United States Department of Agriculture

May 17, 2024

Stephen Browning, PE FDOT District Five Consultant( HDR) Planning and Environmental Management 719 South Woodland Blvd Deland, Florida-32720

Subject: NRCS Farmland Protection Policy Act Review

Dear : Stephen Browning

The following guidance is provided for your information.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has reviewed the: I-75 Improvements from South of SR 44 to SR 200 PD&E Study (FPID 452074-2) project

The Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, (Public Law 97-98) containing the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA)—Subtitle I of Title XV, Section 1539-1549, is intended to minimize the impact federal programs have on the unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. Projects are subject to FPPA requirements if they may irreversibly convert farmland (directly or indirectly) to nonagricultural use and are completed by a federal agency or with assistance from a federal agency.

Based on the information provided for the area of interest located in Sumter county FL. The area in question meets one or more of the above criteria for exemption since the location is in non-prime farm ground according to the Code of Federal Regulation 7CFR 658, Farmland Protection Policy Act, Section 658-2. You are exempt from filling the AD1006 at this time. Use this letter as proof of exemption. No further action with regard to FPPA is required on your part.

If you have any questions concerning the soils or interpretations for this project please email me, Willie.Nelson@usda.gov. Any future projects, please refer me as the point of contact.

NRCS - Farmland Protection Policy Act Website: Farmland Protection Policy Act | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

Sincerely,

Willie Nelson Resource Soil Scientist USDA NRCS Florida

Natural Resources Conservation Service, Florida 2144 West Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32606 Voice 850-627-6365 USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender