FEMA GRANTS PUBLIC NOTICE
MSD has applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program 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 and provide a 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 to 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: 2025 - 1920 Elba Drive Acquisition/Demolition; 2025 - Bridget Drive Acquisition/Demolition; 2025 - 922 W Riverside Drive Acquisition/Demolition
Location of Proposed Work:
Special Flood Hazard Area Zone: This project is for the demolition of one residential structure located in flood zone AE (1% annual chance floodplain). Confirmation of location in an SFHA was made by reference to the latest Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The proposed work conforms to all applicable State of Kentucky and local floodplain regulations.
Proposed Work and Purpose:
MSD is requesting funds for grant projects for the purchase and demolition of one residential structure. The purpose of the project is to remove 4 floodprone structures from the floodplain.
Project Alternatives:
Alternative #1 (no action alternative): If no action is taken, the property will continue to incur damages related to high intensity storms and flooding. The properties are located within the 100-year floodplain and has shown repeated flooding over the past decade, including events that were smaller than 100-year events.
Alternative #2: An alternative considered for this area was to elevate the structures. For this project, the required elevation heights per local freeboard requirements are as follows: 2.5 feet for 1307 Bridget Dr, 1.7 feet for 1403 Bridget Dr, 9 feet for 922 W Riverside Dr, and 1.2 feet for 1920 Elba Dr. The estimated costs for elevation are determined based on factors such as elevation height, elevation type, and the square footage of each structure. Based on previous experience with structure elevation in this area, the cost of elevating the primary structures is expected to exceed their estimated value. Additionally, the risk of flooding would remain for events that exceed the estimated flood heights.
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 projects. Email comments, requests for additional information about the proposed actions or a copy of the findings to Lori Rafferty with Louisville MSD (Lori.Rafferty@LouisvilleMSD.org). All comments are due within 30 days of this notice. MSD will forward comments to applicable regulatory agencies as needed.
