GALVESTON, Texas (April 19, 2016) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District will host two public scoping meetings May 17 and 19, 2016, to inform the public about the proposed study to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Houston Ship Channel 45-Foot Expansion Channel Improvement Project (HSC ECIP) in Harris and Galveston counties, Texas, which will study the feasibility of improvements to the HSC.
The open-house meetings are scheduled as follows:
5:30-8 p.m.
Houston Community College–Northeast Campus
555 Community College Drive
Houston, TX 77013
5:30-8p.m.
Sylvan Beach Pavilion
1 Sylvan Beach Drive
La Porte, TX 77571
“The purpose of the study is to examine the feasibility of improving navigation on the channel,” said Project Manager Andrea Catanzaro, USACE Galveston District. “This study will identify and evaluate a combination of modifications to the HSC to improve the efficiency and safety of the HSC system.”
According to Catanzaro, staff will work to gather public feedback about significant issues and impacts that need to be addressed in the analysis of environmental impacts and to help define the scope of the study. All public comments received will be considered in the draft FS/EIS pursuant to NEPA and USACE regulations. Comments will also be used to help determine the overall public interest of the proposed project.
“Public involvement is an essential part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Federal Feasibility study processes and we encourage any dialoged that discusses concerns or issues surrounding the study,” said Catanzaro. “We also work with federal, state, local agencies and other interested organizations to incorporate their opinions when assessing the environmental consequences of the proposed action.”
The public scoping meetings will be conducted in English, and meeting materials will be provided in English and Spanish. Spanish language interpreters will be available to assist with translation.
Written comments may be mailed to Tammy Gilmore, CEMVN–PDN–CEP, P.O. Box 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160–0267. Comments may also be submitted electronically to tammy.h.gilmore@usace.army.milor through the study website located at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/HoustonShipChannelExpansion.aspx. Questions concerning the draft EIS can be directed to(504) 862–1002; fax: (504) 862–1583. All comments must be received or postmarked by May 31, 2016.
For news and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston.