FLOODPLAIN NOTICE – COCOA, FL

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notification is hereby given to the public of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA, APHIS) intent to lease existing office/warehouse/scientific support space in Cocoa, FL.

The area of consideration makes it susceptible to flooding at or above the 100-year flood level. Under the President’s Executive Order 11988, “Floodplain Management,” USDA is required to review the project for possible alternative solutions to the proposed action. The agency considered but found no practical alternatives, as much of the area of consideration is located within a high flood risk zone.  The responsibilities/mission of the work performed at this location is Fruit Fly trapping, CHRP, and export certification of perishable commodities to PPQ programs. The area of consideration is centrally located and provides easy access to major highways and roadways, which is necessary due to the perishability of the commodities dealt with.  The area considered is crucial to the success of the unit’s mission.

Public comment is invited on possible alternatives.  Interested persons may obtain more detailed information about this action and its specific location from USDA, APHIS, MRPBS, Realty, Grace Connolly, at grace.connolly@usda.gov or by calling 612-336-3259 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m CST Monday through Friday.  Comments about this project should be submitted in writing to Grace Connolly, Realty Specialist at grace.connolly@usda.gov within fifteen (15) days of this notice.