Publish one time in The Ellis County Press on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A WETLAND
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 conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under Section 221(d)(4) program of the National Housing Act.
HUD is proposing provision of insurance for funding the construction of Casitas of Shaw Creek which will include new construction of a 198-unit multi-family development to be located on approximately 9 acres of undeveloped land along FM 983 in Ferris, Ellis County, Texas 75125. As proposed, the project will consist of six (6) three-story residential buildings, a clubhouse, swimming pool, deck area, and parking spaces.
The property is not located within a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain according to current FEMA flood insurance maps or HUD’s 0.2 Percent Annual Chance Floodplain Approach.
However, according to a wetland delineation assessment prepared for the project area, an intermittent unnamed tributary to Long Branch crosses the property from west to east and joins a second tributary along the east property boundary.
Three wetlands and a pond were identified within the onsite stream channel. Development plans include permanently impacting 0.036 acre of wetlands and 0.025 acre of the tributary. The purpose of the impacts is to realign the channel for the most efficient use of the property and construct a driveway crossing. The wetlands and tributaries are considered jurisdictional and subject to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
The proposed impacts would be authorized under a Nationwide Permit.
The Texas State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) concluded the proposed undertaking will result in “no historic properties affected.” Potential summer habitat for the Tricolored bat is present onsite, however adverse impacts will be minimized by clearing vegetation during the unoccupied timeframe between July 16 and May 1.
Due to private ownership and lack of unique natural features, there is no expected public interest for recreational, scientific, or educational purposes.
HUD has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
No Action: HUD does not insure the proposed development. This alternative was not selected since the project was not found to have significant adverse impacts.
Modify the project to avoid or minimize impacts to the wetlands: Reconfiguring the project site to avoid or minimize impacts to the wetlands is not feasible due to the limited area available for development, minimum number of required parking spaces, and open areas. To keep the project feasible, impacts to the wetlands and tributary are necessary.
Insure the development as proposed: Wetland impacts will include digging a new channel alignment along the north boundary, filling the existing wetland areas, and placing a culvert in portions of the stream channel.
Compensatory mitigation is not required per the USACE permit since the impacts do not exceed 0.03 acres for tributaries and 0.10 acres for wetlands. Stormwater runoff will be managed with a stormwater system designed and approved through city planning and local and state permits.
All state and local water quality protection procedures will be included in the construction plans.
HUD has reevaluated the alternatives to building in floodplain and wetlands and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files documenting compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review and copy 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 floodplains and wetlands 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 or wetland, 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 and wetlands 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 and wetlands, 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 June 12, 2026: HUD Multifamily Southwest Region, 400 State Avenue, Suite 200, Kansas City, Kansas 66101-2406 and (913) 551-5821, Attention: Kristina Stine, Construction Analyst-PES.
A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8am to 5pm at the same address as above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Kristina.m.stine@hud.gov.
Date: June 4, 2026