This is to give notice that the City of Austin Housing Department under 24 CFR Part 58 conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under Title V of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.

Bailey at Stassney, will include new construction of a 104-unit supportive multifamily development to be located on approximately 2.38 acres of urban land addressed as 400 West Stassney Lane, Austin, Travis County, Texas 78745. As proposed, the project will consist of one (1) five-story building and associated parking lot. The residential units will be restricted to households earning 30, 50, and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. In addition, 26 units will operate as permanent supportive housing (PSH) for households at risk of homelessness.

The project is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2 percent flood approach (0.2 PFA). Approximately 1.2 acres of the property is within the 100 and 500-year floodplain of an unnamed tributary of Williamson Creek. Impacts from the new development will include approximately 0.04 acres of the 500-year floodplain, which is also considered to be the City of Austin Fully Developed 100-year floodplain. No development will occur within the FEMA 100-year floodplain and no wetland areas will be impacted. Natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain include floodplain storage and attenuation. There is minimal potential for historic or cultural resources due to a lack of known historic sites in the vicinity. No suitable habitat for federal or state-listed species is present on the property.

The Housing Department has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain:

1. No Action: The project would not use any project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority, as proposed. This alternative was not selected since the project was not found to have significant adverse impacts.
2. Locations outside and not affecting the FFRMS floodplain: The project location was chosen based on proximity to community amenities, which has made it competitive for low-income housing tax credits. Moving to a different property would potentially limit the project’s ability to financial benefit of the tax credits and impact the affordability of the development; thus, this alternative was rejected.
3. Modify the project to avoid or minimize impacts to the floodplain: Reconfiguring the project design was evaluated and determined to be infeasible due to the limited land size and need for emergency vehicle access and onsite parking. 
4. Fund the project as proposed: As proposed, the project will result in permanent impact to approximately 0.04 acres of the FFRMS floodplain. The property will be raised with fill and the insurable structure will have a finished floor elevation of 633 feet or higher, which is at least 2 feet over the base flood elevation. All state and local water quality protection procedures will be included in the construction plans. Surface water runoff will be subject to all Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are installed prior to the construction phase.

The Housing Department has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the FFRMS floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 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 Housing Department on or before November 13, 2024. 

Please submit your request by U.S. mail to:

City of Austin Housing Department
Dawn Perkins
The Streets-Jones Building
1000 East 11th Street, Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78702

You can also submit your request by email to Dawn.Perkins@austintexas.gov.

A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8 am to 5 pm at the same address as above.