FEMA - Proposed Home Elevations in Westwood

Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS-FEMA) to provide federal funding to the Borough of Westwood as subrecipient for the proposed elevation of four (4) residential structures through the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Program. The purpose of the FMA Grant Program is to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. This notification is given in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management) and EO 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and their implementing regulations in 44 CFR Part 9, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The proposed scope of work consists of elevating flood prone homes to the base flood elevation (BFE), as indicated by best available flood map data, plus a minimum of two (2) feet of freeboard. Raising the living spaces will offer protection to the homeowners and their belongings.

This action would take place within the 100-year floodplain, and one property contains wetlands. Alternatives considered include: 1) no action, 2) acquisition and demolition, or 3) the proposed alternative, which is elevating the homes at their current locations. FEMA has determined that elevating the structures is the most practicable alternative to ensure that the homes and their occupants are out of harm’s way. FEMA has also determined that investment of funds to reduce flood risk is in the public interest. Potential impacts to the floodplain, water quality, or aquatic habitat are anticipated to be temporary during construction and minimized through best management practices and conservation measures incorporated from resource agency recommendations and required regulatory permits.

Comments about this project, potential alternatives, and floodplain/wetland impacts may be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of this publication to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency – Region 2 – Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, Mitigation Division, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY, 10278 or via email to FEMAR2COMMENT@fema.dhs.gov. If substantive comments are received, FEMA will evaluate and address the comments as part of the environmental documentation for this project.