Washington State Department of Commerce

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM

Sumas Square Apartments Project

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

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Washington State Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under HUD’s Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG_DR) #P-21-WA-53-LDZ1, Multifamily Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Elevation program.

The proposed project is located at 408 Second Street, City of Sumas, Whatcom County, and is located in the 1-percent-annual-chance (100-year) floodplain (Zone AE). The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a freeboard value approach. The existing 11-unit, 8,000 sq. ft. apartment building is on a 0.5-acre parcel. Reconstruction of the multi-family structure will be resilient to future flooding by elevating the structure and using flood-resistant materials. Proposed rehabilitation activities include elevating the structure to mitigate against further flood events, replacing building components that are past their useful life, and replacing or repairing all damaged areas. Restoration will largely consist of returning the building to its pre-flood condition.

COMMERCE has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to preserve the existing floodplain/wetland. The proximity of the existing building location to amenities provides the senior residents of Sumas Square with nearby access to the library, senior center, transit, grocery store, and pharmacy. Restoration of the Sumas Square building offers the community a significantly better value and faster delivery than building new. The goal in rebuilding this property is to preserve and enhance the existing rental housing stock and to restore the ability for low-income Sumas residents to remain in their community as they age and look to downsize.
The building will be elevated to 2.83 ft above the base flood elevation as described in 24 CFR 55.7. The redevelopment of the proposed project site meets the goals identified in the project description and reviewed or considered through the natural, social, and economic values described in 24 CFR 55.20(c)(2).
No state or federally listed threatened or endangered species will be impacted by the project. The project design will not impact the nearby natural wetland areas. The project site is approximately 800 feet from Johnson Creek, classified as a R2UBH by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory. A R2BUH is a system Riverine, subsystem Lower Perennial, Class Unconsolidated Bottom, and water regimen Permanently Flooded. The completed project will not increase stormwater runoff and will incorporate best management practices to minimize any potential adverse stormwater runoff impacts during construction.

COMMERCE has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to elevation and restoration of the Sumas Square Apartments in the floodplain. 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 the 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 comments 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 a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received on or before June 16, 2025, via email at [email protected] or the following mailing address: Washington State Department of Commerce, Attention: Lanée Egolf, CDBG-DR Environmental Review Officer, PO Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504. A full description of the project may also be reviewed Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. at the Housing Authority of Whatcom County, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225.

Posted Date: June 9, 2025