NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED FORT CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY EXPANSION AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED IN AUGUSTA, MICHIGAN [VA ID# EAXX-029-40-NCA-1767809314]

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED FORT CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY EXPANSION AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED IN AUGUSTA, MICHIGAN [VA ID# EAXX-029-40-NCA-1767809314] The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Association (NCA) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts associated with the Cemetery Expansion and Site Improvements Project at Fort Custer National Cemetery, located in Augusta, Michigan. The Proposed Action would provide 15 years of burial supply capacity by developing approximately 14.20 acres of the remaining 476-acre undeveloped portion of cemetery property, as well as site improvements for cemetery expansion and upgrades to existing facilities to address near-term need. NCA prepared the Draft EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S. Code [U.S.C.] § 4321- 4370) and VA's NEPA regulations (38 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 26). The Draft EA examines the potential environmental effects from implementing the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to enable Fort Custer National Cemetery to continue providing burial services and facilities for eligible veterans and their family members. The Proposed Action is needed to address the projected depletion of remaining interment capacity at Fort Custer National Cemetery, in addition to providing necessary improvements to the existing cemetery and planning for future expansions. Through this notice, NCA is also providing the public with information about the undertaking and seeking public comment and input about the undertaking's effects on historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, (54 U.S.C. § 306108), and its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800). NCA is using the VA's procedures for public involvement under NEPA in lieu of public involvement requirements in Subpart B of the Section 106 regulations per 36 CFR Part 800.2(d)(3). This notice does not serve as an invitation to consult under Section 106; it is solely to seek and consider the views of the public. NCA is conducting its Section 106 review and consultation separately. The Draft EA is available on the NCA's website at https://www.cem.va.gov/ea.asp and a hard copy is also available for a 30-day public review and comment period at the McKay-Dole Library located at 105 South Webster, August, MI 49012. Please email comments on the Draft EA to Michael Roth, NCA, Director, Design and Construction Service at michael.roth@va.gov, with the subject line "Fort Custer National Cemetery Expansion and Site Improvement Comment Period." Please provide any comments by June 19, 2026. May 21 2026 LPET0521344