Public Notice NHPA1 Seeking Public Comment for FEMA-funded Renovation of former Wyandotte Elementary School, 2525 Wyandotte Rd, Baton Rouge, LA Figure 1: Quadrangle map showing the proposed Area of Potential Effect in yellow. Figure 2: West elevation and main façade of former Wyandotte Elementary School, 2525 Wyandotte Rd, Baton Rouge, LA prior to renovation. Google Earth. As part of FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Program, the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge is requesting that FEMA provide funds for the renovation of the former Wyandotte Elementary School to house the Head Start program instead of replacing the YWCA's flood damaged modular buildings at the Glen Oaks Senior High School. Federal regulations require FEMA, a funding agency, to identify if any of the properties are historic, defined as listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); 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 environment. The renovation was complete before FEMA initiated its review. FEMA has determined that the main building and auditorium constructed in 1925 and 1940, respectively, are historic properties eligible for listing on the NRHP. The auditorium is not a part of this undertaking. Construction activities occurred in soils that were disturbed during the construction of the school, and FEMA determined that it was highly unlikely that NRHP eligible deposits were affected by construction activities. Any member of the public is encouraged to provide views on how the project has affected historic properties and ways that these effects may be minimized or mitigated. FEMA is requesting your input by November 16, 2020 on ways to minimize or mitigate the effects of this project on the historic property. Comments can be posted at this website:   https://www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106 Or mail comments to: FEMA Mail Center/Environmental Historic Preservation 1500 Main Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Or email comments to: fema-liro-ehp-pa@fema.dhs.gov 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 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 program implemented under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C.§§5152-5206. FEMA is also 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.