This is to give notice that Escambia County under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 24 Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under U.S. Department of Housing (HUD) Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding through Florida Department of Commerce Grant No. HS005.
The proposed project is located at four locations; the intersection of Brickyard and Barth Road, Monroe Avenue between North Palafox Street and State Highway 291, East Olive Road west of State Highway 291, and areas adjacent to North Palafox Street and Handcock Lane in Escambia County, Florida. Construction at the Brickyard and Barth Road location is located in approximately 0.2 acres of the 500-year floodplain (0.2 percent annual flood occurrence probability). The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach. This work would include construction of culverts, outfalls, and erosion-control measures. Some temporary impacts may also occur in that 0.2-acre area resulting from access and incidental activities. No other portions of this or the other project sites would occur within the FFRMS floodplain.
The NWI indicates a freshwater pond west of Brickyard Road and a freshwater forested/shrub wetland downstream of Brickyard Road. Approximately 0.15 acre of impact would occur in these wetland features. On the Olive Road site, the NWI indicates riverine habitat associated with Carpenter Creek. Minor impacts may result from construction of a bridge footpath. Adjacent to North Palafox Street, there is an existing stormwater pond which would be impacted by construction of a culvert outfall and an overflow pipe. No other portions of these or the other project sites would occur within NWI-indicated wetlands. The action must take place within these pre-existing conditions due to the necessity of the reparations of the damage caused by Hurricane Sally in order to mitigate future flood damage to the area.
Escambia County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: drainage ditches, culverts, impoundment pond improvements, curb-and-gutter installations, stormwater inlets, underground conveyances, and excavation of a new stormwater pond were vetted for various locations, sizes, and configurations. The County considered three alternative site combinations that would potentially meet the goals identified in the project description and reviewed these sites and designs through the lenses of natural, social, and economic values explained at 24 CFR §55.20(c)(2). Alternatives included the No-build Alternative, the Palafox High School Alternative, the Carver Park Alternative, and the Selected Alternative. The County also considered site-specific design alternatives (i.e., alternative methods) within the Selected Alternative; these are discussed in more detail in the 8-Step Process Document, available upon request.
The Pensacola High School Alternative site would not encroach on the FFRMS floodplain, and no NWI-identified wetland features occur on the site. The proposed improvements would have included construction of two stormwater ponds on an approximately 40-acre project site that included land operated by Escambia County Public Schools. The ponds would have held and slowly released stormwater to reduce peak flood depths. Implementation of these plans was not feasible due to current and potential future management and operations within the project site.
The Carver Park Alternative site would not encroach on the FFRMS floodplain, and no NWI-identified wetland features occur on the site. The proposed improvements would have expanded and improved existing stormwater infrastructure with the intent of reducing frequency, severity, and duration of localized flooding in adjacent residential areas. Acquisitions would have been required. Research determined that land title restrictions complicated the required acquisitions. The County determined that the improvements were not feasible, in part due to the acquisition complications.
The No-Build alternative would not repair hurricane damage to essential capital infrastructure, and would leave the community vulnerable to future flooding during storm events; therefore, it would not satisfy the purpose and need of the project.
The selected alternative was determined to be the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative as it proposes minimal wetland and floodplain impacts necessary to accomplish the purpose and need of the project. Mitigation measures for the selected alternative include avoidance of wetland impacts wherever possible, obtaining state and federal permits which ensure construction conditions will not adversely affect the natural environment, and implementation of Best Management Practices in accordance with current industry standards. The project will comply with federal, state, and local floodplain/wetland protection criteria and procedures; copies of construction specifications and environmental permits are available upon request.
Escambia County has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetlands and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain and wetlands development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the floodplain and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the floodplain and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by Escambia County at the following address on or before Oct. 15, 2025: Escambia County, 221 Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 and (850) 595-3935, Attention: Elizabeth Kissel, Government Liaison. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 221 Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 and myescambia.com. Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected].
Date: Oct. 7, 2025
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