Dallas Floodway Project - 2014 Draft EIS comment period extended

Published May 30, 2014

Dallas Floodway Notice of Availability Extension - Signed

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY EXTENSION
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, DALLAS FLOODWAY PROJECT
CITY OF DALLAS, DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District has prepared and is currently seeking comments on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that analyzes the potential effects of implementing each of three alternative scenarios for the application of flood risk management elements, ecosystem restoration features, recreation enhancement features, interior drainage plan improvements, and other proposed projects in and around the Dallas Floodway, in the City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. The public is hereby notified that the public comment period for the DEIS for the Dallas Floodway Project, City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas is extended to June 17, 2014.

The City of Dallas proposes to implement flood risk management elements, Balanced Vision Plan (BVP) ecosystem and recreation features, and Interior Drainage Plan (IDP) improvements within the Dallas Floodway. The project area is located along the Trinity River upstream from the abandoned Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad bridge to the confluence of the West and Elm Forks, then upstream along the West Fork for approximately 2.2 miles, and upstream about 4 miles along the Elm Fork.

In addition to the Federal project described above, the City of Dallas has submitted an application for approval of the entire project (BVP and IDP) as a locally sponsored action under the provisions of 33 United States Code Section 408 (Section 408), Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA).

The proposal will be reviewed in accordance with 33 CFR 320-332, the Regulatory Program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other pertinent laws, regulations, and executive orders. The evaluation will also follow the guidelines published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 404(b )(1) of the CW A. The decision whether to approve the project will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact, including cumulative impact, of the proposal on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concerns for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits that reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors that may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including its cumulative effects.

The USACE is soliciting comments from the public; federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Native American Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of this proposal associated with a potential permit decision. Any comments received will be considered by the USACE in determining whether to issue, issue with conditions, or deny the permit. The extended comment period will also apply to provisions of 33 United States Code Section 408 (Section 408), Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA). Permit Number for this action is SWF-2014-00151.

Copies of the DEIS may be reviewed at the following locations: 1) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District Website: http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Missions/WaterSustainment/DallasFloodway.aspx; 2) Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas, Texas 75201; 3) Oak Lawn Branch Library, 4100 Cedar Spring Road, Dallas, Texas 75219; 4) North Oak Cliff Branch Library, 302 West Tenth Street, Dallas, Texas 75208; and 5) Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75212.

All written comments must be postmarked on or before June 17, 2014. Comments may be submitted in writing to: Marcia Hackett, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, P.O. Box 17300, Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300, or via e-mail to marcia.r.hackett@usace.army.mil.

Dallas Floodway Notice of Availability Extension - Signed