Greater New Orleans (GNO) Infrastructure Projects

How does FEMA plan to consult and involve affected disaster survivors, communities and local governments?

FEMA will ensure that opportunities are provided for stakeholders to become involved in the project planning and environmental review process through various outreach mechanisms. These mechanisms may be provided by FEMA or by the applicants. For projects that will be addressed under the Alternative Arrangements Process, FEMA will require the applicant to provide opportunities for the public to have input into the planning and decision-making process. The methods used and number of opportunities offered will be dependent on the type and size of the project. Additionally, mechanisms to specifically involve New Orleans area residents who have temporarily relocated outside the area will also be used. These mechanisms include this internet website with environmental information about proposed actions in Greater New Orleans (GNO); linking to other public involvement forums such as state, parish, local group, and commitee meetings; and outreach through various community and/or faith-based groups.

How can affected disaster survivors and the general public submit comments to FEMA on these NEPA Alternative Arrangements?

FEMA will collect comments on the public outreach process, the criteria for critical infrastructure grants covered by the Alternative Arrangements, the mitigation measures for the categories of critical infrastructure identified, and the availability of environmental information to be incorporated into our analysis under these Alternative Arrangements. These comments can be submitted to: FEMA-NOMA@dhs.gov. FEMA will also collect comments that are sent by mail or that are provided at meetings. For more information on how to submit comments regarding critical infrastructure, visit our Public Information and Outreach Overview page.

Will alternatives to projects be considered under these Alternative Arrangements?

Non-federal applicants may include alternatives in their applications for funding for reconstruction of critical physical infrastructure in the affected area. These Alternative Arrangements allow for, but do not require, the submission or analysis of alternatives for individual projects. However, evaluation of alternatives, such as mitigation alternatives to meet other legal requirements like FEMA's Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection regulations and Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice, will be considered in the context of the grant applications.

For example, the evaluation of alternatives may also be used to assist in the identification of treatment measures for undertakings that may have adverse effects on properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The applicant may provide sector-specific Critical Infrastructure Facility Plans. These plans will include the needs identified by the applicant for a particular sector and the development approach to meet those needs. These plans may include an evaluation of alternatives for the re-establishment of the sector's critical infrastructure.

Why are levees being handled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)?

Permanent levees are considered critical water control infrastructure, but levee restoration is not eligible for FEMA public assistance because this activity is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

What is environmental justice?

Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice, requires that federal agencies identify and address, as appropriate, "disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations." FEMA is required to consider the effects of its actions in the context of this policy order. Environmental justice is a consideration that will be addressed under the Alternative Arrangements for NEPA compliance for FEMA Public Assistance Program-funded projects in Greater New Orleans.