To: All interested Agencies Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Home Recovery Alabama Program -Tornado Recovery, Grant Number B-23-01-0001.
The proposed project(s) will be located in Dallas and Autauga Counties in the State of Alabama and may include properties located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and/or wetland. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 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 locations throughout Dallas and Autauga Counties, 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. 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.
ADECA has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland:
Alternative 1 (Selected Alternative): Perform project activities in the floodplain and/or wetland. No project work will be completed in the floodway, except for the removal of buildings and improvements from the floodway. Alternative 2: All Single-family homes selected for the Program must be outside the floodplain and wetland. Alternative 3: Relocating homes outside the floodplain and wetland, and Alternative 4: No-Action Alternative. It is ADECA’s determination that Alternative 1 is the only viable alternative. This is due to: 1) the need to provide relief from the effects of the 2023 tornadoes; 2) the need to support necessary repairs and rehabilitation to improve residents’ health, safety, and well-being, and to enhance the structural integrity and preservation of owner-occupied homes; 3) the desire to avoid displacing residents who prefer to remain at their current location.; and 4) the ability to mitigate and minimize impacts on human health, property, and floodplain/wetland values, as all rehabilitation and reconstruction work will involve existing homes on developed residential lots.
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 floodplain or wetland. Project activities adjacent to wetlands will require implementation of best management practices to prevent impacts to water quality and wetlands ecosystems. Additionally, the project will comply with any state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures, as required.
ADECA has reevaluated alternatives to completing rehabilitation/reconstruction activities in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in a 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the 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 ADECA at the following address on or before May 27, 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 401 Adams Avenue, Ste. 580, Montgomery, AL 36104 and https://adeca.alabama.gov/2023tornadoes/. Comments may also be submitted via email at DisaterRecovery@adeca.alabama.gov.
Date of Posting: May 19, 2025 – May 26, 2025
