DR-4357-AS Public Notice 002

INITIAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Route 019-Fagaima Flood Mitigation Project, Tualuata County, American Samoa │ HMGP-4357-02-03

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the Department of Public Works in Tualuata County, American Samoa, to construct a drainage system in the Village of Fagaima. The proposed action would mitigate impacts from flooding by constructing a new box culvert that would intercept runoff along Route 019 and convey it to an existing detention basin west of Route 014. 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 intent to carry out an action affecting a floodplain.

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce flood hazards in the village of Fagaima where flooding often follows heavy rainfall. The proposed action consists of removing existing pavement, sidewalk, and walls, and relocating existing utility lines within the construction limits. A single box culvert would be constructed under Route 019 with collection basins to intercept road runoff and convey it to a detention basin west of Route 014. Existing access roads and driveways would be improved following construction of the drainage system. The existing detention basin would also be rehabilitated as part of the project, including removal of existing overgrown vegetation in the basin.

The project area is in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Map 6000010086C, effective date July 17, 2006. The FIRM shows that portions of the project area lie within Zone AE, an area designated as a 1 percent annual chance flood hazard and where predicted floodwater elevations have been established.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action, including maps showing the potential impacts on floodplains may be obtained 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 within 15 days after publication of this notice.