?Early Notice and Public
Review of a Proposed
Activity in a 100-Year
Floodplain or Wetland
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Louisiana Office of Community Development (LA OCD) under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under Statewide Federal Assistance for Homeowner Recovery Programs may be located in the 100-year floodplain and or wetland, and LA OCD will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain/wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain/wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The LA OCD is proposing to implement programs to assist homeowners and rental unit owners and tenants that have been and continue to be affected by disasters. These applicants and intended recipients of current or upcoming programs are homeowners and rental unit owners/tenants who are at various stages of rehabilitating residences in existing locations or relocating. These grants provide for construction financing activities in addition to any previous federal loans or funds received in order to provide assistance to eligible homeowners to rebuild and re-occupy their homes and rental units or participate in buyout and relocation programs with the goals of rebuilding neighborhoods, reducing blight, mitigating against future storms and increasing overall resiliency. For consideration, the scope of the proposed construction-related activities will consist of either major or minor rehabilitation, reconstruction, elevation or demolition within the original footprint of each damaged structure or developed lot. Under the buyout option, properties with pre-existing structures may be retained as greenspace following demolition with homeowners relocated to more resilient areas. In some cases, new construction or elevation may be required with potential expansion beyond or outside of the footprint of the original structure and utilities. The proposed project is located across various residential properties in up to all 64 parishes of Louisiana.
In accordance with Executive Order 11988, LA OCD has determined that the proposed project activities could affect up to an estimated total of 21,250 acres with a substantial portion of these activities anticipated to be located within the 100-year floodplain. In accordance with Executive Order 11990, the total number of homes and combined acreage of these properties that are proximal to wetlands listed in the National Wetland Inventory will be reviewed on an individual basis after being identified. However, at this time, given the nature of the proposed activities and previous correspondence with state and federal agencies for similar projects, zero acres of wetlands impact are anticipated as a result of this project.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain/wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by Tina Cantrell of LA OCD at the following address on or before November 18, 2021: State of Louisiana, Office of Community Development Post Office Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095 and (225) 342-1731, Attention: Ms. Tina Cantrell, Environmental Specialist. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 617 N. Third St. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Comments may also be submitted via email at Tina.Cantrell@la.gov.
RUN: Oct. 28 (O 26)