GRAND COULEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation invites the public to identify issues or alternatives for consideration in the development of an environmental assessment for the Grand Coulee Security Response Force Upgrades project. The 15-day public comment period is open from Aug. 15, 2022, to Aug. 29, 2022. The project area is located on the Columbia River about 90 miles northwest of Spokane.
Comprehensive security assessments of Grand Coulee Dam facilities identified the need to upgrade various components to meet current security requirements.
The proposed action is needed to comply with Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation security requirements, modernize physical security components, minimize security risk to employees and facilities, and improve security department administrative operations and Security Response Force capabilities.
The purpose of the proposed project is to (1) update existing security components that have reached their expected service life or do not conform with current security requirements; (2) create an integrated, hardened, physical perimeter around security assets and facilities; (3) consolidate security department administrative operations and access control offices; and (4) upgrade and enhance the SRF training facilities.
Reclamation proposes to relocate and install new guard stations, create improved inspection areas, establish additional or improved security cameras and lighting, and replace or install security gates, fences, and intrusion detection systems. Reclamation also proposes construction of new buildings, installation of utilities, and access road improvements.
The public can provide input through a web-based, virtual public meeting room website at www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/grand-coulee-srf-ea-scoping. Virtual meeting visitors can view public meeting materials, pose questions, view answers, and submit comments. The site will be accessible 24 hours a day.
Scoping comments can be submitted to BOR-SHA-CPNGCSRF@usbr.gov. Written comments can be sent to Jason Sutter, natural resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region, 1150 N. Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706. Comments must be submitted/postmarked by Aug. 29.
For more additional information, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/program/ea/wash/gcsrf/index.html.
