January 26, 2026
Lafourche Parish Government
P.O. Drawer 5548
Thibodaux, LA 70302
(985) 493-6681
These notices shall satisfy three separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be
undertaken by the Lafourche Parish Government.
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management
Standard Designated Floodplain
The Lafourche Parish Government, as Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58 has 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 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on
Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under the Resilient
Communities Infrastructure Program (RCIP) and grant numbers B-21-DF-22-0001, B-22-DF-22-0001 /
29LDRC7801. The proposed project is located at 1425 Tiger Dr, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Lafourche
Parish, LA and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The
extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach (FVA) as the .2
percent/ 500-year floodplain elevation data is not available for Lafourche Parish.
Lafourche Parish Government, as RE and Grantee, proposes utilizing approximately
$15,917,257.40 in CDBG-DR funding to design and implement expansion of the Fletcher Technical
Community College’s (FTCC) construction trades and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program
located at 1425 Tiger Dr, Thibodaux, LA 70301 (29.7742, -90.8408). Proposed work will include
demolition of two existing buildings on the Northeast part of the property and renovation of the
existing main building, construction of an addition to the main building, as well as construction
of a stand-alone new building. There will be earthwork involved as well as internal and external
construction. The project area encompasses approximately 10.32 acres located within the FFRMS
floodplain. The FTCC expansion proposed project area is located at the existing college campus and
is within the shaded X Flood Zone or 0.2% annual chance flood hazard area, per revised preliminary
FIRM Panel # 22057C0139E, dated 10/31/2024.
Floodplains are beneficial by providing natural moderation of floods, surface water quality
maintenance, groundwater recharge, diverse wildlife habitat, cultural resources (archaeological,
historic, and recreational), and agricultural, aquacultural, open space, and forestry resources.
The proposed work is not anticipated to adversely impact the FFRMS floodplain, as the work to the
campus will be localized and is taking place in a previously developed area with existing
impervious surfaces. In addition, the project includes floodplain mitigation measures in the form
of building elevation and floodproofing, thereby protecting life and property from potential flood
damage as well as helping to preserve the natural functions of the floodplain.
The Lafourche Parish Government has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures
to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and
intrinsic values of the existing floodplain:
-Locate the Project Outside of the Floodplain: No alternative locations were considered for this
project as the proposed work consists of improvements to a college campus that is already in place.
The project will be providing employment training infrastructure improvements to college campus
services for this area. Relocation of the college campus to a different site would require
constructing additional support infrastructure which is neither cost-effective nor feasible. The
project will also support benefits to the surrounding community through improving and expanding
educational opportunities.
– No Action Alternative: The No Action Alternative will not meet the needs of the community. There
is a need for existing campus services to be expanded to meet workforce development demands in
Lafourche and surrounding parishes. Hurricane Ida caused an out-migration that has impacted
workforce development in the areas served by FTCC. Businesses have found it difficult to repair and
rebuild due to lack of available workers with the necessary skill sets. It is estimated that the
expanded Program will train 140 students per year. By providing additional construction training
opportunities for local residents, this project will help improve community resiliency by providing
workers with the necessary skill sets to aid in rebuilding following future storm events.
Under the No Action Alternative, the campus would not be improved and the aforementioned benefits
to the community as well as resiliency to future storm events would be forfeited. Therefore, the No
Action Alternative is not considered to be a viable option.
The Lafourche Parish Government has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has
determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files
documenting compliance with 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 floodplain 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 the floodplain 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater
or continued risk.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Lafourche Parish Government has determined that the project will have no significant impact on
the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that
documents the environmental determinations for this Proposed Project is on file and
available for public review from 7:30-4:30, Monday-Thursday at 4876 Hwy 1, Mathews, LA 70394.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about February 11, 2026 the Lafourche Parish Government will submit a request to the
Louisiana Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery (LOCD-DR) for the release of United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant –
Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR): Resilient Community Infrastructure program funds under the Disaster
Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. 117–43, as amended), in Federal Docket No.
FR-6326-N-01, and as authorized by related laws and policies to undertake a project known as RCIP
Fletcher CDL Training, Fletcher Technical Community College for the design and implementation of
improvements to the existing campus including the demolition of two existing buildings, renovation
of the existing main building, construction of an addition to the main building, and construction
of a stand-alone new building. The project location is in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana: 1425 Tiger
Dr, Thibodaux, LA 70301 (29.7742, -90.8408), and the estimated grant funding is $15,917,257.40.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Lafourche Parish
Government. Comments may also be submitted via email at lumpkinkm@lafourchegov.org. All comments
received by February 11, 2026, will be considered by the Lafourche Parish Government prior to
authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they
are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Lafourche Parish Government certifies to LOCD-DR that Mitch Orgeron in his capacity as Parish
President /Certifying Officer consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an
action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and
that these responsibilities have been satisfied. LOCD-DR’s approval of the certification satisfies
its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Lafourche Parish
Government to use CDBG-DR program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
LOCD-DR will accept objections to its release of funds and the Lafourche Parish Government’s
certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual
receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the
certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Lafourche Parish Government; (b)
the Lafourche Parish Government has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required
by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the
development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by
24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the LOCD-DR; or (d) another Federal agency
acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is
unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and
submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR 58.76) and shall be addressed to Gina
Campo at the LA Office of Community Development, 617 N. Third St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Phone:
(225) 219-9600, or emailed to OCD.Infrastructure@la.gov. Potential objectors should contact the
Louisiana Office of Community Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mitch Orgeron, President, Lafourche Parish Government, LA