MSD submits for FEMA grants

January 3, 2020

MSD has submitted two applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding through the Kentucky Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (KYEM/HS) as a sub-recipient.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal actions must be reviewed and evaluated for feasible alternatives and 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 to provide public notice of any proposed actions in or affecting floodplains or wetlands. EO 12898 also requires FEMA to provide the opportunity for public participation in the planning process and to consider potential impacts on minority and low-income populations. This notice may also fulfill requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Funding for the proposed project will be conditional upon compliance with all applicable federal, tribal, state, and local laws, regulations, floodplain standards, permit requirements and conditions.

Applicant: KYEM/HSA

Project Titles: DR4361-015 Elba Drive & DR4361-012 Waldoah Beach Acquisitions

Location of Proposed Work:

Special Flood Hazard Area Zone: These projects are for the demolition of multiple residential structures located in flood zone AE (1% annual chance flood elevation). Confirmation of location in an SFHA was made by reference to the latest Flood Insurance Rate Map, Panel 21111C0060E and 21111C0014E. The proposed work conforms to all applicable State of Kentucky and local floodplain regulations.

Proposed Work and Purpose:

MSD is requesting funds to purchase and demolish multiple residential structures. The purpose of this project is to remove repetitive loss structures from the floodplain.

Project Alternatives: 

Alternative #1 (no action alternative): If no action is taken in the area, there will be a continued risk for flood damage with every event. This area has shown repeated flooding over the past decade, including events that were less than a 100-year flood.

Alternative #2: The alternative considered for this area was to elevate the structures. In order to do so, the structures would need to be elevated between 4 and 10 feet above the ground elevation.    Estimated costs are calculated based on elevation height, type of elevation, and square footage of the structure. The cost of elevating the structures is similar to or exceeds the cost of the structures, but does not eliminate all of the risk.

Comment Period:

Comments are solicited from the public, government agencies, and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the proposed project. Comments, requests for additional information about the proposed action or a copy of the findings should be emailed to Matt Schaaf with Louisville MSD (Matt.Schaaf@louisvilleMSD.org). All comments are due within 30 days of this notice. MSD will forward comments to applicable regulatory agencies as needed.

POSTED ON: 01/03/2020