City of Austin

Notice of impact on wetlands

This is to give notice that The City of Austin under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under CDBG Entitlement Grant B-24-MC-48-0500 is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and will have an impact on wetlands. The City of Austin will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain/wetlands and the potential impacts on the floodplain/wetlands from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and Executive Order 11990: Protection of Wetlands, respectively, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

Proposed Project and its location

The proposed project location is in the Colony Loop neighborhood and includes Colony Loop Drive and Loyola Lane in Austin, TX, Travis County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent-annual-chance floodplain approach. The project known as “Colony Park Infrastructure” involves five projects totaling approximately $12.5 million, over five years, that will enhance mobility, safety, and utility services through roadway upgrades, pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and the implementation of electrical and telecommunications lines to improve access and resilience for the Colony Park neighborhood in northeast Austin, TX. These efforts also include a new pedestrian bridge for safer access to schools and parks and upgraded water and wastewater systems to support current and future community needs while protecting local ecosystems. Using the FEMA Flood Firmette tool, it has been determined that a small section of the creek falls in Zone AE. The total number of acres in the floodplain is approximately 5.32. Previously identified wetlands are reported within the project area and approximately 3.65 acres will be impacted by the proposed improvements. Wetlands were identified from completion of a wetland delineation assessment, dated July 31, 2025.

Purpose of this notice

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain/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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain/wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain/wetlands. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain/wetands 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 floodplain/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Public comments

Written comments must be received by The City of Austin Housing at the following address on or before Thursday November 27, 2025: The City of Austin Housing at PO Box 1088, Austin, TX 78701 and 512-974-3100, Attention: Deletta Dean, Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am – 5pm at 1000 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702 and Housing Department | AustinTexas.gov. Comments may also be submitted via email at dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov.