Seeking Public Comment "
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Public Notice Regarding Section 106 Review of the Proposal to Fund Elevation at One Private Residence Located along Bayou Yscloskey in Yscloskey, St. Bernard Parish, LA
The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many residential buildings in Yscloskey, St. Bernard 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 (NHPA). This notice applies to activities funded by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program pursuant to Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5170c, and its implementing regulations, 44 CFR part 206, subpart N.
The Office of Community Development proposes to use FEMA funds to elevate one private residential structure in Yscloskey, LA that is subject to, or in danger of repetitive damage as a result of natural forces. The scope of work entails physically raising the building to an elevation at or above the Base Flood Elevation, as required by FEMA and/or local ordinance. Foundations must be designed to properly address all loads and effects, be appropriately connected to the floor structure above, and utilities properly elevated. The elevation must meet all applicable FEMA guidelines, the applicable International Building Code, and all other applicable state and local regulations. In 2007, the property was elevated using an open foundation through the use of piers. Ground disturbance associated with the elevation included recovery of the building from the rear portion of the lot, storage of the structure on cribbing material, excavation to lay the new foundation, and staging of construction equipment. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 36 CFR Part 800: The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if the proposed elevation will affect properties that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the proposed elevation will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. FEMA's Section 106 responsibilities for this undertaking are further outlined within the Louisiana State-Specific Programmatic Agreement Among the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP); Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer of the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism (SHPO); Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas (ACTT); Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana (CTL); Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO); Jena Band of Choctaw Indians (JBCI); Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI); Seminole Tribe of Florida (STF); and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Regarding FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (LA HMGP PA). The LA HMGP PA also outlines a limited exception granted to FEMA to retroactively fund residential properties with eligible hazard mitigation actions initiated without prior Section 106 review for Hurricane Katrina between August 29, 2005 and January 15, 2008. As part of its Section 106 responsibilities, however, FEMA must still retroactively consider adverse effects that its funding had on historic properties. The elevation of the structure in Yscloskey, LA and the associated ground disturbing activity took place within the boundaries of an archaeological site that is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This archaeological site was determined by FEMA, in consultation with SHPO, in November 2007 to be eligible for the National Register under Criterion D. This site could provide information about the occupation of this portion of Louisiana from approximately 1 A.D. through to the 19th century. The most significant occupation appears to be associated with the Coles Creek Culture (700 to 1100 A.D.) when this location functioned as a religious and civic center. FEMA determined that the elevation activities adversely affected this archaeological site through ground disturbance which permanently destroyed aspects of the site's integrity and ability to provide information about the past. FEMA will fulfill its Section 106 responsibilities for this property through the development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA will document FEMA's review of ways to mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed Undertaking. FEMA is seeking input from members of the public on ways to mitigate the Adverse Effects. 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 18, 2012 by posting online at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site); or sending a letter through the mail to:
FEMA Mail Center If mailed, comments and requests must be postmarked by October 2, 2012. |
