In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. General Services Administration has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion and modernization of the Porthill port. The EA analyzes the potential social, economic and environmental impacts resulting from the proposed project.
Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
Frequently asked questions
- The Porthill LPOE used to be open until 11pm but now closes at 7pm. Can the operating hours return to the 11pm closing time?
CBP is responsible for determining the hours of operation at LPOEs. In July 2023, CBP issued a press release announcing its decision regarding permanent hours at the Porthill LPOE and five other ports. The LPOE’s operating hours are not part of GSA’s proposed project.
- Why is this project needed if traffic congestion at the Porthill LPOE is not a problem?
The purpose of the project is to modernize and expand the Porthill LPOE to improve the functionality, capacity, and sustainability. The existing facilities are too small to accommodate the current staff and operations, and traffic flow is inefficient, especially for commercial vehicles. The project is needed to accommodate the appropriate traffic routing, expand the square footage of the buildings to support LPOE staff and other personnel, and improve customer service to travelers.
- What has GSA done to reach out to the local community? How can the public get answers to their questions about this proposed project?
GSA hosted a public scoping meeting on May 17, 2023, and a public meeting on the Draft EA on January 16, 2024. GSA has included responses to all public comments on the Draft EA in an appendix to the Final EA, which has been posted on GSA’s website. GSA is committed to stakeholder engagement and will continue to coordinate as project designs are developed.
What additional properties will be acquired to expand the Porthill LPOE?
Figure 2.2-1 in the Final EA shows the maximum extent of property acquisition for the proposed project. GSA will acquire up to 0.04 acres of land owned by Boundary County and either acquire or secure easements from the State of Idaho for approximately 1.2 additional acres located west of the existing port. Per the Finding of No Significant Impact, GSA has re-evaluated the acreage required for the expanded and modernized LPOE and no longer intends to acquire the 1.158 acres of private property.
GSA representatives have met with the Idaho Transportation Department and confirmed that the Division of Aviation’s hangar and airfield are not being considered for acquisition as part of this proposed project.
- Why can’t the historic port building be reused instead of building new facilities?
The original port building is a historic structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This building would be subject to restrictions that would complicate GSA’s ability to meet the purpose and need for the proposed project. Additionally, expansion to the east of the existing LPOE, which is where the historic port is located, was dismissed from consideration based on operational concerns associated with the line of sight.
- What impacts will this project have on the local water supply?
The Final EA indicates that a minor increase in the overall water demand of the LPOE is anticipated when the proposed project occurs (see Section 3.5.2.2.2). GSA will evaluate impacts to the community well that supplies potable water to the LPOE during the design phase. The proposed project does not include the installation of any new wells at the LPOE. GSA will coordinate with the Trow Creek Water Association, Inc. and other stakeholders as project designs are developed.
- Where is the money for this project coming from?
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed on November 15, 2021, provides funding for projects at 26 LPOEs on the northern and southern borders. The modernized LPOEs will benefit the supply chain, labor market, security, climate change resilience, human experience, community livability, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
U.S. General Services Administration