Site work for a water / sewer project in Oakdale, Louisiana. Completed plans call for site work for a water / sewer project.

All Interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the City of Oakdale has determined that the following proposed action under the State of Louisiana Community Development Block Grant, B-18-DP-22-0001 is located in a wetland and/or floodplain, and the City of Oakdale will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the wetland and/or floodplain and the potential impacts on the wetland and/or floodplain from the proposed action, as requested by Executive Order 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project includes the acquisition of approximately 21 acres of land adjacent to the Federal Correctional Facility for the construction of a 21-acre retention area in Beaver Creek. This retention basin will provide storage for flood waters during significant rainfall events allowing storm water to drain out of the populated areas near Oak Park. The drainage canal that serves this area will be excavated/re-graded to provide for increased capacity during severe rainfall events. The existing culverts that have capacity/structural issues that cannot be replaced will be rehabilitated. The City of Oakdale has determined that a portion of the drainage improvements project is located in wetlands and/or floodplains. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetlands and/or floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about wetlands and floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetlands and/or floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.