To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, & Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Panama City has conducted an evaluation as required 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the
Community Development Block Grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
(PL 93-383) and DEO Agreement No. M0176. The proposed project is located at various lift stations throughout
the limits of the City of Panama City, Bay County, Florida (see attached list). The project would provide repairs
and improvements to existing lift stations that were damaged during Hurricane Michael. Improvements
include installation of warning systems as well as bypass pumps. The project area is approximately 23,282
acres, and there are approximately 1.44 acres of Zone AE (Elevations 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19, 20, 23, 31, 33, and
35 feet), 0.3 acres of Zone A, and 0.06 acres of Zone VE floodplains within the project area. There are
approximately 0.45 acres of wetlands within the project area.
The City of Panama City has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to
minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
One alternative includes relocating the project outside of any floodplain. However, the project cannot be relocated outside of a floodplain because the existing storm-damaged lift stations are already in place and in
need of repair and improvements. Floodplains and wetlands are widespread throughout Panama City and
difficult to completely avoid in large-scale projects.
Another alternative involves installing brand new lift stations in uplands. However, this alternative would be
too costly and result in adverse impacts to upland communities since they are typically highly developed.
A No Build alternative was also considered, but that alternative would not address the purpose or meet the
needs of the project. There would be no repair or improvement to existing lift stations and eventually result
in failure of the lift stations.
This action will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: Any potential impacts
to floodplains and wetlands will be temporary and would occur during construction activities. The lift station
repairs and improvements would cause no long-term impacts to floodplains and wetlands because there will
be no change in size or capacity greater than 20 percent. The City of Panama City will comply with all state
and local floodplain and wetland protection procedures.
The City of Panama City has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetlands and has
determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3
through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 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 wetlands 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 about
floodplains and wetlands 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 floodplains and wetlands, it must inform
those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Panama City at the following address on or before June 20,
2023: City of Panama City, 501 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401 and (850) 872-3000, Attention:
Michael Rohan, Sr. Comments may also be submitted, or further information can be requested via email at
mrohan@panamacity.gov. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8AM-5PM Monday
through Friday at the above address.
Date: 6/12/2023