INITIAL AND FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIAL AND FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

 

Emergency Solar Power Backup and Well Housing

Resighini Rancheria

FEMA-DR-4312-1-1

 

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 Resighini Rancheria to provide uninterruptable emergency power to critical water supply facilities due to risks of interruption from destructive winds, floods and seismic activity that could disrupt electric power to residences and critical facilities on the Resighini Rancheria. 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, and its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The proposed action consists of installation of a solar panel and back up battery pack for the water pump station and construction of a utility building (10 feet by 10 feet) to house and protect the well pump and equipment. Other equipment includes installation of a 6-inch chain link fence with three rows of barbed wire atop the fence and a 12-foot double gate to protect the well house.

The project location is depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Number 06015C0475F, effective date August 2, 2017. The FIRM shows that the project location lies within Zone A, an area that has a 1-percent probability of flooding every year and where predicted flood water elevations have not been established.

The proposed action involves installing a solar panel and back up battery pack and constructing a well house building. Maps of the project and its location within the floodplain are available for public inspection. All parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at the address or phone number below.

The alternative to the selected action is taking no action. Under the no action alternative, Reservation facilities would not be supported by emergency battery backup, and the potable water well would remain unprotected. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only feasible alternative available to the Resighini Reservation; thus, the proposed action must occur in a floodplain. The proposed action would not adversely affect the floodplain and is necessary to preserve life and property. Mitigation of impacts has not been identified. The Resighini Reservation is responsible for implementing and monitoring the proposed action and ensuring it conforms to federal floodplain standards.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be obtained by writing the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607; fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov; or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests must be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this time.