Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and/or Wetland
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed actions under the Home Recovery Alabama Program -Tornado Recovery, Grant Number B-23-01-0001, may include properties located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and/or wetland, and ADECA will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain/wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain/wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and/or Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project(s) will be located in Dallas County and Autauga County in the State of Alabama. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 percent flood approach.
ADECA is conducting a Tier I Broad Level environmental review of proposed single-family rehabilitation/ reconstruction project activities. Project activities will include rehabilitation, reconstruction, replacement, demolition, and elevation of single-family homes. The proposed project(s) will be located in multiple locations throughout Dallas and Autauga County, with the exact location of site-specific projects determined at a later date. Site-specific project activities will be conducted on previously developed residential properties and no project activities will result in new construction in a wetland. Homes located in the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) floodplain or the 0.2-percent-annual-chance (500-year) floodplain, that receive assistance for reconstruction, repair of substantial damage, or substantial improvement, will be elevated in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations or requirements, including 24 CFR Part 55. All homes assisted through the program within the 100-year floodplain will require the maintenance of flood insurance in perpetuity. When replacement of a mobile home unit (MHU) is not feasible at the same location as the original structure, the MHU will be replaced at an alternative location. The alternate location must be a previously developed residential property/parcel, zoned to allow for installation of an MHU and have ready access to sewer, water, and electric connections. Additionally, the alternate site cannot be located in the 100-year or 500-year floodplain.
According to the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, Dallas County contains approximately 182,953 acres of 100-year floodplain and 8,004 acres of 500-year floodplain. In Autauga County, there are approximately 57,885 acres of 100-year floodplain and 3,777 acres of 500-year floodplain. Neither county contains Coastal High Hazard Areas (V Zones) or Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LIMWA) areas. Additionally, Dallas County includes approximately 160,634 acres of designated wetlands, while Autauga County includes approximately 70,199 acres, as identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory. Floodplains and wetlands provide important ecological benefits, supporting diverse habitats for fish and wildlife. They also play a critical role in stormwater storage and conveyance, water quality protection, and groundwater recharge.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain/wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain/wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain/wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination
of information and request for public comment about floodplain/wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in a floodplain/wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the ADECA at the following address on or before May 14, 2025 Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, P.O. Box 5690, Montgomery, AL 26103-5690 and (334) 353-1028, Attention: Kenneth W. Boswell, Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the same address as above and at https://adeca.alabama.gov/2023tornadoes/ . Comments may also be submitted via email at DisaterRecovery@adeca.alabama.gov.
Date of Posting: April 29,2025 – May 14,2025
ADECA 2023 Tornadoes – Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity Floodplain
ADECA 2023 Tornadoes Floodplain map
ADECA 2023 Tornadoes Wetlands Map
