Map showing the location of the Department of Public Works Field Office Complex (from Google maps 2013) in Mid-City, New Orleans. click image to enlarge

Photo showing the Administration Building within the Department of Public Works Field Office Complex. click image to enlarge

FEMA Public Assistance is providing funding the demolition of 10 of the 12 buildings in the City of New Orleans’ DPW Complex at 838 South Genois Street in New Orleans (see map).¹

In the project area, FEMA has identified 3 historic buildings that contribute to the Mid-City Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Demolition of the Administration Building (see photo), the Yard Shop Building and the Boiler Building, as proposed, will adversely affect these historic resources. FEMA has researched the potential for archaeological resources in the project area, and determined that effects to archaeological resources, if any, will be addressed through discovery procedures during demolition. Federal regulations in 36 CFR Part 800 and 44 CFR Part 10 require FEMA, as a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties affected by the project are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the project will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects to historic properties; and to evaluate the proposed action’s potential for significant impacts to the human and natural environment.²

To help develop a course of action for this project, FEMA is requesting input by June 3, 2013 from any member of the public on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects to these historic buildings or other significant elements of the human and natural environment.

Comments can be posted HERE.

Or mailed to: FEMA Mail Center/Historic Preservation
1 Seine Court,
New Orleans, LA 70114

All comments must be posted or postmarked by June 3, 2013

¹ 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 Federal Emergency Management Agency (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 FEMA is required to following 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