DR-4382-CA Public Notice 010

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Hawker Crawford Storm Drain Flood Project, San Bernardino County, California | HMGP 4382-611-42

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the San Bernardino County Flood Control District in San Bernardino County, California, to mitigate impacts from stormwater overflows by constructing a reinforced concrete box culvert south of and parallel to Beech Avenue (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands Management), and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce flood hazards. The proposed action consists of the following: 1) constructing a 1,700-foot-long reinforced concrete box channel from the Hawker Crawford channel box culvert to the San Sevaine Basin #1; 2) removing and reconstructing portions of Beech Avenue and Cherry Avenue and existing sidewalks, curbs, gutter, and guard rails; 3) replacing a 6-foot-high chain link fence; and 4) merging a secondary existing underground drain (Summit Avenue Storm Drain) with the Hawker Crawford Storm Drain.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06071C7915H, effective August 28, 2009. A portion of the proposed action lies within Zone A, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have not been established. A preliminary wetland delineation performed by the San Bernardino County Flood Control District in 2018 found jurisdictional wetlands within the project area.  

A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer using contact information provided in this notice.

Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1, No Action; Alternative 2: Second Action Alternative. Under Alternative 1, no project would be undertaken. This Alternative is not recommended because the area would remain at risk for flood damage. Alternative 2 included improving the capacity of the existing interim concrete channel by raising the existing channel walls. This Alternative is not recommended due to the need of additional right-of-way and high cost. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be located in the floodplain. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain and would benefit the area by reducing the risk of flooding and flood damage. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The San Bernardino County Flood Control District has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and would be responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.

The project received authorization from the United States Army Corps of Engineers to temporarily impact 0.04 acres of federally jurisdictional wetlands. San Bernardino County Flood Control District would proceed with the project as described in the permit application and implement the general conditions and mitigation measures stipulated in the verification letter. Therefore, adverse impacts on wetlands are not anticipated.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be requested by writing the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607, or fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.