US Customs and Border Protection Ajo Housing Development ... - GSA

Mr. Osmahn Kadri
Re:
U.S. General Services Administration - Notice of Draft Environmental Assessment for
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for Ajo Housing Development Project
December 17, 2010
Page 2
An Environmental Assessment requires identification and discussion of existing and potential
problems. This Draft EA does not adequately perform that function. Some of these
inadequacies, discussed in greater detail in our attached comments, include:
1. Many of the items listed in the County's previous communication to GSA have not
been adequately addressed or included.
2. Design issues related to the Ajo Historic District have been ignored.
3. Many of the NEPA required items have not been analyzed in depth, such as the
effect on water quality.
4. Alternatives have not been fully evaluated based on the identified criteria.
5. Community's concern over the long-term future use and upkeep of governmentowned
modular housing development.
This project has the potential to provide important benefits and reinvestment to the Ajo area,
as mentioned in my May 10, 2010 letter. However, Pima County feels the Draft EA fails to
fully identify, analyze and present mitigation for problems identified in our comments and in
the community's input. Again, I respectfully request that meaningfUl participation in the
NEPA process is sought in order to bring the best possible project forward that will address
not only your needs but that of the community in which you plan to build.
Sincerely,
C.H. Huckelberry
County Administrator
CHH/dr
Attachment
c: The Honorable Chairman and Members, Pima County Board of Supervisors
Diana Durazo, Special Staff Assistant, County Administrator's Office