Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that Escambia County under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding in accordance with Florida Department of Commerce Grant No. HS018 is located partially within the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and Escambia County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and EO 13690 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project is located at approximately 114 bus stops throughout the Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) bus system in Escambia County, Florida.
The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined with the Freeboard Value Approach by adding two feet of elevation to the base flood elevation identified in effective Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for the area. Wetland absence was determined using National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data. Four bus stops (stops numbers 852, 183, 185, and 182) are within the FFRMS. Proposed improvements (i.e., installation of bus shelters) may require construction of concrete pads measuring 138 square feet (8 feet by 16 feet – typical). If new pads are required at each bus stop, 552 square feet (0.01 acres) of disturbance may result. The FFRMS floodplain provides beneficial services such as stormwater conveyance, capture, and infiltration. New concrete pads could affect these services.
The purpose of this project is to improve amenities at key bus stops in low- to moderate-income census blocks. The project includes the restoration of certain existing ECAT bus shelters and the installation of new shelters at stops currently lacking them. The new bus shelters will bring facilities into compliance with current ADA standards and will include solar-powered lighting to improve visibility and safety, particularly for riders traveling before sunrise or after sunset. The shelters will also provide essential refuge during inclement weather and offer space for updated or new local business advertisements, supporting community engagement and economic activity.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain and wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplains 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 a floodplain, 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 Sept. 12, 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: Aug. 26, 2025
