Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under 24 CFR Part 50 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 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under Section 221(d)(4) program of the National Housing Act. HUD is proposing provision of insurance for funding the construction of Willow East which will include new construction of a 236-unit multi-family development to be located on an aggregated area of approximately 8.947 acres of partially developed land. As proposed, the project will consist of two (2) four-story residential buildings, a clubhouse, swimming pool, parking, and stormwater detention. The project is located along FM 969 (E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd), approximately 0.25 mile east of U.S. Highway 183 in Austin, Travis County, Texas. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a Free Board Value approach. Approximately 2.64 acres of the property is within the proposed 100-year floodplain of an unnamed tributary to Harris Branch which has not been officially designated by FEMA. Approximately 0.073 acres of 100-year floodplain will be impacted with site grading and construction of a residential building and parking spaces. A small wetland has been previously delineated within an onsite drainage easement and will not 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. Potential summer habitat for the proposed endangered Tricolored bat is present onsite, however adverse impacts to this species and migratory birds will be minimized by restricting clearing vegetation to outside of the pupping and nesting seasons. Due to private ownership and lack of unique natural features, there is no expected public interest for recreational, scientific, or educational purposes. HUD has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: 1) No Action: HUD does not insure the proposed development. This alternative was not selected since the project was not found to have significant adverse impacts. 2) Modify the project to avoid or minimize impacts to the floodplain: Modifications considered moving the residential building and parking out of the floodplain. However, the small area of floodplain impact is only due to lack of maintenance and erosion on an existing onsite detention pond. Since the entire property outside of the floodplain is proposed for development, there is no room to move the building. Decreasing the building size would require removing residential units and potentially affect feasibility of the project. Since the impacts are minor, this alternative was rejected. 3) Insure the development as proposed: As proposed, the project will result in permanent impacts to approximately 0.073 acres of the FFRMS floodplain. The property will be raised with fill to above the base flood elevation and all insurable structures will have a finished floor elevation of at least 2 feet over the minimum FFRMS flood elevation. Stormwater will be managed with an onsite detention pond and 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. In addition, a restrictive covenant will be placed on the remaining areas of the property within the floodplain and wetland with the intent to prevent new development within these areas and preserve the values of the floodplain and wetland. HUD has reevaluated the alternatives to building in 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 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 HUD at the following address on or before December 5, 2025: HUD-Multifamily Southwest Region, 400 State Avenue, Suite 200, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 and (913) 551-5821, Attention: Kristina Stine, Construction Analyst-PES. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am to 4pm at the same address as above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Kristina.m.stine@hud.gov. November 28 2025 IPLAAS0113683