Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the New Freer Border Patrol Station (April 2021)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) which analyzes potential effects, beneficial and adverse, resulting from the proposed construction and operation of a new U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Station (BPS) in Freer, Texas.  The proposed new BPS would be constructed to accommodate 125 agents initially, with the capability to expand to 175 agents and would replace the current Freer BPS, which does not have the capacity to meet current and future needs for USBP operations in the area.  Therefore, the new BPS and associated supporting infrastructure are designed for continuous operation in support of the Border Patrol Strategic Plan to gain and maintain effective control of the borders of the United States. 

CBP provided the Draft EA and FONSI for a 30-day public comment period between December 17, 2020 and January 16, 2021.  The notice of availability for the draft was published in the Laredo Morning Times newspaper on December 17, 2020. 

Based on the findings of the EA, and after careful review of the potential environmental impacts of implementing the proposed action, CBP finds there would be no significant impact on the quality of the human or natural environment. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement is not required and a FONSI has been issued.