The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has received the subgrant application for Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. due to damages as a result 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 October 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 because the facility provides services critical to the community and 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:

Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc.

Project Title(s):

Water Treatment Plant (Various Site Damages)

PA-04-FL-4673-PW-06820 (GM PN 724901)

Location of Proposed Work:

5050 Linwood Road Placida, FL 33946 (26.88931, -82.24282)

Floodplain/Wetlands:

Project is located in a Zone AE (EL 7/8) and Shaded X Zone, per Charlotte County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Number 12015C0213G , dated 12/15/2022. The proposed work will 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:

Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. plans to restore facility to pre-disaster conditions, within the existing footprint. The work will take place in a floodplain and wetland and consists of various facility repairs including functionality and safety features. Wind, wind driven rain, and flooding from Hurricane Ian inundated the facility and damaged multiple areas. The work will restore essential services to the community.

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 as a wastewater treatment plant for the community. The no action alternative would adversely impact the community by disrupting community’s accessibility to treated water. No alternative locations are practicable due to the facility being functionally dependent on its current location supporting the local community.

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-06820 PN 724901 Water Treatment Plant (Various Site Damages) at the above address within 15 days of the date of this notice.

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