INITIAL PUBLIC NOTICE

NON-DISASTER GRANT PROGRAM

FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE ELEVATIONS, ACQUISITIONS, AND FLOOD CONTROL ACTIVITES

STATE OF LOUISIANA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice to the public of its intent to provide funds to eligible applicants for eligible costs for Non-Disaster Grants (NDG) projects. This notice applies to the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program implemented under the authority of Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended, and Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, respectfully.

FMA provides funding to states, territories, federally recognized tribes, and local communities for projects and planning that reduces or eliminates long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. FMA funding is also available for management costs. Funding is appropriated by Congress annually. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is posted on www.Grants.gov. The fiscal year (FY) 2021 FMA Fact Sheet provides an overview of the agency's priorities for this year. FEMA announced the FY 2021 application cycle on August 9, 2021. The application period was September 30, 2021 through January 28, 2022.

This public notice concerns grants that were submitted during FY 2021 application period. The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce risk of flood hazards to properties in the Parishes of Asension, Calcasieu, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, East Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Rapides, St. Tammany, Tangiphoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, and the City of Slidell. The proposed action consists of elevating 200 buildings to at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation, acquiring and demolishing eight buildings within the flood hazard area, and constructing flood control structures that include storage and diversion elements at the McKinley Diversion and Corporation Canal in East Baton Rouge. Acquired properties would be dedicated as open green space for the protection of floodplain functions in perpetuity. Some elevations would install green infrastructure elements that may include rain barrels, rain gardens, or pervious pavement. The floodwater storage and diversion structure elements would include nature-based solutions and stormwater management interventions. The proposed action would mitigate impacts from repetitive flood damage to these buildings. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and FEMAÕs implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its intent to carry out an action affecting a floodplain and wetlands. It covers activities that may affect historic properties, activities that are located in or affect wetland areas or the 100-year floodplain, and critical actions within the 500-year floodplain. Such activities may adversely affect historic properties, floodplains, or wetlands, or may result in continuing vulnerability to flood damage.

The Presidential Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Wetland Protection) require that all federal actions in or affecting floodplains or wetlands be reviewed for opportunities to relocate out of the floodplain or wetland, and be evaluated for social, economic, historical, environmental, legal, and safety considerations. Where there is no opportunity to relocate, FEMA is required to undertake a detailed review to determine what measures can be taken to minimize future damage. The public is invited to participate in the process of identifying alternatives and analyzing potential impacts through this notification.