Border Lighting - El Paso and Starr counties, TX - March 2024

CBP is seeking input on potential environmental impacts and project alternatives for operational lighting along the border in Texas. The information provided will inform the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA).

The proposed action consists of construction, operation, and maintenance of approximately 25.15 miles of new lighting and the operation and maintenance of approximately 19.6 miles of installed, non-operational (constructed) lighting. Other elements of the proposed project could include the following:

• Access roads
• Laydown yards
• Light poles
• Lighting controls
• Shielding
• Underground conduit
• Water for construction and dust suppression purposes

Specifically, CBP seeks input on potential impacts to the environment, culture, quality of life and commerce, including potential socioeconomic impacts. CBP will be conducting environmental site surveys and assessments and is also gathering data and input from state and local government agencies, federal agencies, Native American Tribes, and landowners that may be affected by, or otherwise have an interest in, the proposed action. CBP will prepare an EA to evaluate potential environmental impacts and make that document available to the public.

Comments and information will be accepted until April 22, 2024. Comments should include data or information that could help inform CBP’s analysis of potential impacts. Helpful comments are fact-based, include links to data or research, and provide specific information concerning potential impacts to the environment, culture, as well as quality of life and commerce, including potential socioeconomic impacts.

Comments can be submitted via email to CommentsENV@cbp.dhs.gov. Please include “Texas Lighting Environmental Assessment” in the subject of your email. Comments received in response to this letter, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record. If you are providing a comment about a particular area, please specify that in your comment. Comments may also be submitted via mail at the following address:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters Program Management Office Directorate
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039 Washington, DC 20229-1100
Attn: Michelle Barnes