The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent widespread
flooding severely damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish. In the aftermath of the hurricanes,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as part of its
responsibilities under 36 CFR Part 800, the regulations implementing Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This notice applies to activities carried
out by the Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.§§ 5152-5206.
The City of New Orleans has determined that many of the buildings severely damaged by the
hurricanes are an imminent threat to public health and safety. As part of its mission under the PA
program, FEMA is proposing to fund the demolition of privately-owned residential buildings
that pose such a threat. The regulations cited above require FEMA, as the funding agency, to
identify if any of the properties proposed for demolition are eligible for the National Register of
Historic Places; to assess the effect the demolition will have on historic resources; and to seek
ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.
(1) FEMA has conducted a survey of the properties proposed for demolition. In previous public
notices, FEMA has requested the aid of the public in identifying if any of the buildings are of
historic significance. In consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO), FEMA has determined that many of the buildings proposed for demolition are not
eligible for the National Register. For informational purposes, the addresses of these buildings
can be found at www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106.
(2) Regarding those buildings proposed for demolition that FEMA, in consultation with SHPO,
has found eligible for the National Register, FEMA is requesting the aid of the public in
identifying alternatives to demolition. Any member of the public who has specific practical
information on feasible alternatives to demolition for any of these buildings is encouraged to
respond. Alternative proposals should include a source of funding for stabilization and/or repairs
and the timeframe required to accomplish these actions.
For a list of the property addresses and to suggest specific alternatives to demolition, visit
www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106. This information will be accepted for a 15-day
period beginning on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. Comments should be submitted to FEMA at the
website or by regular mail to:
FEMA LA TRO
Historic Preservation
1250 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70113
If mailed, comments must be physically received at this address by October 28, 2008.
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