The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. due to damages because of Hurricane Ian (DR-4673-FL). Pursuant to Executive Order 11988, Executive Order 11990 and 44 CFR Part 9.12, final notice is hereby given of FEMA’s intent to provide funding for projects under the Public Assistance (PA) Program.

An initial disaster-wide Public Notice for Hurricane Ian (DR-4673-FL) was published on 10/18/2022. 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 of an action located within the floodplain. FEMA has determined that the only practicable alternative is to repair this facility at its original location within the Floodplain and Coastal High Hazard Area because the facility the facility is functionally dependent on its location.

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:

Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc.

Project Title(s):

Wastewater Treatment Plant

PA-04-FL-4673-PW-06779 (GM PN 723704)

Location of Proposed Work:

889 7th St E. Boca Grande, FL 33921 (26.75706, -82.25933)

Floodplain/Wetlands:

Project is located in an AE, VE, per Lee County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Number 12071C0019G, dated 11/17/2022. The proposed work will not take place in wetlands per the United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory and will have little potential to impact or affect wetland values.

Proposed Work and Purpose:

This project includes repairs to this Wastewater Treatment Plant, in order to restore this facility back to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity. The work will include the replacement of a pavilion post, a pavilion roof, and an enclosure box for chlorine analyzer. In addition, chain-link fence fabric, a fence post, fence top rail, chain-link fencing, a swing gate, and lightning arresters will be replaced. This project intends to facilitate the continuation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s functionality and ability to provide essential services to the community through these actions

Project Alternatives:

FEMA has considered the no-action alternative, as required by Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations and has determined it is impracticable as the facility serves to treat wastewater within the local area. The no action alternative would adversely impact the community as it could hinder the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s ability to perform its key function in serving it. No alternative locations are practicable as the services provided by this facility to the community are dependent on its location.

Comments:

This will serve as the final public notice regarding the above-described action funded by the FEMA PA program. Interested persons may submit comments, questions, or request a map of this specific project by writing to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region 4, 3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, or by emailing FEMA-R4EHP-FLORIDA@fema.dhs.gov. Comments should be sent in writing with the subject line, “FL-4673-PW-06779 PN 723704 Wastewater Treatment Plant” at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

THIS NOTICE MAY BE REMOVED FROM PUBLIC VIEW ON THE 15^th DAY FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF POSTING.