To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of New Port Richey has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program (CDBG-MIT) and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO Agreement Number I0144). The proposed project is located The proposed project is located 6333 Madison Street in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida. The City of New Port Richey received funding through CDBG-MIT for mitigation actions to harden the City of New Port Richey Fire Station #1 against wind and water damage and loss of electrical power. Mitigation actions include roof replacement, window and bay door replacement, exterior brick and EIFS repair, generator replacement, and bathroom renovations. The action will occur on approximately 0.5 acres of 500-year floodplain. However, the 500-year floodplain is already developed with the existing fire station and related site improvements. There will be no additional impact to the 500-year floodplain from the action.
The City of New Port Richey has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The City of New Port Richey Fire Station #1 is an existing structure and located on a developed urban site. The project to harden the existing structure will not result in any additional impact to the 500-year floodplain. The project site is fully developed and is served by existing drainage infrastructure. There will be no loss or additional impact to the 500-year floodplain. The project will provide protections for Fire Station #1, which is a critical public safety facility centrally located in the city. It is not feasible nor effective to relocate the existing fire station from its current location due to its strategic location and within the city’s developed urban core. However, all construction activities for the fire state will be fully compliant with state and local floodplain protection requirements.
The City of New Port Richey has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of New Port Richey at the following address on or before August 16, 2022: City of New Port Richey, Development Department, 5919 Main Street, New Port Richey, Florida 34652 and 727-853-1050 Attention: Lisa Algiere, Senior Planner. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the address the same as above and at www.cityofnewportrichey.org Comments may also be submitted via email to: algierel@cityofnewportrichey.org.