North Raleigh Today

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) received an application for federal grant funding from the City of Raleigh. The proposal seeks to secure a Hazard Mitigation Grant for a project designed to mitigate flood risks.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), such federal actions are subjected to a review process, considering alternatives and evaluating social, economic, historical, environmental, legal, and safety factors. Additionally, Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 require FEMA to consider alternatives and inform the public of proposed actions impacting floodplains or wetlands. Executive Order 12898 further mandates public participation and consideration of impacts on minority and low-income populations. The notice may also address requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Funding for the project will be subject to compliance with various laws, regulations, and permit conditions at federal, tribal, state, and local levels.

The application, submitted by the City of Raleigh, is for the "City of Raleigh Elevation Project; FMA-2023." The proposed work involves the elevation of a residential structure on the 2000 block of Rothgeb Dr, Raleigh, North Carolina. This is part of a voluntary elevation program aimed at reducing the risk of flooding.

The project outlines two alternatives. The first, "No Action", would leave the structure vulnerable to flooding, posing a continued risk of damage and potential loss of life. The second alternative, "Acquisition", would involve purchasing the structure to eliminate flooding risk. However, the homeowner prefers elevation over selling the property.

Public comments are sought from various stakeholders, including local, state, or federal agencies, to evaluate the project's impact. Comments must be submitted in writing to FEMA's Internal 11988 Reviewer at FEMA Region 4, or emailed to Ben Brown at Ben.Brown@raleighnc.gov. Submissions should be titled [FMA2023 11988 COMMENT] and are due within 30 days of the notice’s posting date, April 3, 2025.