Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year/500-year Floodplain or Wetland To: All interested Agencies: Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Durrs Neighborhood Homeowners Association, City of Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority, Groups, and Individuals. This is to give notice that the City of Fort Lauderdale under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under Wireless Broadband Pilot Project funded under the Florida Department of Commerce, Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CDBG-CV) and contract # 22CV-E15 is located in the 100-year/500-year floodplain, and The City of Fort Lauderdale will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, 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 Protection of Wetlands. This project will proliferate access to the internet in low-income neighborhoods by deploying a cellular back-hauled access Public Hotspot Kit (PHK) solution to bridge the digital divide for residents in low/moderate communities. The PHK is a pole or wall mounted solution that will utilize pre-existing infrastructure. New construction is not required and there will be no disturbance to the ground, ecosystem, air quality, or waterways. PHK is a green broadband solution that will be pivotal in bridging the digital divide with no new measurable negative environmental impacts. Each PHK is solar powered with a backup battery system. The PHK system allows the established WI-FI network to be grid independent by utilizing renewable energy. The project will not involve disturbing the ground and will not have an adverse impact on the floodplain because the existing poles are already in the ground and the PHK will be mounted above the base flood elevation 6 + 1 freeboard, the flood zone is (AE),12011C0368H, (BFE 6 NAVD 88). The area is primarily residential with no known historic and scientific significance. The proposed project area will span approximately 7,049,096 Square Feet or approximately 162 Acres and is located within the boundaries of NW 17 th Avenue to the west, NW 12 th Avenue to the east, Sistrunk Blvd. to the South, Sunrise Blvd. to the north, and situated approximately two-mile radius from the boundaries of Joseph C. Carter Park, located at 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., in the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida. 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, 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 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 Fort Lauderdales Housing and Community Development Division at the following address on or before December 17, 2023. A minimum 15 calendar day comment period will begin the day after the publication and end on the 16 th day after the publication: City of Fort Lauderdale Housing and Community Development, C/O One East Broward Boulevard, Suite 444, Fort Lauderdale Fl 33301 and 954-828-5391, Attention: Greg Chavarria, City Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays, at 914 Sistrunk Blvd Suite 103, Fort Lauderdale Florida 33311 Comments may also be submitted via email at rwilliams@fortlauderdale.gov. Date: November 17, 2023 11/21/23 7534276