Notification is hereby given to the public that the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado has requested funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a proposed channel stabilization and restoration project along Monument Creek between the Mark Dabling Boulevard bridge and Cottonwood Creek. This notification is provided pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Executive Orders 11988 – Floodplain Management, and Executive Order 11990 – Wetland Protection, and Federal agency implementation procedures described in 44 C.F.R. Part 9 and FEMA Directive 108-1. Funding from FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will be utilized, the purpose of which is to implement cost-effective mitigation projects that result in safer and more resilient communities. This project would enhance stream/floodplain functions in order to provide stream bank stabilization for the protection of critical infrastructure, ensuring continued service to citizens and businesses within the region.

The City of Colorado Springs proposes to stabilize approximately 1,650 linear feet along Monument Creek from the Mark Dabling Boulevard bridge to the confluence with Cottonwood Creek. Several cutbanks have formed along Monument Creek in the project area and are threatening Mark Dabling Boulevard to the west and adjacent utilities. The project would consist of a combination of bank and channel grading, bank stabilization, grade-control structures, and vegetation enhancement. Approximately 1,650 linear feet of Monument Creek and adjacent banks would be stabilized. Banks would be laid back to a 3:1 slope where cutbanks have formed. Soil riprap would be placed in areas along the toe of the slope. Three grade-control sculpted concrete drop structures would be installed in the project area. The project also involves installing willow logs, willow stakes, wetland plugs, and wetland, riparian, and upland seed mixes to support development of resilient streambank vegetation.

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Construction activities would be in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. This action requires the City to acquire a Floodplain Development Permit, and to comply with their local floodplain ordinance and the National Flood Insurance Program regulations.

The President of the United States has issued Executive Orders that require Federal Agencies to focus attention on the environment and on human health and safety when considering the funding of an action. Executive Orders 11988 – Floodplain Management and 11990 – Wetland Protection require federal agencies to avoid to the extent possible the long and short-term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains/wetlands and to avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain/wetland development wherever there is a practicable alternative. With this public notice, FEMA is informing the public that the proposed action would occur in areas that are mapped within the 100-year floodplain and floodway, as well as wetlands.

There are no practicable alternatives to the proposed project. It is anticipated that long-term impacts to the floodplain and wetlands would be beneficial, with potential minor, short-term adverse impacts during the construction process. In order to minimize impacts to wetlands, appropriate erosion and sediment control measures will be installed to control the discharge of pollutants from the construction site. Wetland impacts will be mitigated onsite as part of the proposed project and impacts to jurisdictional wetlands will be addressed in compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Colorado Springs has applied for an Individual Permit Letter of Permission (SPA-2024-00276) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the project.

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FEMA has also evaluated potential effects of the proposed project on historic properties, and determined there will be no significant impacts to these resources. FEMA consulted with USFWS on impacts to Preble's meadow jumping mouse and its critical habitat and USFWS has determined the proposed project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse and is not likely to adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.

A public comment period for the proposed project described in this notice will remain open for 15 days from date of publication. If no substantive comments are received, the proposed project may proceed no sooner than 15 days after the comment period closes. Interested persons may obtain more detailed information about the proposed project by contacting Adam Copper, PE, City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Division/Public Works, by phone at 719-385-5436 or by email at Adam.Copper@coloradosprings.gov. Information may also be requested by emailing fema-r8ehp@fema.dhs.gov or by mail sent to the Denver Federal Center, P.O. Box 25267, Denver, Colorado, 80225, subject line: Monument Creek EHP.

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