Final Public Notice: Solano Justice Campus Asset Protection Project

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLANO JUSTICE CAMPUS ASSET PROTECTION PROJECT
SOLANO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
HMGP-4610-910-055R

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 Solano County (Subapplicant), in the City of Fairfield, California, to preform flood mitigation activities. 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 localized flood risks in an area with historic flood events and prevent further damages and displacement of services. The proposed action consists of: 1) the removal and replacement of existing underground infrastructure elements (i.e., storm drain pipes and catch basins to improve stormwater capacity; 2) the installation of low barrier walls, hydraulic gates, and landscaped berms; 3) construction of new pedestrian and vehicle ramps on Union Street, Delaware Street, and Washington Street to provide access to the site during normal operations and allow for emergency access during severe storm events; and 4) installation of improved security measures including new pedestrian facilities, lighting features, vehicle access gates, card readers, and metal fencing.

The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number 06095C0456F, effective August 3, 2016. The majority of the proposed action lies within Zone X, an area with minimal flood hazard. The eastern portion of the project site is in a 100-year flood zone, which has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year. The remainder of the project area is in a flood zone with a 0.2-percent probability of flooding every year.

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: build a new detention pond with supporting infrastructure. Alternative 1 is not recommended because if no action is taken, the Justice Campus will continue to experience serious water inundation and related damages frequently. Alternative 2 included building a new detention pond at Lee Bell Park, installing a new pump station and new pipes at Washington Street, an addition of a new force main at Texas Street, and a new pump station on State Street. Additionally, Alternative 2 included building a floodwall on either side of Clay Street and a new detention pond at Armijo High School. This Alternative is not recommended due to problems with agency coordination, permit-ability, and aesthetics. 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. Solano 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 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.