PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Emergency Management Agency In accordance with 44 CFR 9.8 for Executive Orders 11988 & 11990 VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources Purchase of Williams Delight Parcels and Warehouse Prince Quarter, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands FEMA-DR-4340-VI Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS-FEMA) to provide federal funding to the VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources (DPNR) as Subrecipient for financial assistance. DPNR is requesting funds to purchase properties 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946,159-D in Estate William’s Delight, which is within a designated flood zone. On September 19, 2017, Hurricane Maria caused extensive damage to the US Virgin Islands (USVI), resulting in the President declaring a major disaster on September 20, 2017. This declaration allows federal disaster assistance to be available to affected communities and certain nonprofit organizations in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1974 (Stafford Act; 42 U.S.C. 5172), as amended. This notification is given in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management), EO 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and 44 CFR Part 9, regulations for implementing EO 11988 and EO 11990. DPNR's proposed action is to purchase the William’s Delight parcels (approximately 3.5 acres) for the option to relocate permanent offices from their current location. A 25,000 square foot single-story warehouse presently exists on the site. After purchase, the warehouse building will be renovated into a permanent office space for DPNR. There are an additional 2 acres of space located behind the Williams Delight building, where DPNR may choose to expand in the future. The previous facility for the DPNR offices, the Old Brugal Rum Distillery in La Grange (La Grange offices), received significant damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and are also located within a designated flood zone. This action would take place within the 100-year and 500-year floodplain per the current preliminary flood insurance rate map, which means that the action has the potential to affect, or be affected by, the floodplain. Alternatives considered include: 1) taking no action, 2) relocation to a different property, and 3) the proposed alternative, which is the purchase of the William’s Delight facility. FEMA has determined that proposed purchase is the most practicable alternative to ensure continuous operation of DPNR staff and programs. DPNR considered multiple locations for relocation, however considering price, location, and facility, the William’s Delight location was the only facility that was able to meet the needs of DPNR. If the purchase proceeds and DPNR later proposes additional construction at the site, FEMA anticipates writing an environmental assessment to further evaluate alternatives under applicable laws and executive orders. Comments about this project, potential alternatives, and floodplain impacts may be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of this publication to: FEMA 4335-4340 JFO, Attn: Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, 4500 Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Unit 37 and 38, Christiansted, VI 00820; or via email at FEMA-4340-Comment@fema.dhs.gov. If substantive comments are received, FEMA will evaluate and address the comments as part of the environmental documentation for this project.