Combined Public Notice of Finding of No Significant
Impact and Notice Of Intent to
Request Release of Funds and Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed
Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and
Wetland
June 18, 2026
Escambia County
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
850-595-3935
These notices shall satisfy three separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Escambia County
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD DESIGNATED FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND
This is to give notice that the Escambia County [Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58] has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, Executive Order 11990 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 the Florida CDBG Disaster Recovery program (HS 019). The proposed project(s) is for the repair of erosion and structural issues at two locations within the Town of Century: Service Area #1: Jefferson Avenue located just north of Freedom Road (Lat 30°58'20.35"N; Long 87°15'1.92"W) and Service Area #2: Alger Road (Lat 30°58'45.57"N; Long 87°15'36.61"W), located north and west of Us Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard/State Route 10).
The budget for the project is $2,862,137.00. The improvements are necessary to repair and fortify these structures against additional deterioration and increase their resilience to future disasters. The location of the proposed improvements and the activities to be located in a floodplain and wetland are as follows:
Jefferson Avenue: Proposed construction includes slope stabilizations with rip rap, flowable fill, grassing, etc. as required to harden the existing structure and mitigate against future damage. Activities include the placement of a floating turbidity barrier for erosion/sedimentation control, cleaning and clearing of loose debris, placement of water diversion measures and/or de-watering pump, placement of filter fabric, bedding stone and rubble rap, and the placemen to flowable fill in eroded areas under and between the two existing culverts to fill and void areas in and around the pipe culverts. All improvements on Jefferson Avenue are located in Zone X (Shaded) 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Area. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 percent flood approach using FIRM panel 12033C00851, effective date 8/19/2025. All improvements on Jefferson Avenue are also located within a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland (PF01C) as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapper. Approximately 0.005 acres/269 SF/30 cubic yards of permanent wetland impacts and 0.027 acres/1,161 SF of temporary wetland impacts are anticipated for the repairs to the existing culvert crossing at Jefferson Avenue.
Alger Road: Proposed construction includes the replacement of the existing culvert structure along Alger Road with a new concrete span bridge. Activities include clearing and grubbing, demolition of the existing culvert structure, protection/relocation of existing utilities, construction of a new concrete bridge structure (27-foot-wide span with concrete wingwalls, two 15 foot-wide concrete approaches, an 18 foot road width with 2 foot shoulder and guard railing), the relocation of existing gas main adjacent to the new bridge via directional drilling, and relocation of the existing water main by hanging it from the new bridge structure, asphalt improvements, channel stabilization with stone rubble rip rap, regrading of existing roadside swales, slope stabilization, erosion control measures, roadway striping and signage and the location and protection of an existing gravity sewer main. None of the activities proposed for Alger Road are located in the flood zone. The area was not included as a wetland as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapper; however, a Site-Specific Survey for Environmentally Sensitive Lands was conducted on the property which showed the presence of jurisdictional wetlands. Based on the design, this project will result in 0.04 acres/1,766 SF/153 CY of permanent wetland impacts and 0.005 acres/215 SF of temporary ditch impact.
These actions must take place in the floodplain and wetland because all areas where construction will take place are located within or adjacent to an existing culvert structure which conveys the current drainage system from west to east and ultimately outfalls into the Escambia River. The project affects only previously disturbed right-of-way areas and roadway. Construction in, and disturbance of these areas could potentially impact the environment due to sedimentation and erosion if proper measures are not taken to mitigate risk. The County and its consultants have considered these risks both in the selection and identification of alternatives and the methods of construction. The disturbance of existing right-of-way is preferable to disturbing previously non-disturbed areas. The construction as designed will not provide any measurable damage to, or adverse effect upon, the floodplain or wetland.
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:
Jefferson Avenue:
- One alternative to repairing the bridge structure on Jefferson Avenue would be to replace the entire structure instead of repair. This alternative is not being considered because it would be a very costly option as opposed to the repair of the existing structure. Additionally, more rights-of-way would need to be acquired, which is also a financial consideration. No additional financial resources are available through the Town of Century or Escambia County for this project.
- A second alternative to repairing the bridge structure on Jefferson Avenue would be to permanently close the bridge at Jefferson Avenue and reroute the road so that it does not encroach on a flood zone or wetland. This alternative is not feasible because the wetland and flood zone extend far to the northwest and southeast of Jefferson Avenue, with no alternate route available. Additionally, this alternative would require substantial land acquisition and possible permanent relocation of residents. Also, the funding required for such a formidable project is not available to Escambia County or the Town of Century.
Alger Road:
- One alternative to the proposed improvements at Alger Road would be the renovation of the existing culvert structure instead of demolishing and replacing it. This alternative is not feasible because the existing structure requires significant repairs due to failing stormwater pipes, headwall structure, and varying sizes which adversely affects conveyance (flow) through the existing culverts. Repairing the structure will not adequately solve the flooding issue that is currently occurring on site, thus continued flooding will occur.
- A second alternative to the proposed improvements at Alger Road would be to permanently close the bridge at Alger Road and reroute the road so that it does not encroach on the wetland. This alternative is not feasible because the wetland extends far to the northeast and southeast of Alger Road, with no alternate route available. Additionally, this alternative would require substantial land acquisition and possible permanent relocation of residents. Also, the funding required for such a formidable project is not available to Escambia County or the Town of Century.
Both Service Areas:
- Another alternative would be for Escambia County to identify other areas in the Town for drainage improvements. This is not a reasonable alternative because the Town and County have identified Alger Road and Jefferson Avenue as the areas of greatest need for these improvements. Additionally, the CDBG application and funding is strictly linked to funding in these two areas due to their association with damage caused by Hurricane Sally on September 16, 2020.
- A “No Action” alternative was also considered and rejected because of the need to correct the erosion and structural issues that currently exist on Alger Road and Jefferson Avenue that are currently affecting the structural integrity of these culverts.
Escambia County will comply with state and local floodplain protection procedures during construction. Escambia County has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to this 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/wetland 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 comments about the floodplain and wetland 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 wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about July 7, 2026 (1 day after comment period ends), Escambia County will submit a request to the Florida Commerce for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as the Escambia County CDBG-DR Project HS 019, Town of Century Drainage Project in the amount of $2,862,137.00. The project is for drainage improvement activities in two service areas: 1) Jefferson Avenue – just north of Freedom Road (Lat 30°58'20.35"N; Long 87°15'1.92"W) and 2) Alger Road – an existing culvert at Alger Road (Lat 30°58'45.57"N; Long 87°15'36.61"W), located north and west of US Highway 29 (North Century Boulevard/State Route 10). Proposed activities on Jefferson Avenue includes slope stabilizations and void repairs with rip rap, flowable fill, sand cement bags, grassing, etc. as required to harden the existing structure and mitigate against future damage. Activities include the placement of a floating turbidity barrier, silt fencing, and hay bales for erosion/sedimentation control, cleaning and clearing of loose debris, placement of water diversion measures and/or pumps, placement of filter fabric, sand cement bags, bedding stone and rubble rap, the placement of flowable fill in eroded areas under and between the two existing culverts to fill and void areas in and around the pipe culverts, guardrail improvements, crack sealing and joint sealing of the roadway and existing slope protection, additional slope protection, and coating of the existing culvert pipes. Proposed activities on Alger Road include the replacement of the existing culvert structure along Alger Road with a new concrete span bridge. Activities include clearing and grubbing, demolition of the existing culvert structure, protection/relocation of existing utilities, construction of a new concrete bridge structure (27-foot-wide span with concrete wingwalls, two 15 foot-wide concrete approaches, an 18 foot road width with 2 foot shoulder and guard railing), the relocation of existing gas main adjacent to the new bridge via directional drilling, and relocation of the existing water main by hanging it from the new bridge structure, asphalt improvements, channel stabilization with stone rubble rip rap, regrading of existing roadside swales, slope stabilization, erosion control measures, roadway striping and signage and the location and protection of an existing gravity sewer main.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Escambia County has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Escambia County, Attn: Elizabeth Kissel, Governmental Liaison, at 221 Palafox Place, Pensacola, FL 32502, (850) 595-3935,
[email protected]. All comments received by July 6, 2026, will be considered by Escambia County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Escambia County certifies to the Florida Commerce that Wesley J. Moreno in his capacity as County Administrator, Escambia County, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. Florida Commerce approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Escambia County to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
Florida Commerce will accept objections to its release of fund and Escambia County’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Escambia County; (b) Escambia County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by Florida Commerce; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures at 24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76 and shall be addressed to Florida Commerce, CDBG Program, MSC-400107 East Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6508. Potential objectors should contact Florida Commerce to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Wesley J. Moreno
County Administrator, Escambia County
Environmental Certifying Official
