Posted on June 17, 2026
NEW YORK – The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announces the preparation of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the USMMA Campus Modernization Plan (CMP). The PEA is being prepared by the Department of Transportation (USDOT), MARAD, the lead agency, in cooperation with the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), the involved agency, pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and in accordance with USDOT 5601.1D “Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts.”
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is an institution of higher education responsible for training leaders committed in serving national and economic interests through the operation of U.S. merchant fleets and acting as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. Most of the facilities at USMMA date back to the Academy’s founding, have not been modernized since, and are not conducive to the immersive training and demanding coursework today’s Midshipmen are required to complete. Rehabilitating and modernizing the campus infrastructure at the USMMA is necessary to ensure current and future generations of midshipmen receive a first-class education.
The Campus Modernization Plan (CMP) was developed with the purpose of enabling the USMMA to meet the Academy’s goals, support its mission, and address emerging trends and priorities of the maritime industry. The CMP identified 41 projects consisting of renovation, demolition and new construction within the campus over a 16-year period to achieve the goals of providing a safe, secure and sustainable campus environment while acknowledging historically significant portions of the Academy.
The CMP Programmatic Environmental Assessment will facilitate the execution of the CMP through:
• Eliminating the need to repeat foundational analyses for similar projects identified within the CMP;
• Identifying and addressing any environmental, cultural resource and regulatory concerns early in the planning process to avoid scheduling delays during the implementation phase of CMP features;
• Providing a clear and transparent process for the public to understand the overarching goal of the CMP and effects of its implementation.
Details for the CMP including individual project details and timelines can be reviewed at: https://www.usmma.edu/about/facilities/campus-modernization
Written comments identifying potential impacts to be analyzed in the PEA are welcomed and will be accepted within 30 days of publication of this public notice. Please submit written comments by mail to: usmmacmp-cenan@usace.army.mil. Comments must be received by July 15, 2026 to be considered in the preparation of the PEA.
