehicle muffler systems.
Cultural Resources
During the course of the archeological survey, four historical
sites and one engineering property (Fabens-Caseta Bridge) were
discovered. Two of the sites (Tornillo Sites 1 and 4) and the
engineering property are eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and/or formal designation as State
Archeological Landmarks (SAL). One site (Tornillo 3) did not merit SAL
designation and one site (Tornillo 2) will require additional
[[Page 76826]]
studies to determine its significance and if it is necessary to avoid
the site as a mitigation measure. The Texas Historical Commission
determined that Tornillo Sites 1 and 4 were archeologically significant
and recommends that they be avoided, if possible. Mitigation measures
at these sites will be either avoidance or redesign of the roadway, or
by excavation and curation of artifacts. Burial of the sites will not
be an acceptable mitigation measure due to the shallow and fragile
nature of the archeological deposits.
The existing Fabens-Caseta Bridge will be removed upon completion
of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge, Border Station
Facilities and Major Arterial Roadway. The County has agreed to fund
demolition of the U.S. part of the bridge. As recommended by the State
Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO), the removal of this bridge will
be in accordance with the requirements, directives, and plans issued by
the Texas Historic Commission's Division of Architecture. In
consultation with the SHPO, the IBWC has determined that the bridge is
eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. As
a result, the County and IBWC have negotiated a memorandum of
agreement, currently under review by both parties that, among other
mitigation measures, will require the County to document the Fabens-
Caseta Bridge to Level II, Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)
and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Standards, prior to
beginning demolition.
The County expects to enter into a programmatic agreement relating
to historical sites with the SHPO and appropriate federal coordinators.
Native American Tribes
Four federally recognized Native American groups were identified
that may have historical ties to the area. The tribes are: (1) Fort
Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, (2) Mescalero Apache Tribe of the
Mescalero Reservation of New Mexico, (3) White Mountain Apache Tribe of
the Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona, and (4) the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo
of Texas. Each tribe was contacted and invited to consult on the
project. The Mescalero Apache Tribe determined that the proposed action
would not affect any objects, sites, or locations important to the
Tribe. The White Mountain Apache Tribe replied that they deferred to
the representatives of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Fort Sill Apache
Tribe. The Fort Sill Apache Tribe failed to respond to repeated
telephone calls and letters. The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo determined that
consultation would be required and requested that they be consulted
through each phase of the project.
Environmental Justice/Socio-Economic Issues
A potential impact for which direct mitigation measures may not be
reasonable or feasible in all instances involves personal economic
issues. The construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International
Bridge will result in a toll being charged to offset maintenance costs
and repayment of revenue bonds. The County anticipates permanent
closure and removal of the toll-free Fabens-Caseta Bridge upon
completion of the new bridge and border facilities. The closure and
removal of the toll-free bridge may result in economic impacts to
regular users of the bridge. The County of El Paso recognizes this and,
on April 19, 2004, the County Commissioners Court passed a resolution
to the effect that the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry would be toll
free for pedestrians. Private and commercial vehicles would pay tolls.
While the County of El Paso may not be able to fully mitigate all
such impacts directly, the short and long term employment and economic
opportunities resulting from implementing the project will greatly
offset and lessen the effects of the impacts. The construction of the
bridge, border station facilities, and roadway should provide short-
term employment opportunities to local residents and a positive
economic ripple affect to the surrounding area businesses. The long-
term employment opportunities for the local residents of this
economically distressed portion of El Paso County are promising. The
County of El Paso anticipates implementing its economic development
plan and tax abatement policies in conjunction with the Renewal
Community Program. The creation of a 2,000-acre industrial park is one
major feature of the County's economic development plan. The industrial
park would be developed on the north side of the IH 10 transportation
corridor, extending from Clint to the Fabens area. The long-range plans
include planned affordable housing residential districts and commercial
developments. The developments would bring infrastructure, such as
water supply lines and sanitary sewer lines, to this region of the
County. Overall, the project would improve the quality of life for the
local and adjacent area residents.
The projected economic developments potentially are of great
significance in a County where 30.9 percent of the population lives
below the poverty threshold, compared to 18.5 percent for the State as
a whole. The County's unemployment rate in October 2003 was 8.9
percent, while the national average at that time was 6.0 percent and
Texas' rate was 6.1 percent.
Cumulative Impacts
The most significant cumulative impacts of the demolition of the
Fabens-Caseta Bridge and the construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New
International Bridge will be socio-economic.
The construction of the Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge
and related roads and infrastructure will have positive long- and
short-term economic impacts. The estimated construction costs for the
proposed new bridge, border facilities, and major arterial roadway are
$46,544,000. Importation of a major labor force is not expected, thus
allowing local residents the opportunity to gain employment, develop
trade skills, and increase personal incomes.
On a long-term basis the construction of new bridges has generally
resulted in significant regional increases in population, tourism,
employment, and income. The County of El Paso anticipates implementing
an economic development plan that includes industrial development
areas, residential districts, and tax abatement policies. The
development of a 2,000-acre industrial park is one major feature of the
County's plan. The planned industrial park will be located on the north
side of the Interstate Highway 10, extending from Clint, Texas to the
Fabens, Texas area. Long-range plans include affordable housing
residential districts, green spaces, and commercial developments. The
employment opportunities will include skilled and semi-skilled
construction labor, manufacturing jobs, and retail sales staff. Through
tax incentives for businesses, the unskilled labor force will be
afforded training opportunities resulting in additional job opportunities.
The Tornillo-Guadalupe New International Bridge will be in a low-
income area. The traffic and financial feasibility study that is part
of the Presidential Permit Application found that the toll revenues
supporting the financial feasibility of the new bridge would come from
automobile and truck traffic, with commercial vehicles generating 79
percent of the tolls. Pedestrian traffic will produce little or no net
revenues. In order to accommodate the pedestrian crossers in
[[Page 76827]]
this low-income area and promote social justice, the El Paso County
Commissioners Court passed a resolution dated April 19, 2004 that
eliminates pedestrian tolls on the new bridge. The resolution states:
``Therefore Be It Resolved, by El Paso County Government that the new
Tornillo/Guadalupe Port of Entry will be toll-free for pedestrians
only, as expenditure of future funds to collect tolls from pedestrians
at the new Tornillo/Guadalupe Bridge is expected to exceed pedestrian
toll revenues to be collected.''
IV. Conclusion: Analysis of the Environmental Assessment Submitted by
the Sponsor
Based on the Department's independent review of the Final
Environmental Assessment, comments received during its preparation and
comments received by the Department from Federal and State agencies
including measures which are proposed to be taken to prevent or
mitigate potentially adverse environmental impacts, the Department has
concluded that issuance of a Presidential Permit authorizing
construction of the proposed Tornillo-Guadalupe New International
Bridge as proposed in Bridge Site Alternative No. 3 as set forth in the
Environmental Assessment, would not have a significant impact on the
quality of the human and/or natural environment within the United
States. Accordingly, a Finding of No Significant Impact (``FONSI'') is
adopted and an environmental impact statement will not be prepared.
The Final Environmental Assessment prepared by the Department
addressing this action is on file and may be reviewed by interested
parties at the Department of State, 2201 C Street NW., Room 4258,
Washington, DC 20520 (Attn: Mr. John Ritchie, Tel (202) 647-8529).
Dated: December 15, 2004.
John A. Ritchie,
Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, Office of Mexican Affairs,
Department of State.
[FR Doc. 04-27988 Filed 12-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-29-P