Final Notice and
Public Explanation of a
Proposed Activity in a
100-Year Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies,
Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Raleigh County Commission under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Pilot Program. The Raleigh County Commission is developing a traditional rail trail project along an approximately fifteen-mile abandoned rail line running from Jarrolds Valley Junction near the intersection of Route 3 and Route 1 just outside of Whitesville, West Virginia, to a mine near Clear Creek in Raleigh County. The project will develop eight miles of the corridor in the initial phase to create the Clear Fork Rail Trail, which will provide a tourist venue and recreational opportunities for local residents. The project is located within the 100-year floodplain.
The Raleigh County Commission has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The Raleigh County Commission proposes to locate the project near a floodplain: Portions of the Clear Fork Rail Trail Project near Clear Creek primarily along County Route 3 will be located in and near areas designated as flood hazard areas as part of the project.
The facts and reasons for locating the above project near the floodplain are as follows: The construction of the Clear Fork Rail Trail requires the use of property in or near the flood hazard areas.
All significant facts considered in making the determination including alternative sites, designs, and actions are as follows: The proposed project corridor requires the use of property in or near the flood hazard areas as dictated by engineering and topographic requirements and by the amount of funding available for the project. The trail’s construction is to be done with acceptable floodplain standards.
The project will be designed or modified to minimize harm to or within the floodplain in the following manner: The project will conform to applicable State and local floodplain standards. The National Flood Insurance Program criteria will be followed.
The project will affect the natural or beneficial floodplain values in the following manner: The project may actually enhance the floodplain by removal of brush and debris in the affected floodplain areas during the construction phase of the project. This may have a positive impact of reducing the loss of property and damage experienced during flood events.
There are no foreseeable negative impacts upon the floodplain from this project.
The Raleigh County Commission has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, 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 floodplains 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 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/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Raleigh County Commission at the following address on or before March 27, 2019: Raleigh County Commission c/o Region I Planning & Development Council, 1439 East Main Street, Suite 5, Princeton, WV 24740 and phone number (304) 431-7225, Attention: Byrd E. White, III, President. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday at the address above. Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected].
Date: March 20, 2019
3-20-WED-1-RH; LG 226352
ID: 226352