Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain & Regulatory Floodway
To: All interested Agencies: HUD, GLO, City of Friendswood, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Friendswood under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery, CDBG-DR under HUD Contract B-17-DM-48-0001. The proposed project(s) is located on Deepwood and Woodvine in Friendswood, Galveston County. The project activities include acquisition and removal of twelve single family homes on the property and maintaining the land as greenspace and future flood control. These properties have experienced damage during multiple storm events making them Repetitive Loss structures. The purpose of this activity is to prevent future loss and damages by removing the structures and restoring the property to the floodplain. The project area is approximately five acres, all of which is in the Regulatory Floodway. This project will benefit the natural function of the floodplain, restore native habitat for wildlife and vegetation and prevent future loss and damages of property.
The City of Friendswood have considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: In order to remove the structures from and restore the floodplain, this action must take place in the floodplain. Alternatives considered for this program include buyout projects using pre-storm values, reconstruction of residential properties or no action. Buying out properties with pre-storm values was not a viable option as most homeowners had already started repairs on their homes post-disaster. Reconstruction of residential properties was considered but because most residents had already filed insurance claims or received funding from other sources such as FEMA or charitable organizations, this alternative was removed from consideration. By not taking action, the property would remain at risk for loss and damages during heavy rain events. The following mitigation measures will be taken to minimize adverse impacts and preserve natural and beneficial functions and values of the floodplain: SWPPP measures, erosion control, site stabilization, adequate disposal and containment measures of demolition debris, and pre-demolition surveys for asbestos are some of the best management practices that will be in place for this project. The City of Friendswood acknowledge compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures.
The City of Friendswood has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and have determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Friendswood at the following address on or before March 9, 2023: City of Friendswood Fire Marshal’s Office, 1600 Whitaker Dr., Friendswood TX. 77546, 281-996-3335. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 7:30AM-5:30PM Monday – Thursday, 8:00AM-5:00PM Friday in the City Secretary’s Office at 910 S. Friendswood Dr. and at https://www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/. Comments may also be submitted via email at eoc@friendswood.com.
Date: 3/1/2023