Monroe News-Star
July 12, 2026
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and Wetland
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under 24 CFR Part 50 has determined the following proposed action under Section 221(d)(4) of the National Housing Act is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and wetland. HUD will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order (EO) 11988, as amended by EO 13690, and EO 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.
HUD is proposing provision of insurance for funding the construction of Bienville Crossing at MidCity which will include new construction of a 216-unit multi-family development to be located an aggregated area of approximately 12.658 acres of undeveloped land along Bienville Drive in Monroe, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. As proposed, the project will consist of four (4) multifamily residential buildings, a leasing and recreation building, lawn game area, barbeque areas, pool, cabana, pavilion, dog park, electric charging stations, detention pond and associated surface parking.
The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 annual percent flood approach and the wetlands were identified from an onsite wetland delineation assessment. The entire 12.658-acre property is within the FFRMS floodplain, which includes approximately 0.54 acres of the 100-year floodplain and 12.12 acres of the 500-year floodplain. The project will also directly impact 9.73 acres of wetlands. The purpose of the impacts is for construction of residential buildings, parking, recreational areas, stormwater detention, and an access driveway. Approximately 6.22 acres of the wetlands are jurisdictional and subject to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The USACE has verified that impacts are authorized under a Section 404 permit with compensatory mitigation through the purchase of wetland mitigation credits.
There is minimal potential for historic or cultural resources due to a lack of historic sites in the vicinity. Potential summer habitat for the Tricolored bat is present onsite, however adverse impacts will be minimized by clearing vegetation outside of the pupping season which is between May 1-July 31. Due to private ownership and lack of unique natural features, there is no expected public interest for recreational, scientific, or educational purposes.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and 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 or 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 and 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 and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by HUD at the following address on or before July 28, 2026: HUD Fort Worth Regional Office, 307 W. 7th Street, Unit #1000, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 and (817) 978-5809, Attention: Michael Buis, Technical Branch Chief. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8am to 5pm at the same address as above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Michael.A.buis@hud.gov.
Date:
July 12 2026
LLOU0554869
Miscellaneous Notices