Public Notice: Public Comment Period for Hazard Mitigation Grant for Buyout and Elevation of Damaged Homes, Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in New Hanover County
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – (RealEstateRama) – As part of New Hanover County’s Long Term Hurricane Recovery Plan, New Hanover County applied on behalf of residents for buyout of their properties, or elevation of their properties, that had extensive damage from Hurricane Florence. The county also applied for funding to address stormwater drainage to help improve the flow of streams and creeks in our area. Before funding is approved for these projects, FEMA is seeking public comments.
These projects are critical to help prevent future damage from hurricanes and other weather events, and residents are encouraged to provide feedback by October 26. Below is the public notice outlining each of the requested projects and how residents can provide comments:
Notice is hereby given of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) consideration to provide funding in the form of a Hazard Mitigation Grant to New Hanover County for the projects listed below as a result of Hurricane Florence.
- Project Title: New Hanover County Acquisition Project
- Location of Proposed Work:
The area affected by this project consists of potentially 7 properties located on the following streets in New Hanover County: Gilbert Curry Drive, Avon Court, Apple Road, Pilgrim Circle, Parmele Road, Blue Clay Road and River Road. Maps of the project areas associated with the grant applications can be reviewed at HurricaneRecovery.NHCgov.com. - Proposed Work and Purpose:
This will be a voluntary acquisition program. For all property owners who decide to participate in this voluntary program, the properties will be acquired using Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds. The properties will be demolished and deeded as open space in perpetuity and will be allowed to revert to their natural state. - Project Alternatives:
Not taking a mitigation action is an option, but not an acceptable one. The reasoning for rejecting the No Action Alternative is that doing so will not mitigate any risks. The entire project area would remain in danger from future flood events. Without acquiring these structures, damages and the risk of potential loss of life will continue to be a threat.The second alternative is to elevate the structures. However, the most effective mitigation action is to remove the structures completely from the high-risk area, thereby eliminating any future risk to the structure. These homeowners prefer acquisition and complete elimination of their risk, so elevation is considered a less preferable option.
- Location of Proposed Work:
- Project Title: New Hanover County Elevation Project
- Location of Proposed Work:
The area affected by this project consists of potentially 15 properties located on the following streets in New Hanover County: Pilgrim Circle, E Brandywine Circle, Avon Court, Sandy Lane, N 23rd Street, Cheyenne Trail, Heritage Park Drive, Candlewood Drive, Castle Hayne Road, Birds View Court, Marathon Landing Court, Millhouse Road, River Road, Bayshore Drive, Vintage Club Circle and Wooster Street. Maps of the project areas associated with the grant applications can be reviewed at HurricaneRecovery.NHCgov.com. - Proposed Work and Purpose:
The finished floors of the residential structures will be elevated above the base flood elevation with free board to reduce the impacts of flooding events. - Project Alternatives:
Not taking a mitigation action is an option, but not an acceptable one. The reasoning for rejecting the No Action Alternative is that doing so will not mitigate any risks. The entire project area would remain in danger from future flood events. Without elevating these structures, damages and the risk of potential loss of life will continue to be a threat.The second alternative is to acquire the structures. These homeowners do not want to abandon their homes or communities and there are high up-front costs. Therefore, the most effective mitigation action is to elevate the structures in-place from the high-risk area.
- Location of Proposed Work:
- Project Title: New Hanover County Stormwater Improvement Infrastructures Project
- Location of Proposed Work:
The area affected by this project consists of potentially 29 stormwater improvement projects location throughout New Hanover County. Maps of the project areas associated with the grant applications can be reviewed at HurricaneRecovery.NHCgov.com. - Proposed Work and Purpose:
The storm drainage projects will enhance drainage and reduce the impacts from flooding by vegetation and sediment removal and other improvements to the drainage areas. - Project Alternatives:
Not taking a mitigation action is an option, but not an acceptable one. The reasoning for rejecting the No Action Alternative is that doing so will not mitigate any risks. The entire project area would remain in danger from future flood events. Without improving stormwater management, damages and the risk of potential loss of life will continue to be a threat.The second alternative is to relocate or acquire all impacted structures due to flooding to eliminate the risk of future damages. This is a cost prohibitive alternative. Therefore, the stormwater improvement projects are the most effective alternative to reducing damages from future floods.
- Location of Proposed Work:
Comment Period:
Comments are solicited from the public; local, state or federal agencies; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project. The comments should be made in writing and addressed to New Hanover County, attn.: Hurricane Recovery Coordination Office, 230 Government Center Dr., Suite 195, Wilmington, NC 28403 or emailed to ">
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Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal actions must be reviewed and evaluated for feasible alternatives for social, economic, historic, environmental, legal, and safety considerations. Under Executive Order (EO) 11988 and EO 11990, FEMA is required to consider alternatives to and provide public notices of any proposed actions in or affecting floodplains or wetlands. EO 12892 also requires FEMA to provide an opportunity for public participation in the planning process and to consider potential impacts to minority or low-income populations.
Funding for the proposed projects will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions.
