North Raleigh Today

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) have received an application for federal grant funding to assist with the City of Raleigh Elevation project titled FMA-2023. The project involves the voluntary elevation of a residential structure in Raleigh's 2000 block of Rothgeb Dr, aiming to mitigate flood risks.

As required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), federal actions are subject to review for feasible alternatives, and must consider social, economic, historic, environmental, legal, and safety implications. Under Executive Orders 11988, 11990, and 12898, FEMA must assess alternatives to proposed actions affecting floodplains or wetlands, encourage public participation, and evaluate impacts on minority and low-income populations.

FEMA's funding will only be granted if the project complies with all relevant federal, tribal, state, and local regulations, including floodplain standards and permit requirements. The proposed work involves lifting the property with the help of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds. The property will then be designated as open space permanently and allowed to revert to its natural state.

Two alternatives to the project have been identified. The first, a 'no action' option, maintains the current risk of flooding, leaving properties vulnerable to future events. The second alternative, acquisition, would remove future flooding risks, but is less favored since homeowners prefer elevation to merely reducing their risk.

Public input on this project is requested and should be submitted in writing. Comments are to be addressed to FEMA Internal 11988 Reviewer at FEMA Region 4's office in Atlanta, Georgia, or emailed to Ben Brown at Ben.Brown@raleighnc.gov. Submissions must be titled [FMA2023 11988 COMMENT] and are due within 30 days of the notice's posting date.