NEPA_Sch B_Site 2.pdf

EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM

LANDSLIDES AND ROAD DAMAGE REPAIR

AC-805544 RPE0599544 ER-9999(314)

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form

ER-HWY-2

PR-1 KM.-61.80 CAYEY, PR

Submitted to:

Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority

Environmental Studies Office

PO Box 42007

San Juan, PR 00940-2007

November 2019

Categorical Exclusion

Emergency Relief Program

Landslides and Road Damage Repair

PR-1 km-61.80, Cayey, P.R. (AC-805544)

Table of Contents

I. General Information

II. Project Description

III. Purpose and Need

IV. Planning Consistency

V. Proposed Improvements

VI. Environmental Issues Evaluated for the Proposed Action

VII. Environmental Commitments required for the proposed project:

Appendixes

APPENDIX A - EMERGENCY DECLARED DOCUMENTS

APPENDIX B - FIGURES, MAPS AND PLANS

APPENDIX C - DAMAGE DETAIL INSPECTION REPORT

APPENDIX D - US FISHER AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION

APPENDIX E - STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE COORDINATION

APPENDIX F– CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION CHECKLIST

Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form

I. General Information

State Project No.:

AC-805544 Federal Project: ER-9999 (314)

Project Name:

Emergency Relief Program Landslides and Road Damage Repair

ER-HWY-2

Route No: PR-1

From Milepost: Km. 61.80 To Milepost: Km. 61.80

Municipality: Cayey Length: 90 meters

ROW Cost N/A Construction Cost: $523,331.45

Existing Facility Proposed Facility

ROW Width: 20.60 mts. ROW Width: 20.60 mts.

No. Lanes & Width: 2 lanes (4.00mts. ea) No. Lanes & Width: 2 lanes (4.00mts. ea)

Shoulder Width: n/a Shoulder Width: n/a

Median: n/a Median: n/a

Overall Roadway Width:

8 mts. @ 7.30 mts. Overall Roadway Width: 8 mts.

II. Project Description (Included project scope and location and refer to the attached project location map)

On September 6 and 20, 2017 Hurricanes Irma and María passed through the Island and impacted many areas and structures such as Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) highways, roads, bridges and infrastructure. As consequence of the damages, the Governor of Puerto Rico, Hon.

Ricardo Roselló and President of the United States Mr. Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in the Island. See referenced documents enclosed in Appendix A.

Congress authorized in Title 23, United States Code, Section 125, a special program from the Highway Trust Fund for the repair or reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads on Federal lands which have suffered serious damage as a result of (1) natural disasters or (2) catastrophic failures from an external cause. This program, commonly referred to as the emergency relief or ER program, supplements the commitment of resources by States, their political subdivisions, or other Federal agencies to help pay for unusually heavy expenses resulting from extraordinary conditions.

This new program assists States and public transportation systems with emergency related expenses.

Emergencies are defined as natural disasters affecting a wide area or a catastrophic failure from an external cause for which the governor of a State has declared an emergency (and the Secretary of Transportation has concurred) or the President has declared a major disaster. The program funds capital projects to protect, repair, reconstruct, or replace equipment and facilities.

The applicability of the ER program to a natural disaster is based on the extent and intensity of the disaster. Damage to highways must be severe, occur over a wide area, and result in unusually high expenses to the highway agency. Applicability of ER to a catastrophic failure due to an external cause is based on the criteria that the failure was not the result of an inherent flaw in the facility but was sudden, caused a disastrous impact on transportation services, and resulted in unusually high expenses to the highway agency.

The PRHTA proposes the reconstruction of a segment of state road PR-1, specifically a segment at km 61.80, at the Matón ward in the municipality of Cayey (see Appendix B, Figures 1 & 2)). A landslide has been identified at this stretch of road (see Appendix B, Photos 1 to 3). Several alternatives were evaluated for each site, considering environmental and socioeconomic criteria, schedule, constructability, cost and feasibility.

This project in particular has an affected area of approximately 431 square meters. This area will be evaluated, and reconstruction works will be proposed. The widths of the existing lanes vary between

4.748 m to 4.00 m with a "Right of Way” (ROW) of 20.60 meters. For the repairs of the effect of the PR-1 Km. 61.80 landslide, a partial road closure will need to be implemented (see Appendix B).

The alternative selected for ER-HWY-2 is a reinforced soil wall will be installed to improve soil stability.

This type of wall has welded wire forms and a locking tail strut connecting the two, working together to resist differential settlement, seismic activity and heavy external loads.. For driver’s safety, a 23.45 meters special concrete barrier will be installed at the end of existing ones. Continuously, a new 14.86 meters long guardrail will be installed at the end of the special concrete wall. Cold milling will be used in the affected area to remove the existing pavement (2 inches thick asphalt), to be replaced by a new layer.

For surface runoff management purposes, a drainage curb type D will be added parallel to the affected area. At the end of the curb the collected water will pour water away from the affected area. The water that may run over the paved surface will be diverted to the opposite side of the road by the 2% slope ratio and collected by the proposed shallow concrete swale. The existing utilities have been already repaired and relocated

III. Purpose and Need

The PR-1 is a secondary highway that runs from west to east and connects the towns of Salinas, Aibonito and Cayey. The proposed project consists in the following works:

1. Reconstruction of roadway segments

2. Installation of a reinforced soil wall to improve soil stability

3. A drainage curb type D will be added parallel to the affected area for surface runoff management purposes.

The construction doesn’t require additional Right of Way acquisition as part of the proposed repair.

However, the repair and reconstruction work of the affected areas will require a temporary access outside the existing the ROW. The Emergency repair work would be performed to restore essential travel, enough to allow traffic to travel over it safely, minimize the extent of damage, and protect the remaining facilities.

IV. Planning Consistency

Estimated Construction Time: 3 -6 months

Estimated Construction Cost: $523,331.45

Estimated Date for ROW: First semester of 2020

Estimated Date for PS&E: First semester of 2020

Estimated Date Construction Phase Begins:

First semester of 2020

Project STIP Consistency: This Project will be financed with funds from the Emergency Relief Program associated to Hurricanes Irma and María.

Enclosed is the DDIR document (Appendix C)

V. Proposed Improvements

23 CFR §771.115 Classes of Actions

(b) Class II (CEs) - Actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect are excluded from the requirement to prepare an EA or EIS. A specific list of CEs normally not requiring NEPA documentation is set forth in 23 CFR §771.117(c) for FHWA actions or pursuant to 23 CFR §771.118(c) for FTA actions. When appropriately documented, additional projects may also qualify as CEs pursuant to 23 CFR §771.117(d) for FHWA actions or pursuant to 23 CFR §771.118(d) for FTA actions.

23 CFR §771.117 FHWA Categorical Exclusions

(a) Categorical exclusions (CEs) are actions which meet the definition contained in 40 CFR 1508.4, and, based on past experience with similar actions; do not involve significant environmental impacts.

They are actions which: do not induce significant impacts to planned growth or land use for the area;

do not require the relocation of significant numbers of people; do not have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resource; do not involve significant air, noise, or water quality impacts; do not have significant impacts on travel patterns; or do not otherwise, either individually or cumulatively, have any significant environmental impacts.

(b) The following actions meet the criteria for CEs in the CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) and 23 CFR §771.117(a) and normally do not require any further NEPA approvals by the FHWA:

Check one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project:

☐ (1) Activities which do not involve or lead directly to construction, such as planning and research activities; grants for training; engineering to define the elements of a proposed action or alternatives so that social, economic, and environmental effects can be assessed; and Federal-aid system revisions which establish classes of highways on the Federal-aid highway system.

☐ (2) Approval of utility installations along or across a transportation facility.

☐ (3) Construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, paths, and facilities.

☐ (4) Activities included in the State's highway safety plan under 23 U.S.C. 402.

☐ (5) Transfer of Federal lands pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 107(d) and/or 23 U.S.C. 317 when the land transfer is in support of an action that is not otherwise subject to FHWA review under NEPA.

☐ (6) The installation of noise barriers or alterations to existing publicly owned buildings to provide for noise reduction.

☐ (7) Landscaping.

☐ (8) Installation of fencing, signs, pavement markings, small passenger shelters, traffic signals, and railroad warning devices where no substantial land acquisition or traffic disruption would occur.

☒ (9) The following actions for transportation facilities damaged by an incident resulting in an emergency declared by the Governor of the State and concurred in by the Secretary, or a disaster or emergency declared by the President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act (42 USC 5121):

☒ (i) Emergency repairs under 23 U.S.C. 125; and

☒ (ii) The repair, reconstruction, restoration, retrofitting, or replacement of any road, highway, bridge, tunnel, or transit facility (such as a ferry dock or bus transfer station), including ancillary transportation facilities (such as pedestrian/bicycle paths and bike lanes), that is in operation or under construction when damaged and the action:

☒ (A) Occurs within the existing right-of-way and in a manner, that substantially conforms to the preexisting design, function, and location as the original (which may include upgrades to meet existing codes and standards as well as upgrades warranted to address conditions that have changed since the original construction); and

☐ (B) Is commenced within a 2-year period beginning on the date of the declaration.

☐ (10) Acquisition of scenic easements.

☐ (11) Determination of payback under 23 U.S.C. 156 for property previously acquired with Federal-aid participation.

☐ (12) Improvements to existing rest areas and truck weigh stations.

☐ (13) Ridesharing activities.

☐ (14) Bus and rail car rehabilitation.

☐ (15) Alterations to facilities or vehicles in order to make them accessible for elderly and handicapped persons.

☐ (16) Program administration, technical assistance activities, and operating assistance to transit authorities to continue existing service or increase service to meet routine changes in demand.

☐ (17) The purchase of vehicles by the applicant where the use of these vehicles can be accommodated by existing facilities or by new facilities which themselves are within a CE.

☐ (18) Track and rail bed maintenance and improvements when carried out within the existing right-of-way.

☐ (19) Purchase and installation of operating or maintenance equipment to be located within the transit facility and with no significant impacts off the site.

☐ (20) Promulgation of rules, regulations, and directives.

☐ (21) Deployment of electronics, photonics, communications, or information processing used singly or in combination, or as components of a fully integrated system, to improve the efficiency or safety of a surface transportation system or to enhance security or passenger convenience. Examples include, but are not limited to, traffic control and detector devices, lane management systems, electronic payment equipment, automatic vehicle locaters, automated passenger counters, computer-aided dispatching systems, radio communications systems, dynamic message signs, and security equipment including surveillance and detection cameras on roadways and in transit facilities and on buses.

☐ (22) Projects, as defined in 23 U.S.C. 101, that would take place entirely within the existing operational right-of-way. Existing operational right-of-way refers to right-of-way that has been disturbed for an existing transportation facility or is maintained for a transportation purpose. This area includes the features associated with the physical footprint of the transportation facility (including the roadway, bridges, interchanges, culverts, drainage, fixed guideways, mitigation areas, etc.) and other areas maintained for transportation purposes such as clear zone, traffic control signage, landscaping, any rest areas with direct access to a controlled access highway, areas maintained for safety and security of a transportation facility, parking facilities with direct access to an existing transportation facility, transit power substations, transit venting structures, and transit maintenance facilities. Portions of the right-of-way that have not been disturbed or that are not maintained for transportation purposes are not in the existing operational right-of-way.

☐ (23) Federally-funded projects:

☐ (i) That receive less than $5,000,000 of Federal funds; or

☐ (ii) With a total estimated cost of not more than $30,000,000 and Federal funds comprising less than 15 percent of the total estimated project cost.

☐ (24) Localized geotechnical and other investigation to provide information for preliminary design and for environmental analyses and permitting purposes, such as drilling test bores for soil sampling;

archeological investigations for archeology resources assessment or similar survey; and wetland surveys.

☐ (25) Environmental restoration and pollution abatement actions to minimize or mitigate the impacts of any existing transportation facility (including retrofitting and construction of stormwater treatment systems to meet Federal and State requirements under sections 401 and 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1341; 1342)) carried out to address water pollution or environmental degradation.

☐ (26) Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (including parking, weaving, turning, and climbing lanes), if the action meets the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (27) Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects, including the installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting, if the project meets the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (28) Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of grade separation to replace existing at-grade railroad crossings, if the actions meet the constraints in paragraph (e) of this section.

☐ (29) Purchase, construction, replacement, or rehabilitation of ferry vessels (including improvements to ferry vessel safety, navigation, and security systems) that would not require a change in the function of the ferry terminals and can be accommodated by existing facilities or by new facilities which themselves are within a CE.

☐ (30) Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing ferry facilities that occupy substantially the same geographic footprint, do not result in a change in their functional use, and do not result in a substantial increase in the existing facility’s capacity. Example actions include work on pedestrian and vehicle transfer structures and associated utilities, buildings, and terminals.

(e) Actions described in (c)(26), (c)(27), and (c)(28) of this section may not be processed as CEs under paragraph (c) if they involve:

(1) An acquisition of more than a minor amount of right-of-way or that would result in any residential or nonresidential displacements;

(2) An action that needs a bridge permit from the U.S. Coast Guard, or an action that does not meet the terms and conditions of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide or general permit under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899;

(3) A finding of "adverse effect" to historic properties under the National Historic Preservation Act, the use of a resource protected under 23 U.S.C. 138 or 49 U.S.C. 303 (section 4(f)) except for actions resulting in de minimis impacts, or a finding of "may affect, likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered species or critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act;

(4) Construction of temporary access, or the closure of existing road, bridge, or ramps, that would result in major traffic disruptions;

(5) Changes in access control;

(6) A floodplain encroachment other than functionally dependent uses (e.g., bridges, wetlands) or actions that facilitate open space use (e.g., recreational trails, bicycle and pedestrian paths); or construction activities in, across or adjacent to a river component designated or proposed for inclusion in the National System of Wild and Scenic Rivers.

VI. Environmental Issues Evaluated for the Proposed Action

Ecological

1. Would the project have a substantial impact on any unique or important natural resource?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Due to the project scope, no substantial impact on any unique or important natural resource is expected.

2. Does the project involve habitat where federally listed endangered or threatened species may occur?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

To comply with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, the USFWS IPaC website was used to obtain an Official Species List (see Appendix D) identifying the federally protected species which could occur within the environmental study area and to make an anticipated Effects

Determination for each species, for the site. The USFWS IPaC Official Species List identified the following species as potentially occurring within the project area: O ER- HWY 2 Epicrates inornatus and C inornata wetmorei

According to the nature of the project, habitat characteristics, and the implementation of PRHTA BMPs, it is the agency belief, that the project is not likely to adversely affect federally-listed species or their critical habitats, therefore, the USFWS concurred that no further consultation is required (see Appendix F). Nevertheless, if the project is modified or if information on impacts to listed species becomes available, PRHTA will contact the USFWS office concerning the need for the initiation of consultation under Section 7 of the Act. A number of conservation measures to avoid and minimize harm to the aforementioned listed species that could be encountered has been included in Appendix D.

3. Does the project qualify as a minor action that may be conducted within a blanket clearance (Self- Certification Endangered Species Act Certification) without adversely affecting the recovery and survival of listed endangered or threatened species?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project is outside any endangered or threatened species habitat. A consultation letter was submitted to USFWS and their concurred on July 11, 2019. Copy of the concurrence letter is included in Appendix D.

4. The project affects USACE jurisdictional areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The projects would not affect jurisdictional water of the USACE (see Appendix B, Figure 4).

5. If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than one-tenth (1/10) of an acre and have all practicable measures to avoid and minimize wetland takings been evaluated?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project would not affect permanent or temporary wetlands.

6. Does the project affect areas covered under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No areas covered under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act will be affected (see Appendix B, Figure 4).

7. Does the project involve any known underground storage tanks (UST’s) or hazardous material sites?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No UST’s or hazardous materials were observed within the projects limits.

8. Would a US Coast Guard Permit be required?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project construction is in upland. No U.S. Coast Guard permit is required.

9. Is the project located within a floodplain zone?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The project is located outside of the floodplain zone. According to FEMA flood panel 72000C01735H dated November 18, 2005 the project is located within Zone X. Zone X is defined by FEMA as “Area determined to be outside de 2% annual chance of floodplain. See Appendix B, Figure 5,, FEMA Flood Map.

10. Would the project affect water bodies?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Based on GIS spatial data and EPA geospatial water data, water resources such as rivers, springs, lakes, lagoons, creeks, reservoirs, sinkholes, or wetlands are not located near the project’s areas in such ways that could affect any body of water, (see Appendix B, Figure 6).

The closest stream from the PR-1 km. 61.80 at is a distance of approximately 136 meters, (see Appendix B, Figure 6). No other water bodies were identified near the segment of the PR-1.

Although there is no body of water near the project area that could be affected, proper erosion and sediment controls will be installed to reduce the possibility that sediments related to the projects reach any body of water (including any stormwater inlets).

11. Would the project require the preparation of a Hydrologic-Hydraulic Study?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require the preparation of an H-H study.

12. Would the project affect Wild and Scenic Rivers?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not affect any designated Wild and Scenic Rivers of Puerto Rico.

13. Would the project may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not affect Essential Fish Habitat.

14. Does the project affect coastal municipalities?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The project is located outside of Coastal or maritime zones.

15. Would the project result in the modification of any existing floodway?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not affect the existing floodplain levels.

16. Would the project require any stream relocations or channel changes?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not require any stream relocation or channel changes.

17. Would the project affect trees?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project may require the cut of trees. According to the “Reglamento Conjunto para la Evaluación y Expedición de Permisos Relacionados al Desarrollo, Uso de Terrenos y Operación de Negocios” issued on June 7, 2019”, a mitigation plan will be necessary to mitigate the tree impacts. Nevertheless, an Administrative Order Number 2019-01 was issued by Permit Management Office on January 8, 2019 to extend the streamline permit process for the projects related to the emergency. The Order authorize the cut of trees without the request of a permit. The Administrative Order is effective until the declaration of state of emergency by the Governor of PR is valid.

Social, Economic and Cultural Resources

18. Would the project induce substantial impacts to planned growth or land use of the area?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not induce substantial impacts to planned growth or land use for the area.

19. Would the project require the relocation of any family or business?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not require the relocation of family or business.

20. Would the project have a disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effect on any minority or low-income population?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not have a disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effect on any minority or low-income population.

21. If the project involves the acquisition of a right-of-way, is the amount of right-of-way acquisition considered minor?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed repairs will be performed within the existing ROW and no acquisition will be required. However, the repair and reconstruction work of the affected areas will require a temporary access outside the existing the ROW. The scope of the project is re-establishing the affected areas to the original condition with technologies that will reduce the possibility of future damages. If any acquisition is required, PRHTA would provide compensation for landowners under laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the FHWA Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Act)

22. Does the project have any impact in the community cohesion of the adjacent project’s neighborhoods?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project will not have any impact in the community cohesion of the adjacent project’s neighborhoods.

23. Would the project affect community services?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project would not affect the community’s services.

24. Does the project consider non-discrimination issues?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project considers the non-discrimination considerations.

25. Would the project have any impacts on existing noise levels?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No effects on noise levels are expected. A temporary minimal increase of the existing noise levels would be expected during the construction phase of the project.

26. Does the project complies with attaining air quality standards (NAAQS)?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project complies with the national air quality standards (NAAQS).

27. Would the project have any impacts in existing air quality levels?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

Because mobile sources air toxics emissions are not expected to increase and no exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are anticipated, no adverse air quality effects are expected from the project. Any air emission from proposed work would be short-term in duration and very site-specific.

28. Would the project affect farmland areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed projects will not affect farmlands areas.

29. Would the project entail any significant aesthetic effects?

☐ YES ☒ NO

The project will not have any significant aesthetic effects.

30. Would the project affect recreational areas?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not affect recreational areas.

31. Would the project involve any changes in access control?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed projects will not involve any changes in access control.

32. Would the project have an adverse effect on permanent local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project would not have permanent effect on local traffic patterns or community cohesiveness. The project would keep the same geometry and would improve safety traffic along the PR-1.

33. Would traffic be maintained during construction using existing roads, staged construction, or on-site detours?

☒ YES ☐ NO

Additional Comments:

The traffic would be maintained during construction. A partial road closure will need to be implemented. A project specific MOT will be prepared, implemented and maintained during construction phase.

34. If the project is a bridge replacement project, would the bridge be replaced at this existing location (along the existing facility) and, would all construction proposed in association with the bridge replacement project be contained within the existing facility?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require a bridge replacement.

35. Would the project affect a bridge or a culvert?

☐ YES ☒ NO

The proposed project would not affect any bridge or culvert.

36. Is the bridge or culvert considered a historical structure?

☐ YES ☒ NO

As part of the damages and possible solutions evaluation for the landslide problem, an identification of historic properties and evaluation of effects was conducted. The site was evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. The study had a determination of no effect on historic properties due to the undertaking and no further studies were recommended. The letter of concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is enclosed (Appendix E). If unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time within the project area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries. SHPO would be notified. Project activities should not resume without authorization from SHPO. No historical structure will be affected by the proposed project.

37. Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or environmental grounds concerning the project?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No substantial controversy is expected related with the proposed project.

38. Would the project have an effect on social, economic, or environmental grounds concerning the project?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed projects will not have an adverse effect on social, economic or environmental grounds.

39. Would the project affect any archaeological remains which are important to history or pre-history?

☐ YES ☒ NO

As part of the damages and possible solutions evaluation for the landslide problem, an identification of archaeological remains and evaluation of effects was conducted. The site was evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. The study had a determination of no effect on archaeological remains due to the undertaking and no further studies were recommended. The letter requesting concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is enclosed (Appendix E). If unexpected archaeological or cultural resources are encountered at any time within the project area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries. SHPO would be notified. Project activities should not resume without authorization from SHPO. No archaeological remains will be affected by the proposed project.

40. Would the project affect any historic property?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

As part of the damages and possible solutions evaluation for the landslide problem, an identification of historic properties and evaluation of effects was conducted. The site was evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. The study had a determination of no effect on historic properties due to the undertaking and no further studies were recommended. The letter requesting concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is enclosed (Appendix D). If unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time within the project area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries. SHPO would be notified.

Project activities should not resume without authorization from SHPO. No historical structure will be affected by the proposed project.

41. Would the project require the use of resources from Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The projects will not cause impacts to recreational properties acquired with LWCFA Funds.

42. Would the project require the use of Section 4 (f) resources (public, parks, recreation lands, wildlife, historic sites, or historic bridges) as defined in Section 4 (f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed projects will not affect any publicly owned parks, recreational area, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, or public and private historical sites.

43. Would the project require the relocation of utilities or construction of new facilities?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The proposed project does not require the relocation of utilities or construction of new facilities. If any utility is encountered, it will be protected from any construction work.

44. Would the project affect any airport clearance?

☐ YES ☒ NO

The projects will not affect the airport clearance.

45. Would the project consider the accommodation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of its scope?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

No accommodations of pedestrian and bicycle facilities are part of the project’s scope.

46. Would the project require public involvement activities?

☐ YES ☒ NO

Additional Comments:

The public will be informed of the proposed project using variable message signs and other effective means and methods as approved by local and federal regulations.

47. Would the project have any potential for controversy?

☐ YES ☒ NO

No potential of controversy is expected for the proposed project.

VII. Environmental Commitments required for the proposed project:

1. The proposed works would be constructed mostly within the existing right of way and no ROW acquisition will be required.

2. The project is not likely to adversely affect federally listed species or their critical habitats. The implementation of PRHTA BMPs for Epicrates inornatus (Puerto Rican Boa) will be performed.

3. This project would not cause effect on historic properties. If unexpected cultural resources are encountered at any time within the project area, work should cease in the immediate vicinity of such discoveries and SHPO would be notified. After, such notification, project activities should not resume without and/or written from SHPO.

4. During the construction phase the traffic would be maintained during construction. A partial road closure will need to be implemented. If necessary, temporary detours would be provided. A project specific MOT will be prepared, implemented and maintained during the construction phase. Public participation activities will be conducted before close the road to ensure adequate opportunities for members of the community to express their opinion on transportation issues and to become active participants in the decision-making process.

APPENDIX A - EMERGENCY DECLARED DOCUMENTS

44647 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Notices

Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;

97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);

97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;

97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050 Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[FR Doc. 2017–20439 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111–23–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–3384– EM; Docket ID FEMA–2017–0001]

Puerto Rico; Emergency and Related Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of an emergency for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (FEMA–3384–EM), dated September 5, 2017, and related determinations.

DATES: The declaration was issued September 5, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dean Webster, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated September 5, 2017, the President issued an emergency declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121–5207 (the Stafford Act), as follows:

I have determined that the emergency conditions in certain areas of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico resulting from Hurricane Irma beginning on September 5, 2017, and continuing, are of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant an emergency declaration under the Robert T.

Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (‘‘the Stafford Act’’). Therefore, I declare that such an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

You are authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas. Specifically, you are authorized to provide assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance is supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes such amounts as you find necessary for Federal emergency assistance and administrative expenses.

Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration for the approved assistance to the extent allowable under the Stafford Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, Department of Homeland Security, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Alejandro DeLaCampa, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this declared emergency.

The following areas of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have been designated as adversely affected by this declared emergency:

All 78 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B), including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program.

The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;

97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);

97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;

97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[FR Doc. 2017–20451 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111–23–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4325– DR; Docket ID FEMA–2017–0001]

Nebraska; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of Nebraska (FEMA–4325–DR), dated August 1, 2017, and related determinations.

DATES: The amendment was issued on September 8, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dean Webster, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Michael R. Scott, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.

This action terminates the appointment of Dolph A. Diemont as Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.

The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;

97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);

97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;

97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[FR Doc. 2017–20454 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111–23–P

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46820 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Notices affected by the event declared a major disaster by the President in his declaration of September 10, 2017.

Brevard, Orange, Pasco, and St. Lucie Counties for Individual Assistance (already designated for debris removal and emergency protective measures [Categories A and B], including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program).

The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;

97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);

97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;

97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050 Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[FR Doc. 2017–21645 Filed 10–5–17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111–15–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4329– DR; Docket ID FEMA–2017–0001]

New Hampshire; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of New Hampshire (FEMA–4329– DR), dated August 9 2017, and related determinations.

DATES: The amendment was issued on September 21, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dean Webster, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, James N. Russo, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.

This action terminates the appointment of Albert Lewis as Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster.

The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling;

97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA);

97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant;

97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[FR Doc. 2017–21642 Filed 10–5–17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111–23–P

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND

SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–4339– DR; Docket ID FEMA–2017–0001]

Puerto Rico; Major Disaster and Related Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (FEMA–4339–DR), dated September 20, 2017, and related determinations.

DATES: The declaration was issued September 20, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dean Webster, Office of Response and Recovery, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2833.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated September 20, 2017, the President issued a major disaster declaration under the authority of the Robert T.

Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.

(the ‘‘Stafford Act’’), as follows:

I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico resulting from Hurricane Maria beginning on September 17, 2017, and continuing, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the ‘‘Stafford Act’’). Therefore, I declare that such a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes such amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and administrative expenses.

You are authorized to provide Individual Assistance and assistance for debris removal and emergency protective measures (Categories A and B) under the Public Assistance program in the designated areas, Hazard Mitigation throughout the Commonwealth, and any other forms of assistance under the Stafford Act that you deem appropriate subject to completion of Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs).

Direct Federal assistance is authorized.

Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance be supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Hazard Mitigation and Other Needs Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance also will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs, with the exception of projects that meet the eligibility criteria for a higher Federal cost-sharing percentage under the Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Debris Removal implemented pursuant to section 428 of the Stafford Act.

Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration for the approved assistance to the extent allowable under the Stafford Act.

The time period prescribed for the implementation of section 310(a), Priority to Certain Applications for Public Facility and Public Housing Assistance, 42 U.S.C. 5153, shall be for a period not to exceed six months after the date of this declaration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Alejandro DeLaCampa, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster.

The following areas of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have been designated as adversely affected by this major disaster:

The municipalities of Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Caguas, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guayama, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Dı́az, Juncos, Las Piedras, Loı́za, Luquillo, Manati, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Ponce, Rio Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:40 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\06OCN1.SGM 06OCN1as ab al ia us ka s on

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46821 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 193 / Friday, October 6, 2017 / Notices

1 https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4332, designating Aransas, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton Counties in Texas.

2 https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4335, designating St. John (Island) (County-equivalent) St.

Thomas (Island) (County-equivalent) in U.S. Virgin Islands for Hurricane Irma and St. Croix for Hurricane Maria.

3 https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4336, designating Canovanas (Municipio), Culebra (Municipio), Loiza (Municipio), Vieques (Municipio) in Puerto Rico for Hurricane Irma and Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Caguas, Canóvanas, Carolina, Cataño, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guayama, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Humacao, Jayuya, Juana Dı́az, Juncos, Las Piedras, Loı́za, Luquillo, Manati, Maunabo, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Ponce, Rio Grande, Salinas, San Juan, San Lorenzo, Santa Isabel, Toa Baja, Toa Alta, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, and Yabucoa for Hurricane Maria.

4 https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4337, designating Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy,…