Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity with Potential to Impact Wetlands

Final Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity with Potential to Impact WetlandsCity of Belfast, MaineTo: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and IndividualsThe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), intends to fund the following proposed action under the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program. In accordance with the DOJ’s Floodplain Management and Wetland Protection Procedures (28 CFR Part 63) and Executive Order (EO) 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), BJA has completed an 8-Step Decision-Making Process to evaluate the potential impacts on wetlands.The City of Belfast is requesting funding from BJA to acquire and install outdoor public safety equipment at 273 Main Street, Belfast, Maine, at the site of the former Belfast Fire Department building. The proposed action includes the installation of a radio tower, backup generator, and two K-9 kennels, supported by small concrete foundation pads, as well as limited grading and the installation of underground conduit. The purpose of the project is to enhance public safety operations and emergency communications for the City of Belfast.BJA has determined that the proximity of the proposed project to a mapped wetland warrants analysis under the 8-Step Decision-Making Process.In addition to the proposed action, BJA considered and dismissed the following alternatives:No Action Alternative:Under the No Action alternative, BJA funds would not be awarded, and the existing limitations in public safety operations and emergency communications would remain.Alternative Site:No practicable alternative sites were identified that would meet the operational requirements of the proposed action while avoiding proximity to nearby wetlands.Although the proposed action would occur outside the wetland boundary, the City of Belfast has identified measures to minimize potential indirect impacts on wetland health and function, including maintaining appropriate setbacks from wetlands, implementing erosion and sediment control measures consistent with applicable state standards, covering soil stockpiles as necessary, and obtaining any required permits if regulated thresholds are met.It is BJA’s determination that, due to (1) the identification of measures to minimize potential indirect impacts on wetland health and function, (2) the lack of practicable alternatives, and (3) the importance of the proposed action in supporting public safety operations and emergency communications for the City of Belfast, the proposed action is consistent with the requirements of Executive Order 11990.Files that document compliance with steps 1 through 6 of Executive Order 11990 are available for public inspection upon request. Requests may be submitted by email toFor security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.. Materials will be provided electronically unless a hard copy is specifically requested.This notice provides individuals who may be affected by activities near wetlands and those with an interest in environmental protection an opportunity to submit comments. BJA is accepting comments on this notice for 15 days, from January 16, 2026, through the end of the day on January 30, 2026.Date of Posting: January 15, 2026