As part of a proposed deactivation of the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) in El Paso, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) completed an Environmental Assessment of the facility, on April 16, 1998. The assessment is required by law (National Environmental Protection Act) prior to any governmental action. Upon the release of this environmental assessment, the local community will have 30 days (April 17-May 18, 1998) to submit comments to the Bureau. Following the review period, the Bureau will submit a report to Congress for an official review of all findings of significant impact.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is sensitive to the concerns of the community, and has studied the environmental impact and alternative uses for this site. The Bureau will carefully consider all comments before a final decision is made as to this proposed deactivation.

Maintaining efficient institutions that meet national economies of scale continues to be a top priority for the Bureau. The Bureau continually assesses the operations and security of all of our facilities, as part of effectively and efficiently managing our inmate population.

The Federal Prison Camp was opened in 1989. It houses offenders who do not have records of escape, violence, sexual offenses or major medical problems. The number of minimum-security inmates within the Federal prison system is below projected levels and the population of the FPC El Paso has been steadily decreasing. If deactivation occurs, the inmates and staff would be relocated to facilities specifically designed for correctional purposes and constructed to the Bureau's specifications.

To attain a copy of and/or submit comments on the Environmental Assessment report, please contact David Dorworth, Chief, Site Selection and Environmental Review (202-514-6470), 320 First St., NW, Washington, DC, 20534.