DR-4433-GU Public Notice 002
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FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: GFD Hardening of 6 Fire Stations and Rescue Base 2, Agat Marina, Guam | HMGP-4433-02-03
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 Guam Fire Department in Guam to install typhoon shutters at six suppression/emergency medical services (EMS) fire stations and one rescue response station. The proposed action would mitigate impacts from future damaging wind-driven rain and winds and ensure that all hazard response stations are able to continue to serve the people of Guam. 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 damage from high wind hazards. The proposed action consists of installing typhoon shutters at six suppression/EMS fire stations (Tamuning, Barrigada, Piti, Umata, Yona, and Astumbo), and one rescue response station (Rescue Base 2 at Agat Marina). Additionally, roll-up apparatus bay doors would be installed at Tamuning suppression/EMS fire station.
One of the project sites, Rescue Base 2 in Agat Marina, is in the 100-year floodplain as depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 6600010133D, dated September 28, 2007. The FIRM shows that the project site lies within Zone VE, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year, with additional hazards due to storm-induced velocity wave action, and where predicted floodwater elevations have been established. The remaining project sites are located in areas of minimal flood hazard.
A map of the project area and its location within the floodplain is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer using contact information provided in this notice.
In addition to the proposed alternative, FEMA considered the No Action alternative as well as relocating the facility outside of the floodplain. The No Action alternative is not feasible because it would not reduce damage from high winds. Relocating the facility out of the flood zone is not feasible because the rescue base is functionally dependent on being next to water and the watercraft it deploys for rescue purposes. FEMA determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be located in the floodplain. The proposed action would have no significant adverse impact on the floodplain and would benefit the area by reducing the risk of flood damage; therefore, measures to minimize impacts on the floodplain are not necessary. The Guam Fire Department has declared that the proposed action conforms to local floodplain standards, and would be responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.
Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action 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.