Washington State Department of Commerce

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM

Sumas Square Apartments Project

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed

Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain 

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined that the following proposed action under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, grant #P-21-WA-53-LDZ1, is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and Commerce will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within 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 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

The proposed project is the Sumas Square Apartments at 408 Second Street, City of Sumas, Whatcom County. 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. The project site is in the 100-year floodplain (Zone AE). The proposed project will receive approximately $2.8 million in CDBG-DR funds to reconstruct the multi-family structure that will be resilient to future flooding by elevating the structure and using flood-resistant materials. 

Floodplains provide essential ecological functions, including floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, and water quality maintenance. The floodplain in the project area may help manage stormwater by temporarily storing excess floodwaters, which reduces downstream flood risks. Additionally, floodplains contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to infiltrate and replenish local aquifers. Natural floodplains also serve as filters for pollutants and sediments, improving water quality before runoff reaches local waterways. Project construction activities may reduce the floodplain’s capacity to absorb excess water, and the addition of impervious surfaces could limit water infiltration, affecting local groundwater levels.

Beyond their ecological benefits, floodplains can provide intrinsic values such as community green space, scenic views, and passive recreational opportunities. They may also serve as areas for environmental research on urban hydrology and floodplain management or hold historical significance. The development will reduce the amount of available green space in the area. However, the project area does not currently support recreational use or environmental studies. Additionally, no known historical significance has been identified for the project site.

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. 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 project impacts on the floodplain. 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 on or before May 7, 2025, via email at [email protected]  or the following mailing address: Washington State Department of Commerce, Attention: Lanée Egolf, CDBG-DR Environmental Review Officer, P.O. 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: April 22, 2025