DR-4398-GU Public Notice 004

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Warehouse 1 Hardening Project, Cabras Island, Piti, Guam │ HMGP-4398-01-01

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 typhoon-related wind and rain damage to the interior of Warehouse 1 at the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port of Guam by installing a replacement security door and 11 roll-up doors in several bays. 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 hazards at the Port. The proposed action consists of 1) demolition and disposal of 9 existing swing doors and 1 access door; 2) repairs to the spalled concrete jam areas for the newly installed doors; 3) replacement of existing damaged doors with a security access door and 11 roll-up doors in several bays of Warehouse 1.

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.

Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1, No Action and Alternative 2: Replace the Entire Structure. Alternative 1 would not renovate or upgrade Warehouse 1 with a replacement security door and roll-up doors. This Alternative is not recommended because it would not meet the purpose and need for the project, to prevent future inundation of the interior of the structure or any associated damage due to strong wind-driven rain. Alternative 2 would replace the Warehouse 1 building in its entirety. This Alternative is not recommended due to the high associated cost and level of effort. Alternative 2 could potentially have greater impacts on the floodplain from construction activities. Alternatives outside of the floodplain are not feasible because of the need for the warehouse to be located close to the edge of the wharf for cargo transfer. 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 potential injury or loss of life and equipment damage caused by 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.