NEPA Support, Raleigh Veterans Affairs

The VA Medical Center in Raleigh, North Carolina intends to initiate construction to expand healthcare services to veterans in the region. As part of the NEPA process, the VA required an Environmental Assessment (EA) of two possible building locations. Due to funding and construction constraints, the VA required this work to be expedited. The project required biological and wetland surveys, cultural and historic resources investigations, Section 106 consultation and coordination, and preparation of the Draft EA, Final EA, and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). LRS completed the EA and FONSI in under 4 months.

When COVID-19 restrictions precluded in-person plans for the public review and comment period, LRS developed and tested a virtual public meeting format, contracted national voice talent to narrate a concise presentation on the EA findings, and facilitated the virtual townhall where VA leadership presented this information and solicited feedback. LRS provided live technical support by phone and online to engage viewers and delivered a high-quality presentation and video, along with transcripts including public comments and responses. The VA has since used this model for three additional projects requiring public input during COVID-19.