FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Deshka River Steward’s Cabin Replacement Project
Matanuska – Susitna Borough, Alaska
Public Assistance Project Worksheet No. 73-1
FEMA-1663-DR-AK 

The Matanuska – Susitna Borough (Mat-Su Borough), Alaska applied through the State of Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended, to replace a damaged Recreational Area Steward’s Cabin. The Mat-Su Borough decided to build a new Steward’s Cabin in a new location trail rather take No Action or repair the damaged Cabin that occurred August 15 – 25, 2006.  The event was declared a Presidential disaster (FEMA-1663-DR-AK). 

The Mat-Su Borough would construct a new complex consisting of: an elevated two-story Steward’s Cabin (20 feet by 24 feet), a portable toilet, and a small (12 feet by 12 feet) storage shed on the peninsula between the mouth of the Deshka and Susitna Rivers.  Construction activities would include: clearing and grubbing areas of vegetation; minor excavation, and construction/installation of structures.  Relocating the complex will result in the complex being located outside of the active floodplain and onto higher ground to avoid risk of exposure to future flood events.  

The Mat-Su Borough will provide environmental conservation measures and comply with Environmental and Historic Preservation regulations by 1) implementing its conservation measures and construction Best Management Practices in accordance with those outlined in the Final Environmental Assessment for this project; 2) monitor construction activities and stop work and consult with the Tribes and SHPO if any cultural resources are discovered during construction; and 3) applying for and securing appropriate federal, state and local permits.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and FEMA’s implementing regulations, FEMA prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts resulting from the alternatives presented in the EA and to determine whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Alternatives evaluated in the EA include: 1) Construct a new Steward’s Cabin Complex (Preferred Alternative) and 2) No Action. Other alternatives were considered but not carried forth and are described in the EA. The Draft EA was submitted for public review and comment. FEMA did not receive any comment letters on the Draft EA. 

FINDINGS

Based upon the attached Final EA and in accordance with FEMA’s regulations in 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 10 for environmental consideration, including Executive Orders (EOs) addressing floodplains (EO11988), wetlands (EO11990), and environmental justice (EO 12898), FEMA determined the proposed project will not significantly affect the quality of the natural and human environment. As a result of this FONSI, an EIS will not be prepared (44CFR Part 10.8) and the project, as described in the attached EA may proceed.

APPROVAL


____Mark G. Eberlein _____________________________6-22/09___
Mark G. Eberlein                	       	Date
Regional Environmental Officer
FEMA Region 10