The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent widespread flooding damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish. In the aftermath of the hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as a part of its responsibilities under 36 CFR Part 800, the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This notice applies to activities carried out by FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5152-5206.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans is requesting that FEMA provide funds to construct an addition to the main Classroom building at the St. Peter Claver School located at 1020 N. Prier Street, New Orleans. The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if any of the properties affected by the project are listed in 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.
FEMA has identified three buildings in the project area that contributed to the National Register of Historic Places listed Esplanade Ridge Historic District and were demolished by the Applicant prior to the construction of the new addition (1009 North Roman Street, 1901-03 Saint Phillip Street and 1006 North Prieur Street).
FEMA has also identified an archaeological site within the project area and recommends that the site be treated as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for the purposes of the review under the National Historic Preservation Act.
FEMA has determined the project has resulted in adverse effects to the historic properties and has initiated consultation to seek ways to mitigate the adverse effect. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on how the project may affect historic properties and ways that these effects may be avoided, minimized, or mitigated. Comments may be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on September 19, 2011 at www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106 or by regular mail (mail to: FEMA Mail Center / Historic Preservation / 1 Seine Court, 1st Floor Mail Room / New Orleans, LA 70114. If mailed, comments and requests must be postmarked by October 4, 2011
