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, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making
Determinations on Floodplain Management. 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). The
proposed project is located at 1027 East 5th Street in Panama City, Bay County. The proposed project would
provide assistance to local businesses for repairs and improvements to the facades of existing businesses
including the repair, replacement, or new installation of roofing, HVAC systems, signs, landscaping
improvements, windows and/or doors, awnings, interior flooring, exterior and/or interior walls, gutters and
downspouts, electrical wiring, interior and/or exterior light fixtures, and parking lots, parking lot striping,
and concrete pads. The project area is approximately 1.86 acres, and there are approximately 0.73 acres of
Zone AE (Elevation 8 feet) floodplains 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 re‐
located outside of a floodplain because the existing storm‐damaged building is already in place and in need
of repair. Floodplains are widespread throughout Panama City and difficult to completely avoid in large‐
scale projects.
Another alternative involves work in the same location as the existing building but would not include any of
the project activities that would occur within the floodplain (e.g., repairs/improvements to parking lot,
parking lot striping, concrete pads). However, this would not address the purpose or meet the needs of the
project. The business would not be able to properly repair the existing façade without these project
activities.
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 the existing building which would impact
its future intended use.
This action will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: Any potential
impacts to floodplains will be temporary and would occur during construction only and will be minimized
using standard Best Management Practices. The City of Panama City will comply with all state and local
floodplain protection procedures.
The City of Panama City 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, 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 about
floodplains 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, 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., Mayor of Panama City. 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.
June 12, 202