Public Notice Regarding Section 106 and NEPA Review of the City of New Orleans’ Proposal to Demolish and Replace the Caretaker’s Cottage, Laundry, and Chapel and Phase I Repairs to the Administration Building, North Cottage, and South Cottage, Milne Boys’ Home, 5420 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA - Seeking Public Comment Addendum to address comments relating to the relationship of the Milne Boys' Home campus and famous jazz musician, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (1901-1971) (Click here to read the addendum)   Map of Project Location 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 (ACHP) regulations, 36 CFR Part 800, implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA). FEMA has also decided to utilize the NHPA Section 106 review process to coordinate its responsibilities, including public outreach, required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 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. The City of New Orleans is requesting that FEMA provide funds to demolish and replace the Caretaker's Cottage, Laundry, and Chapel (Warehouse), and perform Phase I Repairs to the Administration Building, North Cottage, and South Cottage, at Milne Boys' Home, 5420 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans. Phase I repairs may include the removal of non-original interior partitions, securing of building openings, and restoration of climate control. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 44 CFR Part 10: 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. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CEQ established Alternative Arrangements to meet the requirements of NEPA in reconstructing critical infrastructure in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area (NOMA); Alternative Arrangements, Federal Register/Vol. 71, No. 56/Thursday, March 23, 2006. Alternative Arrangements enable FEMA, as a component of DHS, to consider the potential for significant impacts to the human environment from its approval to fund critical physical infrastructure in NOMA. More information on NEPA and the Alternative Arrangements process can be found on FEMA's web page at: www.fema.gov/plan/ehp/noma. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 36 CFR Part 800: The regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if the Milne Boys Home is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the replacement will have on historic properties; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Administration Building. Milne Boys' Home   New Orleans Fire Department Engine 12 FEMA has identified that the Milne Boys Home is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as an excellent example of the Classical Revi al style institutional architecture and for its role in social history. All seven extant buildings, the Caretaker's Cottage, Laundry, Chapel, Administration Building, North Cottage, South Cottage, and Gymnasium retain sufficient integrity to be contributing elements to the Milne Boys' Home Historic District. FEMA also identified one building within the view shed, New Orleans Fire Department Engine 12, that is eligible for listing in the NHRP as a representative of municipal services constructed in post-World War II residential neighborhoods and as an early example of a mid-century modern fire station. FEMA has determined the proposed demolitions will adversely affect historic properties on the Milne Boys Home Historic District, but will not adversely affect the Engine 12 building. FEMA has determined to fulfill its responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA through the development and implementation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA will document FEMA's review of ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed Undertaking. FEMA is seeking input from members of the public on ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the potential Adverse Effects. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on this project to FEMA. FEMA will accept and consider public comments on NEPA related issues as a part of the Section 106 review. Comments can be submitted to FEMA for a 15-day period beginning on April 10, 2012 by posting online at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site); sending an email to FEMA-NOMA@dhs.gov; or sending a letter through the 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 April 24, 2012.