NOTICE FOR EARLY PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITHIN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN – UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
FINDING OF NO PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE (FONPA)
BUL 502d CS Fiber Optic Cable Installation: The Air Force is proposing to install new fiber optic cable and handholes along Camp Bullis Road and Marne Road at JBSA-Camp Bullis to improve essential communication services at JBSA-Camp Bullis. A portion of the project lies within the current 100-year floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Executive Order (EO) 11988, Floodplain Management, seeks to avoid construction of facilities or structures within floodplains “to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health and welfare and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains”. The proposed action includes trenching, directional boring, the installation of new cable duct systems, including three new handholds, backfilling and returning the site to the existing grade.
Any alternatives considered must be in the floodplain, as the path between the existing infrastructure and the areas requiring new communications infrastructure passes through the floodplain. The Air Force conducted an environmental analysis in accordance with 32 CFR Part 989, Air Force Environmental Impact Analysis Process. The analysis included an assessment of the impacts of the proposed action on flood risk to lives and property, and on the natural and beneficial values of floodplains, as described in the Water Resources Council’s implementation guidance to EO 11988. The proposed action will result in no adverse effects to the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for this site indicates that the flood height in the 100-year flood event would result in less than 1 foot of water at the site. This project would not cause adverse effects to the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain, nor will it cause the height or velocity of floodwaters to create flood hazards. Due to this, this action is not considered as incompatible development in a floodplain, and it is the only practicable alternative.
In accordance with the requirements of EO 11988, the Air Force provided Early Public Notice for the proposed action to occur in a 100-year floodplain. The Early Public Notice was posted on 5 August 2025 on the Joint Base San Antonio public website and was posted for 30 days. No public comments were received.
WT 15249882 LAK Replace Gateway Hills Golf Course Hole #18 Bridge
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is inviting public input on any practicable alternatives for a proposed activity within the 100-year floodplain at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)- Lackland, Texas. The Proposed Action involves replacing the golf cart bridge near hole #18. The work will be conducted by a contractor for the JBSA-Lackland Gateway Hills Golf Course. The project will provide players with a safe route to access Hole 18. The cart bridge is located in a 100-year floodplain associated with Lower Leon Creek (Segment No. 1906) and is a tributary to the Medina River (Segment No. 1903). There will be minimal modification to existing contours and excavations will include soil testing and drilled shafts to ensure stable structural piers.
The USAF is performing environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action. This early public notice is required by Executive Order 11988 and has been prepared and made available to the public by the USAF in accordance with USAF Policy for Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act and Air Force Manual 32-7003 for actions proposed within the 100-year floodplain.
Address written comments to the USAF 802 CES/CEIE, ATTN: NEPA Program Manager 1555 Gott Street, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236, or via email: 802CES.CEIE.NEPATeam@us.af.mil.
(Posted Aug. 25, 2025)