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Lusher Elementary School (map: Google 2014, photo: FEMA) |
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Bridge, connecting main and rear building of school |
As part of the School Facilities Master Plan, the Recovery School District is requesting that FEMA provide funds2 to refurbish Lusher Elementary School, including the demolition of the bridge connection between two buildings and the construction of a new connector building that will house an elevator.
Federal regulations require FEMA, as a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties are historic (listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places); to assess the effects the work will have on historic properties; 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.
The Lusher Elementary School campus is historic as a contributing element within the Uptown New Orleans National Register Historic District. FEMA determined that this project has a low potential to affect archaeological historic properties.
FEMA determined that the proposed refurbishment, that requires the demolition of the bridge and construction of a new connection, will have an adverse effect to historic properties.
To help develop a course of action for this project, FEMA is requesting input by September 2, 2014 from any member of the public on ways to avoid or minimize the bridge demolition and any ideas on how mitigate the adverse effects to this historic building.
Comments can be posted at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site)
Or mailed to:
FEMA Mail Center/Historic Preservation
1500 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
All comments must be posted or postmarked by September 2, 2014
1The 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 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. FEMA is also required to fulfill the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (NEPA regulations, 43 FR 55978 (1978)) that provide policy and procedures to enable FEMA officials to be informed and to 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
2In 2009, FEMA, RSD, Orleans Parish School Board, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation entered into a Secondary Programmatic Agreement in order to fulfill FEMA's responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA and 36 CFR Part 800 regarding the implementation of the School Facilities Master Plan, which will be funded with assistance from FEMA and other Federal agencies.
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