HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdministration - Public Notice PostingsFINAL PUBLIC NOTICE
LOWER HIGHLAND WASH FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT
PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA
HMGP-4524-007-005
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the
Town of Oro Valley (Subapplicant) in Pima County, Arizona, to mitigate impacts from flooding
by constructing flood control measures within the Highland Wash drainage crossing through the
Highlands Mobile Home Park neighborhood (Proposed Action). Pursuant to Executive Order
11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), and FEMA’s
implementing regulations at Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides
interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives
considered.
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to reduce flood risk. The Proposed Action consists of the
following: 1) clearing and grubbing vegetation in the project area; 2) demolishing and removing
the existing concrete-lined channel; 3) excavating the project area using track and tire-mounted
excavators, motor graders, dump trucks, concrete mixer trucks, vibratory compactors, and pickup
trucks; 4) constructing an enlarged concrete channel and ancillary infrastructure; and 5)
revegetating disturbed areas via hydroseeding and demobilizing.
The project area is depicted on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), Map Number
04019C1090L, effective date June 16, 2011. The FIRM shows that the Proposed Action lies within
Zone X, an area of minimal flood hazard. However, according to the Oro Valley Floodplain Inquiry
Map (see https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Stormwater-
Management/Floodplain-Information), the project area is within the local jurisdiction’s Special
Study floodplain (mapped in 2019). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands
Inventory map also shows riverine habitat within the project area.
Maps of the project area and its location within the floodplain and wetlands are available for public
review. Parties interested in reviewing a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region 9
Environmental Officer using the contact information provided in this notice.
One alternative to the Proposed Action was considered: the No Action Alternative. Under the No
Action Alternative, no construction activity would occur to address flood risk. This Alternative is
not recommended because if no action is taken, residential structures within the floodplain would
be subject to potential flood damage.
FEMA has determined that the Proposed Action is the only practicable alternative available;
therefore, the Proposed Action must occur within the floodplain and wetland. The Proposed Action
would not have a significant adverse impact on the floodplain and wetland and would benefit the
area by reducing the risk of flooding and flood damage. The Town of Oro Valley has stated that
the Proposed Action conforms to local floodplain standards, and would be responsible for the
management, construction, and maintenance of the Proposed Action.
Additional information about the Proposed Action may be requested by writing to the FEMA
Region 9 Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California
94607, or fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov. All requests should be received no later than
15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.
POSTED: 04/14/2026 - 04/29/2026