Public Notice from FEMA

PUBLIC NOTICE

Federal Emergency Management Agency
In accordance with 44 CFR §9.8 for Executive Order 11988
Proposed Home Elevations
Atlantic and Cape May Counties, New Jersey

Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS-FEMA) to provide federal funding to the City of Margate as subrecipient for the proposed elevation of 22 residential structures through the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program. The purpose of the FMA grant program is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. This notification is given in accordance with Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), and its implementing regulations in 44 CFR Part 9, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The proposed scope of work consists of elevating flood prone homes to the base flood elevation (BFE), as indicated by best available flood map data, plus at least two (2) feet of freeboard. Raising the living spaces will offer protection to the homeowners and their belongings.

This action would take place within the 100-year floodplain. Alternatives considered include: 1) no action, 2) acquisition and demolition, or 3) the proposed alternative, which is elevating the homes at their current locations. FEMA has determined that elevating the structures is the most practicable alternative to ensure that the homes and their occupants are out of harm's way. FEMA has also determined that investment of funds to reduce flood risk is in the public interest. Potential impacts to the floodplain are anticipated to be temporary during construction and minimized through best management practices and conservation measures incorporated from resource agency recommendations and required regulatory permits.

Comments about this project, potential alternatives, and floodplain impacts may be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of this publication to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region 2 – Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY, 10278 or via email to FEMAR2COMMENT@fema.dhs.gov. If substantive comments are received, FEMA will evaluate and address the comments as part of the environmental documentation for this project.