Texas Chenier Plains Refuge Complex Maintenance Office

ANAHUAC, December 10, 2009 - The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing a project to plan, design and construct a new maintenance office and associated facilities, with an option being considered on approximately 15 acres near the community of Winnie, Texas. Texas Chenier Plain Refuges Complex (TCPRC) previously had maintenance offices on both Anahuac and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuges. These facilities were severely damaged in September 2008, by Hurricane Ike. The TCPRC staff has been able to reuse some of the previous maintenance facilities, however, there is still a threat of further destruction in the event of another natural disaster. A proposed alternative would combine some of these functions in an area with less potential for loss.

An Environmental Assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to the refuge, resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts.

The proposed alternative will include equipment maintenance facilities, vehicle and equipment storage, refueling depot, equipment wash rack, chemical storage, fire cache, offices, meeting room, back-up generator, radio tower, bunk house, trailer pads with hook ups and a residence. There is also the proposition of building on or creating equipment parking on most all of the near 15 acre site, which is currently an agricultural field. The location of the project is approximately 1.2 miles west of highway 124 on Buccaneer Drive, and will provide an area where there is less chance of equipment and facility destruction.

The FWS encourages public participation throughout the NEPA process during which the public has two opportunities to comment on this project; once during initial project scoping and again following the release of the draft EA. We are currently in the scoping phase of this project, and invite you to voice your ideas, comments, or concerns about this effort.

More information is available for review at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge administrative office, 509 Washington, Anahuac, TX 77514.

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