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Public Notice Regarding Section 106 Review of the Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund’s (Tulane) Proposal to Construct the Tulane Power Plant Super Block Flood Wall, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA - Seeking Public Comment"
The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish, LA. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as part of its responsibilities under the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, 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. Tulane has applied for FEMA hazard mitigation funds to construct a flood wall and dry flood proof existing exterior building walls around a block to protect ten buildings during future flooding events (Undertaking). The location of the proposed three (3) foot tall retaining wall is shown in Figure 1. It will extend from the Woldenberg Art Center East (U083) across Plum Street to the Caroline Richardson Building (U084). It will then connect to the University Health Center Building (U092). From the Health Center Building the wall will run 20 feet to Willow Street, extend 358 feet along Willow Street, and turn the corner at Audubon Street where it will extend 217 feet until it connects with the Power Plant building (U086). Another portion of the wall will be constructed across Plum Street and connect to the Woldenberg Art Center West. A final 26 foot potion of the wall will be constructed on the west side of the Woldenberg Art Center West. Five vehicular automatic flood gates will be included for access points from Audubon Street, Newcomb Place, and Willow Street to the enclosed area. Three pedestrian automatic flood gates are included for walkway access to the University Health Center and the Caroline Richardson Building. The exterior walls of the Power Plant Building, Logistics Building, and Woldenberg Art Center along Audubon Street and Newcomb Place will be dry flood proofed with the hardening of existing walls and the application of waterproofing materials. It is not necessary to harden or waterproof the exterior wall at the Woldenberg Art Center along Plum Street. The remaining exterior wall around the Woldenberg Art Center was previously waterproofed and no additional work will be performed. The exterior walls of the University Health Center and the Caroline Richardson Building may also be waterproofed. Link to PDF document containing images and figures The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for architectural resources includes the city block where the wall will be constructed bounded by Newcomb Place, Willow Street, Audubon Street, and Plum Street and all buildings surrounding this block as shown in Figure 2. The APE for archaeological resources is the area around the perimeter of the block and a small area on the west façade of the Woldenberg Art Center West where ground disturbance is planned and is shown in Figure 3. Several buildings within the APE are identified as contributing structures to the Tulane University of Louisiana National Register Historic District shown on Figure 4. These contributing structures include: Woldenberg Art Center West that is identified on the National Register nomination as the Newcomb Gymnasium; Woldenberg Art Center East that is identified on the National Register nomination as the Newcomb Art School; Newcomb Hall; the Josephine Louise House, and Warren House. The Caroline Richardson Building constructed in 1957, Student Health Center Building constructed in 1959 and modified in 2001, Logistics Building, Garage Building, Physical Plant Building constructed in 1929 with major additions in 1964, and Power Plant Building constructed in 1957 and 1963 were not included within the boundaries of the historic district when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. FEMA is consulting with the SHPO to determine if any of these properties currently meet the National Register eligibility criteria. Photographs of buildings within the APE are shown in Figures 5 - 11. The APE is also located within the Uptown National Register Historic District shown in Figure 12. Link to PDF document containing images and figures The scope of work indicates ground disturbing activities associated with the construction of a flood wall surrounding the Tulane Power Plant. FEMA has reviewed data provided by the SHPO, and determined that there are no known archaeological sites within 0.5 miles of the APE. The 1878 Hardee map depicts the APE as an undeveloped or cutover back swamp, while no coverage of this portion of the campus is provided on the 1883 Robinson map and thus indicates the area was either undeveloped or sparsely developed by this time. By 1909, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map depicts a single dwelling within the current project area. This small structure was located on the corner of Audubon and Plum Streets and is within the Archaeological APE (Figure 13). The 1937 Sanborn Map depicts multiple structures within the block proposed for the floodwall (Figure 14). However, with the exception of a portion of the Power Plant, the structures shown on the 1937 Sanborn map sit back from the road several feet and any remnants of those structures will likely not be affected by the current scope of work as the archaeological APE for the floodwall is located along the perimeter of the block adjacent to the sidewalk and road. Link to PDF document containing images and figures FEMA has determined that the construction of the Tulane Power Plant Super Block Flood Wall may constitute an Adverse Effect to historic properties. FEMA is seeking input from members of the public on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the Adverse Effect. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on this project to FEMA. Comments can be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on September 25, 2009 at http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ or by regular mail. Mailed comments should be sent to:
Federal Emergency Management Agency If mailed, comments and requests must be physically received at this address by October 10, 2009. |