Final Public Notice: ACD3 Salado Reconstruct

ACD3 SALADO RECONSTRUCT
APACHE COUNTY, ARIZONA
HMGP 4620-001-002R

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 Apache County (Subapplicant) in Apache County, Arizona, to mitigate impacts of flooding by reconstructing and upgrading stormwater infrastructure that has been damaged in recent flood events (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 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 to residences and the County road system. The proposed action consists of the following: 1) improving the Williams Wash culvert crossing; 2) reconstructing the channel bifurcation structure; 3) detention basin improvements; 4) constructing a new detention basin and low water crossing; 5) reconstructing the existing damaged low water crossing. 

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 04001C4150E, effective date December 27, 2007. The FIRM shows that the proposed action lies within Zone D, an area with possible but undetermined flood hazard. Based on a review of topography and aerial photography, it appears that the project area is located in a floodplain. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory map shows riverine habitat within the project area.

A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain and wetlands is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region 9 Environmental Officer using the contact information provided in this notice. 

Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1: No Action; and Alternative 2: Second Action. Alternative 1 is not recommended because it would not implement flood hazard reduction and the County would continue to experience recurring flood damage. Alternative 2 would improve the Williams Wash culvert crossing and reconstruct the existing damaged low water crossing. This Alternative is not recommended because it would improve existing damaged infrastructure but would not reduce the risk of flooding and flood damage. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be 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. Apache County 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.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be requested by writing the FEMA Region 9 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.