Early Notice and Public Review

of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetlands

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Vermilion Parish Police Jury has determined that the following proposed action under the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery - Mitigation Program is located within a floodplain and may potentially affect wetlands. The Vermilion Parish Police Jury will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain/wetland areas and the potential impacts 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 proposed project includes the construction of flood gates at two locations along Young’s Coulee to reduce reverse-flow flooding while maintaining normal drainage. The flood control structures will be constructed to a certain elevation and supported by earthen levees and will be designed to avoid restricting existing drainage. The proposed project is located southeast of Abbeville, Louisiana at the end of Chester Road then westerly to St. Hilary Road. The north structure is to be located southwest of Erath, Louisiana at Boat Shop Road then northerly to Primeaux Cemetery Road.

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 this area. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, 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 comments about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 the Vermilion Parish Police Jury at the following address on or before October 19, 2026, and may be submitted to Mr. Keith Roy, Parish Administrator, 100 North State Street, Suite 200, Abbeville, 70510. A full description of the project may also be reviewed during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Police Jury Administrative Office. Comments may also be submitted via email to Ms. Kristi Baumgardner kristi@minvielleandassociates.com and Mr. Keith Roy administrator@vppj.org. No action will be taken before that date.

September 30, 2026

Cost: $72.00