Proposed Construction of the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court Notice of

: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the potential environmental impacts of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s proposal to construct a new modular tribal court building and associated site improvements (the Proposed Action). NEPA requires that federal agencies consider the effects of a proposed action and any reasonable alternatives on the human environment. This draft EA evaluates the potential impacts that would result from the implementation of the Proposed Action as compared to the No Action alternative.

The draft EA is available upon request. Please send an email request to info@clarkgroupllc.com. The draft EA will be provided in electronic format unless a hard copy is specifically requested.

Project Title: Absentee Shawnee Tribal Court

Project Proponent: Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Federal Agency: DOJ, BJA

Project Location: Tribal trust land within the Citizen Potawatomi Nation–Absentee Shawnee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area in Shawnee, Oklahoma, immediately west of the existing Absentee Shawnee Tribe Police Department, at approximate coordinates 35.29583, -96.92520.

Purpose of the Proposed Action: If implemented, the Proposed Action would provide the Absentee Shawnee Tribe with a modern tribal court facility that improves functionality, accessibility, safety, privacy, and long-term capacity for court operations. The project would address deficiencies in the existing court facilities, including inadequate space for court staff and visitors, limited privacy for court operations, insufficient accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and inadequate capacity for current operations and future growth.

Proposed Action Description: The Proposed Action involves installation of an approximately 4,500-square-foot modular tribal court building on a permanent foundation. The project would also include the construction of a parking lot and driveway, pedestrian sidewalks connecting the building to the proposed parking lot and the adjacent Absentee Shawnee Tribe Police Department parking area, and utility connections for water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and natural gas service. Construction would include minor grading and excavation, foundation installation, utility installation, parking and sidewalk construction, modular building installation, and final site restoration. The construction is anticipated to occur over approximately four to six months.

Public Comments: BJA is accepting comments on this EA from September 1, 2026 through the end of the day on September 30, 2026. Comments should be submitted by email to info@clarkgroupllc.com, or mailed to The Clark Group, LLC, 137 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

Date of Posting: September 1, 2026