Public Notice NHPA/NEPA1 Seeking Public Comment for Recovery School District’s Proposal for Refurbishment of Gentilly Terrace Elementary School 4720 Painters Street, New Orleans, LA Gentilly Terrace School (map from Google 2014) Gentilly Terrace School (photo from FEMA) Kitchen, former garage, in rear of school As part of the School Facilities Master Plan, the Recovery School District is requesting that FEMA provide funds2 to demolish and reconstruct the kitchen (former garage) building on the Gentilly Terrace Elementary School campus. The Gentilly Terrace Elementary School campus is a contributing element within the Gentilly Terrace National Register Historic District. FEMA has researched the potential for archaeological resources in the project area and determined that this project has a low potential to affect archaeological resources. Federal regulations require FEMA, as a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effects the work will have on historic properties; 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 environment3. FEMA has determined that the proposed refurbishment, that includes the demolition and reconstruction of the kitchen (former garage) wing, will have an adverse effect to historic properties. To help develop a course of action for this project, FEMA is requesting input by February 20, 2014 from any member of the public on ways to avoid or minimize demolition/ reconstruction of the kitchen. FEMA is also seeking input on ideas to mitigate the adverse effects to this historic building. Comments can be posted at: http://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106/ (this web site) Or mailed to: FEMA Mail Center/Historic Preservation 1 Seine Court, New Orleans, LA 70114 All comments must be posted or postmarked by February 20, 2014 1The 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. 2In 2009, FEMA, RSD, Orleans Parish School Board, the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation entered into a Secondary Programmatic Agreement in order to fulfill FEMA's responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA and 36 CFR Part 800 regarding the implementation of the School Facilities Master Plan, which will be funded with assistance from FEMA and other Federal agencies. 3FEMA is required to fulfill the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (NEPA regulations, 43 FR 55978 (1978)) that provide policy and procedures to enable FEMA officials to be informed and to 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