DR-4398-GU Public Notice 003

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Fendering System Hardening Project, Cabras Island, Piti, Guam │ HMGP-4398-02-02

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 Port Authority of Guam on Cabras Island, Piti, Guam, to mitigate impacts from wind and water surges associated typhoons, earthquakes, and storm surge events by replacing the deteriorated cylindrical fendering and rubber arch leg fendering systems located at Piers F3 through F6 at the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port of Guam. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain 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 typhoon and earthquake hazards at the Port. The proposed action consists of 1) removal of the deteriorated cylindrical fendering system and installation of eleven 10-foot by 2-foot cylindrical fendering systems (including cylindrical rubber fender, open link chain, dee shackle bolt, and bolt and foot rod); 2) removal of the deteriorated rubber arch system components (rubber legs and galvanized bolts) and installation of 30 rubber arch fender legs (arch rubber fender legs, chain, and bolt) in 15 frontal fendering systems.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 6600010066D, effective September 28, 2007. 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 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.

One alternative to the proposed action was considered: Alternative 1, No Action. Alternative 1 would not renovate and upgrade Warehouse 1 with a replacement security door and roll-up doors. This Alternative is not recommended because it would not meet the purpose of the project, to protect the Port Authority of Guam’s critical wharf assets from future damage from natural hazards. Alternatives outside of the floodplain are not feasible because the wharf is functionally dependent on its location in the floodplain. 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 typhoon-related wind and rain damage. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The Port Authority of Guam has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and is responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.

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, or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.