Public Notice NHPA1 Seeking Public Comment for FEMA-funded Construction of a New Gymnasium and Early Learning Center, 715 Opelousas Avenue, New Orleans, LA Figure 1: Map showing the proposed Area of Potential Effect in red Figure 2: Aerial image showing the location of APE (orange outline). Area of direct impacts for archaeology is outlined in red (Google 2018) As part of FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program, the Recovery School District will use FEMA funds to construct a new gymnasium and early learning center on the site of the former Behrman Elementary School gymnasium/field house at 715 Opelousas Avenue, New Orleans. Federal regulations require FEMA, a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties are historic, defined as listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); 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. FEMA has determined that the project site is located within the Algiers Point National Register Historic District. Archaeological investigations revealed that a portion of the project site contains extensive deposits associated with the original McDonogh No. 5 School, constructed in 1882 as a public grammar and primary school for both male and female African American children. FEMA determined that the deposits are eligible for NRHP. The new buildings are designed to be compatible with the surrounding historic district, but the archaeological resources cannot be preserved or avoided by the proposed new construction. FEMA is requiring archaeological mitigation of the area prior to construction. RSD will also develop a public interpretive plan regarding the history of McDonogh No. 5 School. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on how the project has affected historic properties and ways that these effects may be minimized or mitigated. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on how the project may affect historic properties and ways that these effects may be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. To help develop a course of action for this project, FEMA is requesting your input by March 17, 2021. Comments can be posted at this website:   https://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106 Or mail comments to: FEMA Mail Center/Environmental Historic Preservation 1500 Main Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Or email comments to: fema-liro-ehp-pa@fema.dhs.gov 1  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 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 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.