Fencing the north border? Meeting tonight in Naples to discuss that topic

| October 13, 2011 8:07 AM

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, will hold a meeting from 7 to 9 p.m., today in the Great Northwest Territories Event Center in Naples.

At issue is increased security along the border which potentially could include the construction of fences.

The draft environmental study analyzing potential environmental socioeconomic effects of current and potential future border security activities along the northern border.

The draft “Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Northern Border Activities” is currently available for a 45-day public review period.

CBP protects against terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. CBP plans to use information from the analysis in the Final PEIS for planning and decision making purposes evaluating its mission and environmental stewardship responsibilities.

The study analyzed approximately 4,000 miles from Maine to Washington and 100 miles south of the U.S.–Canada Border.

The Alaskan border area with Canada was not a part of this study. CBP will review and incorporate comments into a final PEIS, following the 45-day public review period.

See the website www.NorthernBorderPEIS.com or call (866) 760-1421 for more information about meetings or about CBP activities.

After the public comment period, which closes Oct. 31, CBP will prepare a Final PEIS, which is expected to be released Feb. 2012. The PEIS will help the agency enhance border security and environmental protection along the Northern Border.

See the website www.NorthernBorderPEIS.com or call (866) 760-1421 for more information about meetings or about CBP activities.