|
SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT on FEMA’s Section 106 and NEPA Reviews: Disaster-Related Repairs to Ft. Jackson, 220 Herbert Harvey Drive, Buras, LA
FEMA reviewed requests by PPG in 2007, 2010, and 2011 to fund debris removal and repairs at the fort. In response to PPG's 2012 request to fund a second phase of repairs that would have greatly expanded the scope of future work, FEMA determined to address its Section 106 responsibilities through a Programmatic Agreement. This agreement was not finalized. FEMA recently defined the scope of repair work, and does not anticipate funding the majority of work included in the second phase with monies allocated to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As a result, FEMA is terminating the consultation to develop a Programmatic Agreement. FEMA will conduct the Section 106 consultation for any eligible work related to damages from Hurricane Isaac when that scope of work is refined. The updated scope of work includes additional repairs that were not included in previous reviews: repairs to Stair I, the Boardwalk, Batteries Millar and Ransom, and the Sallyport; replacement of picnic tables, BBQ grills, and concrete benches; and the removal of debris, silt, and architectural elements from the moat. Federal regulations require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if any historic properties will be affected; to assess the effect on historic properties; and to evaluate the proposed action's potential for significant impacts to the human and natural environment. FEMA has determined that the current scope of work will have No Adverse Effect on Historic Properties.
Any member of the public may provide view on this project to FEMA. Please provide this information to FEMA by August 20, 2016. Post your comments soon - all comments must be posted or postmarked by August 20, 2016.
1Caused by the high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Southeastern Louisiana. 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. 2Historic properties are either listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. |
Plaquemines Parish Government (PPG) has applied to FEMA for funds to repair damages to Ft. Jackson caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.1 Ft. Jackson is a decommissioned military fort constructed between 1822 and 1832, and is located forty miles upriver from the mouth of the Mississippi. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1967. Ft. Jackson contains NRHP archaeological resources recorded as archaeological site number 16PL38.