The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Fort Pierce seawall repair due to damages in Hurricane Irma (DR-4337-FL PW 2977). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9.12, final notice is hereby given of FEMA’s intent to provide funding for this project under the Public Assistance (PA) Program.
An initial disaster-wide Public Notice was published October 06, 2017 for Hurricane Irma. Comments and other information received were fully evaluated by FEMA along with evaluation of social, economic, environmental, and safety considerations. This notice serves as a project-specific final notice for FEMA’s funding action located within the floodplain. FEMA has determined that the only practicable alternative is to locate this facility at its original location within the floodplain because the facility is functionally dependent upon its location within the floodplain.
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. This action complies with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
Responsible Entity: FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program
Applicant: City of Fort Pierce
Project Title(s): PA-04-FL-4337-PW-02977; PN 30155 – Melody Lane Seawall Repair
Location of Proposed Work: Between 27.44696 N Latitude, 80.32130 W Longitude and 27.44822 N Latitude, 80.32165 W Longitude, along Melody Lane in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Floodplain: Project is located in the VE Zone, otherwise known as the Coastal High Hazard Area, per St. Lucie County FIRM Panel #12111C0179J dated 2/16/2012.
Proposed Work and Purpose: The City of Fort Pierce will restore 510 Linear Feet of seawall and an adjacent sidewalk to pre-disaster condition. The project will incorporate hazard mitigation by replacing the steel sheet pilings with precast concrete panels that will hold up better against wave action and be more aesthetically appealing. This project is designed to reduce damages in future severe weather events. The City of Fort Pierce will obtain all of the necessary Federal, State, and local permits as a condition of receiving Public Assistance grant money.
Project Alternatives: The alternative that has been considered is the no action alternative. This alternative is not feasible as the area will remain vulnerable to flood risk, including property damage and hazards to human life and safety. With the no action alternative, continued negative impacts on adjacent infrastructure, property, residents, and the community may be experienced. Alternate locations were not considered as the seawall is functionally dependent upon its location within the floodplain and provides public safety against high velocity floodwaters associated with tropical cyclones.
Comments: This will serve as the final public notice regarding the above-described action funded by the FEMA PA program. Interested persons should submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 4, 3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, calling 770-220-5432, or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing with the subject line FL-4337-PW-02977, Fort Pierce at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.