Public involvement is an important part of developing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Department of Defense guidance. Public and agency input allows decision makers to benefit from local knowledge and consider local issues and concerns.
The public participates in the NEPA process during the following key stages:
Public Scoping Period: The public helps to identify the scope of analysis, environmental resource areas, and potential alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS. Input received during the public scoping period is considered in the development of the Draft EIS.
The public scoping period ended on July 11, 2022. Input received during the public scoping period was considered in the development of the Draft EIS. A public scoping meeting was held virtually on June 23, 2022. Click here to view the public scoping presentation and meeting recording.
The U.S. Navy invites the public to submit comments on the Draft EIS during the 45-day public review and comment period from July 18 to Sept. 3, 2025.
Comments must be postmarked or submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Sept. 3, 2025, to be considered in the development of the Final EIS.
Submit comments in one of the following ways:
Members of the media with a query may contact Ms. Julianne Leinenveber with the Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Office at julianne.e.leinenveber.civ@us.navy.mil or 360-867-8525.
Visit the Proposed Action page to learn about the Proposed Action and alternatives.
The Navy is holding a public meeting to provide information about the Proposed Action and environmental analysis. Project team members will be available at information stations to answer questions. The public may arrive at any time during the hours specified below. There will not be a formal presentation. The meeting will be held on:
Aug. 7, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m.
MARVIN WILLIAMS RECREATION CENTER (Gymnasium)
725 Park Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98337
To submit a public comment for consideration in development of the Final EIS, please click on the Comment Form link below.
Comment FormThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is a U.S. federal environmental law that requires federal agencies to consider the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making a decision. NEPA ensures reasonable alternatives to the proposed action are explored, potential impacts to the environment are thoroughly analyzed, and the public has an opportunity to provide input. In compliance with NEPA, the Navy is preparing an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing a new dry dock and associated waterfront infrastructure improvements at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF).
Concurrent with the NEPA process, the Navy is conducting the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 process. The NHPA requires federal agencies to identify historic properties within the project area, determine potential effects to identified historic properties, and consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer, federally recognized Tribes, and other interested parties. Historic properties include districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects listed or eligible for listing in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, including National Historic Landmarks.
| Milestone | Description | Current EIS Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of Intent | Announces an agency’s intent to prepare an EIS | June 8, 2022 |
 Public Scoping Period (Opportunity for public comment) |
Public process to review and comment on the scope and issues to be analyzed in the EIS |
Comment Period: June 8 to July 11, 2022 Virtual Public Scoping Meeting: June 23, 2022 |
| Draft EIS | Presents the analysis of potential environmental impacts for each identified alternative | July 18, 2025 |
| We Are Here Draft EIS Public Review and Comment Period (Opportunity for public comment) |
Opportunity for public review and comment on the analysis presented in the Draft EIS |
Comment Period: July 18 to Sept. 3, 2025 Public Meeting: Aug. 7, 2025 |
| Final EIS | Includes updates to the Draft EIS and responses to public comments received during the Draft EIS comment period | Summer 2026 |
| 30-Day Wait Period | Opportunity for the public to see how their comments on the Draft EIS were addressed | Summer 2026 |
| Record of Decision | Announces the Navy’s formal decision on the selected alternative | Summer/Fall 2026 |
Opportunity for Public Comment
