Early Notice for Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland
Date of Notice – Feb. 24, 2026
Escambia County Board of County Commissioners
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
850-595-3935
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that Escambia County (Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58) has determined that the following proposed action under the Florida Commerce Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program (HS 019) that a portion of the project is located within the FFRMS floodplain and wetland. Escambia County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach, using FIRM panel 12033C00851, effective date 8/19/2025.
The purpose of the project is to repair and fortify the bridge structure against additional deterioration in order to increase their resilience to future disasters. The proposed construction on Jefferson Avenue is located just north of Freedom Road (Lat 30°58'20.35"N; Long 87°15'1.92"W) and includes slope stabilization 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 riprap, and 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. Approximately 85 linear feet of this construction will take place in Flood Zone X (Shaded) (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Area) and within a Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland (PF01C) as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapper.
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. No additional area will be disturbed, and there will be no additional impervious surface created, thus the project will not create additional erosion or discharge and will not impact any flora and fauna at the site. There are no adverse effects anticipated on recreational, educational, scientific, historical or cultural values. The total number of acres of flood zone and wetland involved in this project is approximately .012 acres. These improvements are necessary in order to repair erosion and structural issues at this site.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain and 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland and alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. 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 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/or wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by Elizabeth Kissel, Governmental Liaison, at (address), (850) 595-3935, [email protected] on or before March 11, 2026. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8 am to 4:30 pm at the Engineering office 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, FL 32505 or on the County’s website at myescambia.com/sallyrecoverygrant/rebuild-florida-infrastructure-programs. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Elizabeth Kissel at (850) 595-3935. Comments may also be submitted by email at [email protected].
Wesley J. Moreno, County Administrator
Escambia County
