Public Notice NHPA/NEPA Seeking Public Comment for St. Bernard Parish's Proposal to demolish the residences at 615 - 17 Angela Avenue1 and 6729 Bienvenue Street, Arabi, St. Bernard Parish, LA Arabi, Saint Bernard Parish (Google 2013) 615-17 Angela Avenue. Arabi, LA 6729 Bienvenue Street, A St. Bernard Parish has identified 615-17 Angela Ave.2 and 6729 Bienvenue St. as imminent threats to public health and requested FEMA Public Assistance to provide funding for their demolition. These residences are contributing properties to the Old Arabi Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. FEMA has researched the potential for archaeological resources in each direct project area, and determined that these projects have a low potential to affect archaeological resources. Federal regulations, 36 CFR Part 800 and 44 CFR Part 10, require FEMA, as a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties affected by the project are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the project will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects to historic properties; and to evaluate the proposed action's potential for significant impacts to the human and natural environment.3 To help develop a course of action for this project, FEMA is requesting input by January 27, 2014 from any member of the public on ways to avoid demolition or mitigate adverse effects to this historic building or other significant elements of the human and natural environment. Comments can be posted at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site) Or mailed to: FEMA Mail Center/Historic Preservation 1 Seine Court, New Orleans, LA 70114 All comments must be posted or postmarked by January 27, 2014 1 Angela Avenue is also labeled as Angela Street on several references including SHPO's NRHP database: http://www.crt.state.la.us/hp/nationalregister/nhl/document2.asp?name=44006001.pdf&title=Old+Arabi+Historic+District and Google maps. FEMA determined to use the name, Angela Avenue, as it is the name provided by the Applicant. 2 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 regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). 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. 3 FEMA is required to follow the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (NEPA regulations, 43 FR 55978 [1978]) that provide policy and procedures to enable FEMA officials to be informed of and take into account environmental considerations when authorizing or approving major FEMA actions that may significantly affect the environment of the United States. It is the intent of NEPA that federal agencies encourage and facilitate public involvement to the extent practicable in decisions that may affect the quality of the environment. More information on NEPA and FEMA's Alternative Arrangements process can be found on FEMA's web page at: https://www.fema.gov/new-orleans-metropolitan-area-infrastructure-projects-6