U.S. Department or Homeland Security 
Federal Emergency MaDagement Agency 
FEMA-1603/1607-DR-LA 
415 N 15110 Street 
Baton Rouge, LA 70802 

FEMA 


August 28, 2006 

Johnny Gonzales 
GOHSEPPAO 
FEMA-1603-DR-LA 
415 N. 15th Street 
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 

RE: Alternative Arrangements, Reconstruction ofCritical Infrastructure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area, 
Hospital Signage, West Jefferson Medical Center, PW#: 12394, DR-1603-LA, PA ID: 051-UC395-00 

Dear Mr. Gonzales: 

The purpose ofthis letter is to notify you that the Public Assistance project, including codes and standards 
upgrades, for Hospital Signage, 1101 Medical Center Boulevard, Marrero, LA 70072 (29.893 N, 90.096 W), 
qualifies for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Alternative Arrangements for the Reconstruction 
of Critical Infrastructure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area. 

Under the regular Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) NEPA review this project would have 
qualified for Categorical Exclusion XV. However, due to the unprecedented number of grants requested that 
need to be processed in a short time, the potential cumulative effects, and potential environmentally-related 
socio-economic effects ofFEMA's funding in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area, FEMA has determined that 
this type of action may have significant impacts that cannot be reviewed under the normal Environmental 
Impact Statement (ElS) process. FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) have adopted the Alternative Arrangements to address the basic elements of 
NEPA under these circu~stances. For more information visit www.fema.gov/planlehp/nomalindex.shtm. 

While the use of Alternative Arrangements meets NEP A compliance requirements, there are requirements of 
other Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) laws and executive orders that must be individually 
complied with. For the work described in this PW the following conditions relating to those requirements apply: 

· This project is located within the Louisiana Coastal Management Zone. LA DNR has determined that 
receipt of federal assistance is consistent with the Louisiana Coastal Resource Program. Projects 
within the coastal zone may still require a Coastal Use Permit or other authorization from DNR. 
Projects may be coordinated by contacting LA DNR at 1-800-267-4019. 

· In accordance with the Formosan Termite Initiative Act, (LA R.S. 3:3391.1 thru 3391.13) the 
Louisiana parishes ofCalcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. 
Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington are under 
quarantine. The movement of wood or cellulose material, temporary housing or architectural 
components (e.g. beams, doors and other wood salvaged from a structure) may not leave the 
quarantined parishes without written authorization from the commissioner ofthe Louisiana 
Department of Agriculture and Forestry or his designee(s). 

· Unusable equipment, debris and material shall be disposed of in an approved manner and location. In 
the event significant items (or evidence thereof) are discovered during implementation ofthe project 
applicant shall handle, manage, and dispose of petroleum products, hazardous materials and/or toxic 
waste in accordance to the requirements and to the satisfaction ofthe local, state and federal agencies. 


Johnny Gonzales 
August 28, 2006 
Page 2 

Please note that this transmittal is a notification that this project has been cleared under NEPA only. 
This is not a notice offmal approval or eligibility. Any change beyond the approved scope ofwork 
for this project will require additional environmental review by FEMA. 

Sincerely, 

~M6-f"""j;,1C : 

Howard R. Bush, REM 
Environmental Liaison Officer 
FEMA·1603/1607·DR·LA 

Enclosures: PW# 12394 

Cc: Oliver Mack, FEMA DPAO for Grants