DR-4307-NV Public Notice 002

Notice Date

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Swan Lake Home Acquisition and Demolition Project / Lemmon Valley Acquisition, Washoe County, Nevada │ HMGP 4307-02-2R

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the County of Washoe in Nevada, to acquire and demolish five residences, of which four are within the 100-year floodplain of Swan Lake. Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce future property damage and health and safety risks associated with persistent flooding of the Swan Lake closed basin. The proposed action consists of the acquisition and demolition of five existing residential properties. The properties would be deed restricted to permanent open space. Demolition would include removal of house foundations/concrete slabs. The foundation areas would be filled and graded to level the ground surface. All disturbed areas will receive an application of approved native seed mix (hydroseed). Underground utilities would be disconnected and abandoned in place.

Four of the residential properties are in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 32031C2836G, effective March 16, 2009. This FIRM shows the properties lie within Zone AE, an area that has a l-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted floodwater elevations have been established. The residence on Lemmon Drive is depicted on the FIRM Number 32031C2850G, effective March 16, 2009. This FIRM shows this property lies within Zone X, an area with minimal flood hazard.

Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered: Alternative 1, No Action, and Alternative 2, Dredging and Pumping Alternative. Alternative 1 would involve leaving the five existing residences in a flood hazard area with no acquisition, demolition, or deed-restriction of property. This Alternative is not recommended because the residents will continue to experience flooding and the associated property damage and safety risks. Alternative 1 does not meet the purpose and need for the project. Alternative 2 included dredging portions of the Swan Lake closed basin and constructing upstream diversions and a system of pumps and piping to convey storm and flood water. This Alternative is not recommended because it is not practicable due to the significant cost and implementation challenges, including public acceptance and cost sharing, permitting, and environmental impacts.

FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be in the floodplain. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain and would eliminate future property damage and health and safety risks on those properties. Therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. Washoe County has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and is responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action, including a map of the project area and its location within the floodplain, may be requested by writing the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607, or fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov, or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.

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