PUBLIC NOTICE

- - -

Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Maplewood Area Drainage Improvements

Along 3rd St.

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity

in a 100-Year Floodplain

To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice Jefferson Parish has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Hurricane Isaac Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program and HUD grant # HMGP-DR (B-13-US-22-0001).

The proposed project includes the removal of some of the existing subsurface drainage piping, structures and inlets and replacement with larger sizes in the Maplewood Subdivision area along 3rd Street, in Harvey, LA, in Jefferson Parish, to increase flow capacity. The work will include but not be limited to removal of existing subsurface storm drains, inlets, manholes, and structures and replacement with new larger storm drains [approximately 672 linear feet of 60 Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) and 23 feet of 24 Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP)], inlets, manholes, and structures; replacement of drainage laterals as required; installation of new storm drains, structures, inlets, and replacement of water lines, including system components, as required for drainage work; installation of new junction/conflict boxes as needed; full depth removal and replacement of existing paved areas including roadways, sidewalks, driveways, and handicapped ramps, where required; adjustments/offsets/replacements of existing utilities where there may be a conflict with the new drainage work; excavation, sheeting, backfill; related appurtenances/work. The improvements will increase the drainage design capacity but will not change the service area. All work will be done in the existing public right of way, which is approximately 50 feet wide.

The purpose of the project is to address flooding that occurred from Hurricane Isaac and to prevent similar negative impacts from occurring in future storms. The improvements are expected to have a positive impact on the floodplain due to the increased storm water runoff drainage capacity for the service area. Approximately 6.53 acres of the projects service area are in the 100-year floodplain. Actual construction of the improvements will take place within a total of approximately 1.25 acres in the 100-year floodplain. The project is not located in a wetland and no impacts on wetlands are anticipated. The construction will be funded through the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development Hurricane Isaac CDBG Disaster Recovery Program. The location of the proposed project is described above.

During construction, the contractor will be required to maintain temporary erosion control. The contractor will also be required to develop and implement a storm water pollution prevention plan.

Jefferson Parish has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:

Alternative 1: Locate the Project Outside of the Floodplain: The purpose of the project is to upgrade existing drainage infrastructure in the Maplewood Subdivision area along 3rd Street to address flooding that occurred during Hurricane Isaac. The improvements being made will increase storm water runoff drainage capacity of the drainage for the service area. Because of the existing drainage infrastructure layout and hydraulic design considerations, upgrades to the piping segments where shown are required to reduce flooding in the area. The project area is located in the FEMA 100-year floodplain, as are large portions of Harvey. Locating the project outside of the floodplain is not feasible.

Alternative 2: Alternative method to serve the project objective: An alternative method to serve the project objective was also considered. The objective of the project is to reduce flooding in the project area for future storm events like Hurricane Isaac. An alternative explored consisted of a complete re-design and reconstruction of the drainage system where drainage lines are re-routed so that flow is re-directed to other areas and discharge points. It would also require reworking topography and elevations in the area and will likely require drainage pump stations. This would impact more of the floodplain than the proposed project and would not be cost effective.

Alternative 3: No Action: If no action is taken, then flooding for future events like Hurricane Isaac will not be addressed and reduced. Therefore, the decision to take no action has been deemed as an unacceptable alternative.

Jefferson Parish has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

In accordance with provisions of the American with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, as amended, Jefferson Parish shall not discriminate against individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs or activities. If you require auxiliary aids or devices, or other reasonable accommodation under the ADA Amendments Act, please submit your request to the ADA Coordinator at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance or as soon as practical. A seventy- two (72) hour advanced notice is required to request Certified ASL interpreters.

The contact information is as follows: ADA Coordinator Office of Citizens with Disabilities, 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 403, Jefferson, LA 70123, (504) 736-6100, ADA@jeffparish.net.

Written comments must be received by Jefferson Parish at the following address on or before December 7, 2022: Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development, 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 605, Jefferson, LA 70123, 504-736-6262, Attention: Stephanie Brumfield, Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the address listed above and at www.jeffparish.net. Comments may also be submitted via email at JPCDprograms@jeffparish.net.

Date: November 29, 2022

15307-nov 29-1t