18 December 2012 44 CFR 9.

8 for Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 New York State Thruway Authority / New York State Canal Corporation Erie Canal RE: Floodplain mitigation project, Mohawk River, N.Y. PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Emergency Management Agency In accordance with 44 CFR ?9.8 for Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 New York State Thruway Authority / New York State Canal Corporation Erie Canal floodplain mitigation project, Mohawk River, N.Y. Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance to the New York State Thruway Authority / New York State Canal Corporation, of modification of the Mohawk River / Erie Canal movable dams 4 through 11 roughly from Scotia to Fort Plain to create a "run of river" condition aka free of substantial obstructions during the navigation season (May 1st through November 15th) in anticipation of a major storm event (National Weather Service forecasts for flood events to exceed a 10% annual chance flood). The proposed action involves modifying the water control structures (movable dams) at Erie Canal Locks E-8 through E-15 from Scotia to Fort Plain to allow their full removal in advance of anticipated flooding events during the navigation season. Currently, the upper gates are opened / closed throughout the navigation season to maintain targeted water levels at each lock based on flow of water in the system to maintain navigation. The lower gates and uprights are currently unable to be removed during high water events due to structural and mechanical limitations. Currently, the raising or opening of the gates can require days. The proposed plan is to modify the movable dams so that the lower gates and uprights can be raised in anticipation of a major flood event. The modified gates will be able to be opened over a substantially compressed timeframe. As seen during the preparations for Hurricane Sandy, downstream water levels may become temporarily elevated during this situation, but remain within normal operational ranges. Once the water control structures are removed, the Mohawk River would flow naturally. The proposed plan would allow the removal of the movable dam's lower gates and uprights that collect enormous amounts of debris. The inability to raise the lower gates and uprights has resulted in substantially higher peak water levels at each moveable dam during major flood events than would be observed if the lower gates and uprights were removed and the debris accumulation was not an issue. Once implemented, storm debris will be carried downstream free from hydraulic obstruction. A map of the canal system is available at www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index.html The Mohawk River floodplain sustained substantial damage due to flooding in September 2011. Because of their location, properties including public facilities, business and residences within the Mohawk River / Erie Canal floodplain are susceptible to repetitive flood damage, including but not limited to inundation. In accordance with Presidential Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, FEMA is required to conduct a thorough review of the proposed modification of the water control structures in the floodway, and opportunities to minimize future damage from flooding. Furthermore, in accordance with Presidential Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, FEMA is required to consider the impacts of the proposed action on wetlands and opportunities to minimize any adverse impacts. Public comments about the modifications to the water control structures in the canal, as well as alternatives to this action, are invited. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation held a public information session about Mohawk River flooding and flood risk reduction on September 13, 2012 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Herkimer Community College. The agenda for this meeting included a panel presentation assessment of previous events, current conditions and how to move forward. The presentation included representatives of the National Weather Service, United States Geological Survey, NYS Canal Corporation, Union College, Ecology & Environment, NYSDEC Bureau Flood Protection and Dam Safety, NYSDEC, Schenectady County Soil and Water Conservation District, and NYS Office of Emergency Management. Information about the meeting is available at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/84480.html Comments about this project, potential alternatives and

floodplain impacts may be submitted in writing within 15 days of the date of this publication to FEMA Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, Leo O'Brien Federal Building, 11A Clinton Avenue, Suite 742, Albany, NY 12207 or via email to FEMA40204031COMMENT@fema.dhs.gov. If substantive comments are received, FEMA will evaluate and address the comments as part of the environmental documentation for this project. TU 1t (643249)