Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Rockdale has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs HOME Program under RSP 2023-0005. The proposed project(s) is located at 729 Ackerman and 439 West Bell Ave. in the City of Rockdale, Milam County. The proposed activities will be for the purpose of reconstruction a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of fifty (50) single family home(s) on scattered sites in the floodplain of Rockdale, Texas. The maximum assistance, in the form of a grant or loan, per unit for reconstruction will be the lesser of either $150.00 per square foot or $175,000 total. The size of each footprint is approximately 1,500 sq. ft. The states benefit of the project is to provide decent, safe housing for affected residents. The potential adverse effects will be minimized because the construction will occur on existing footprints, and the units will be elevated out of the floodplain. The total number of acres of affected floodplains is approximately one (1) acre.
The City of Rockdale has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The reasons why the action must take place in a floodplain is because the homeowners have no other properties to re-locate to and the City does not have other properties available to exchange with the homeowners. In addition, all environmental concerns could either be minimized or mitigates and no other suitable arrangements can be made to assist the affected households and the benefit of the assistance outweighs the environmental concerns. The alternative was considered and rejected. This alternative leaves the qualified homeowners with no recourse for assistance. The City will hire an engineer to conduct an elevation survey of the property. The engineer will then provide an elevation certificate to the city and the homeowner. In addition, the engineer will place a stake on the property indicating the height the new structure needs to be in order to be 12” above the base elevation. The City is in compliance with all state and local floodplain protection procedures.
The City of Rockdale has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts 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 floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Rockdale at the following address on or before August 15, 2025: City of Rockdale, 505 W. Cameron Ave., Rockdale, TX 76567 and 512-446-2511, Attention: Shanna Johnson, City Secretary. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 505 W. Cameron Ave., Rockdale, TX 78569. Comments may also be submitted via email at sjohnson@rockdaletx.gov.
Date: 8/7/25