Public Notice Regarding Historic Review of Privately-Owned Residential Buildings Proposed for Demolition in Orleans Parish, Louisiana The high winds and heavy rains of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent widespread flooding severely damaged many buildings in Orleans Parish. In the aftermath of the hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is issuing this public notice as 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 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 has determined that many of the buildings severely damaged by the hurricanes are an imminent threat to public health and safety. As part of its mission under the PA program, FEMA is proposing to fund the demolition of privately-owned residential buildings that pose such a threat. The regulations cited above require FEMA, as the funding agency, to identify if any of the properties proposed for demolition are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; to assess the effect the demolition will have on historic resources; and to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. (1) FEMA has conducted a survey of the properties proposed for demolition. In previous public notices, FEMA has requested the aid of the public in identifying if any of the buildings are of historic significance. In consultation with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), FEMA has determined that many of the buildings proposed for demolition are not eligible for the National Register. For informational purposes, the addresses of these buildings can be found at www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106. (2) Regarding those buildings proposed for demolition that FEMA, in consultation with SHPO, has found eligible for the National Register, FEMA is requesting the aid of the public in identifying alternatives to demolition. Any member of the public who has specific practical information on feasible alternatives to demolition for any of these buildings is encouraged to respond. Alternative proposals should include a source of funding for stabilization and/or repairs and the timeframe required to accomplish these actions. For a list of the property addresses and to suggest specific alternatives to demolition, visit www.crt.state.la.us/culturalassets/fema106. This information will be accepted for a 15-day period beginning on Friday, December 21, 2007. Comments should be submitted to FEMA at the website or by regular mail to: FEMA Algiers TRO 5th Floor, Historic Preservation 1 Seine Court New Orleans, LA 70114 If mailed, comments must be physically received at this address by January 4, 2008.