Community involvement is an important part of developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Department of the Navy guidance, and in soliciting feedback on effects to historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Input from the public and agencies allows decision makers to benefit from local knowledge when considering issues and concerns.
In developing this Proposed Action, the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps evaluated the changes in the way U.S. Armed Forces currently prepares for future conflicts and carefully considered the comments and suggestions submitted on the 2015 Draft EIS/Overseas EIS by elected officials and government agencies of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), federal agencies, and the public (see the About page for more information).
Two processes involving public input are being conducted by the Marine Corps: NEPA and NHPA Section 106 consultation. Public involvement is a fundamental part of the process, and the Marine Corps wants and appreciates your participation.
We are now in the public review and comment period for the Revised Draft EIS, from June 6, 2025, to August 20, 2025: During this time, the public reviews, evaluates, and comments on the environmental impact analysis presented in the Revised Draft EIS and potential effects to historic properties. Input received during this period is considered in the development of the Final EIS and in the Section 106 consultation process under the NHPA.
The Marine Corps is accepting written comments on the Revised Draft EIS and potential effects to historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the NHPA during the 75-day public review and comment period from June 6 to August 20, 2025.
Comments must be postmarked or submitted electronically on or before August 20, 2025, to be considered in the development of the Final EIS. Submit comments in one of the following ways:
The public meetings will be set in an open-house format and include information stations on the Proposed Action and environmental analysis, and a comment station to provide written or oral comments. Project team members will be available at the information stations to engage in discussions and answer questions for the public. A Chamorro and a Carolinian interpreter will be available at the meetings.
| Dates | Location | Meeting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, June 23, 2025 Tuesday, June 24, 2025 |
Tinian Junior/Senior High School Cafeteria, Canal Street, San Jose, Tinian | Begins at 5 p.m. ChST |
| Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Thursday, June 26, 2025 |
Crowne Plaza (Hibiscus Hall), Coral Tree Avenue, Garapan, Saipan | Begins at 5 p.m. ChST |
| Friday, June 27, 2025 | Rota Mayor’s Office, San Francisco de Borja Highway, Tatachok, Rota | Begins at 3 p.m. ChST |
NEPA is a federal law that requires all federal agencies to take a good-faith, hard look at potential environmental consequences of a proposal before making a decision. The Marine Corps has prepared a Revised Draft EIS that analyzed the potential environmental consequences of this proposal. The schedule of this process is shown in the timeline.
