BERLIN, N.H. (AP) – Federal officials are seeking wetlands permits, the first step in building a new federal prison in the city.
The federal Bureau of Prisons has filed applications to dredge and fill some wetlands at the site. The permits must be approved by state regulators and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
An Environmental Impact Statement for the prison looked at four possible sites and recommended the location with the smallest amount of wetlands. The site is near the state prison and an industrial park.
The Bureau of Prisons would compensate for filling 13 acres of wetlands by restoring eight acres and permanently protecting nearly 500 acres of land as wildlife habitat.
There will be a public hearing on the wetland permits next month.
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