Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

Early Notice and Public Review 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 determined the following proposed action under Section 221(d)(4) of the National Housing Act is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and HUD will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. 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 October 17, 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. October 2 2025 IPLAAS0104623