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Station D at 2801 Florida Avenue, New Orleans, LA |
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Location of Station D at star, Google Maps 2015 |
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans has requested FEMA to fund mechanical and structural repairs at Station D1, located in the Central Yard at Florida and Almonaster Avenues. This project will repair and strengthen the exterior masonry walls by removing portions of the walls and rebuilding them using the salvaged original bricks. This project will also repair damage to the mechanical equipment. These repairs are to fix damages caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Federal regulations require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if any historic properties will be affected; to assess the effect on historic properties; to look for ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects; and to evaluate the proposed action's potential for significant impacts to the human and natural environment. 2
FEMA has determined that Station D, also known as DPS No. 17, is historic. It was built in the late 19th century as part of the New Orleans Drainage Commission and was then utilized by the nascent Sewerage and Water Board starting in the early 20th century. The proposed FEMA-funded repairs, specifically the reconstruction of the exterior masonry wall, will adversely affect this historic building. FEMA has determined that the upgrades have a low potential to affect archaeological resources.
FEMA is working to resolve this adverse effect, including following the Secretary of Interior Standards (http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/rehabilitation/rehab/stand.htm) to the fullest extent possible to minimize this adverse effect. FEMA would like your input on this project, do you have any ideas on ways to avoid or minimize the adverse effect? Or do you have ideas for mitigation measures that could provide public benefit and offset the adverse effect to this historic building?
Comments can be posted at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/
Or mailed to:
FEMA Mail Center/Historic Preservation
1500 Main Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Post your comments soon - all comments must be posted or postmarked by May 22, 2015.
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1 Caused by the high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish, LA. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the FEMA is issuing this public notice as part of its responsibilities under the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). This notice applies to activities carried out by the Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.§§5152-5206.
2 Historic properties are either listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. FEMA is required to follow the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (NEPA regulations, 43 FR 55978 [1978]) that provide policy and procedures to enable FEMA officials to be informed of and take into account environmental considerations when authorizing or approving major FEMA actions that may significantly affect the environment of the United States. It is the intent of NEPA that federal agencies encourage and facilitate public involvement to the extent practicable in decisions that may affect the quality of the environment. More information on NEPA and FEMA's Alternative Arrangements process can be found on FEMA's web page at: https://www.fema.gov/new-orleans-metropolitan-area-infrastructure-projects-6
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