Public Notice Regarding the Section 106 Review and the Development of a Memorandum of Agreement for the Elevations and Wind Retrofits in the City of New Orleans, Louisiana under the FEMA 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Seeking Public Comment The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricane Katrina (Disaster) and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Louisiana. 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 404 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) implemented pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5206 and its implementing regulations, 44 CFR Part 206. The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has applied for FEMA HMGP funds in order that GOHSEP may in turn provide funding to enable Orleans Parish to assist eligible recipients. The objective of the HMGP program is to accomplish long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the loss of life and property from future disasters. The City of New Orleans Government proposes to retrofit fifty-five (55) residences to provide protection against damaging winds and flooding that may occur in the future. The proposed project will elevate and/or wind fifty-five (55) residences to protect against flooding and sudden impact. FEMA has determined that these structures are contributing elements to National Register Historic Districts and, as such, are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As proposed, the elevation and/or wind retrofit may constitute an Adverse Effect to Historic Properties under 36 CFR 800.5(a)(1). FEMA, in consultation with the SHPO and other consulting parties is developing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to resolve any adverse effects of the Undertaking and thereby satisfy FEMA's responsibilities in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on the development of the MOA. Comments can be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on September 3, 2010 at http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ or by regular mail. Mailed comments should be sent to: FEMA Louisiana Recovery Office Historic Preservation - 4th Floor 1 Seine Court New Orleans, LA 70114 If mailed, comments and requests must be physically received at this address by September 19, 2010.