AVOYELLES PARISH POLICE JURY

LCDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain

This is to give notice that the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for the Brudd Construction Company Site under Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program. The proposed project is located south of Simmesport at the Avoyelles Parish Port in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. The improvements consist of a 5 h.p. sewage pumping station, 1000 ft. of 8” weighted high density sewer line, one manhole, 600 ft. of 6” weighted high density sewer force main, 700 ft. of 6” weighted high density water pipe, one 6” water backflow preventer, and two 6” gate valves. There are approximately 5 acres of floodplain involved. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ letter of September 12, 2011, stated that the project would have no adverse impact to wetlands. Department of Army permits would be required prior to the deposition or redistribution of dredge material or fill material in jurisdictional wetlands or waters.

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: (i) proposed action, (ii) locating the project outside the 100-year floodplain, (iii) no action alternative. The (ii) alternative is not considered due to the nature of the project. The Brudd Construction Company needs a location at a port to operate, and the proposed site is ideal for their operations. The (iii) alternative will lead to the company moving elsewhere and the potential jobs for Avoyelles Parish will be lost. The proposed action is the most practical alternative.

The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 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 floodplains 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 about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury at the following address on or before November 7, 2011: Avoyelles Parish Police Jury, 312 North Main Street, Marksville, Louisiana 71351and 318-253-9208, Attention: George M. Romano, President, during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Date: October 27, 2011 publication