Legal Notices

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A 100-YEAR AND 500-YEAR FLOODPLAIN To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the Responsible Entity under Part 58 (Webster County Commission in partnership with the Cowen Public Service District) 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 HUD Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) under 22CDBG0002 and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) under WV-21488. The project’s purpose is to extend potable water service to the area and consists of the installation of approximately 50,000 linear feet (LF) of water main lines and all other necessary appurtenances. The Webster County Commission and Cowen Public Service District have considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: There are no alternatives to provide potable water service to the area other than for the improvements not to take place. The project does conform to applicable state and/or local floodplain protection standards. The project will be facilitated or modified to minimize harm to or within the floodplain in the following manner: The project is not anticipated to have any impact on the floodplain. The project will affect the natural and beneficial floodplain values in the following manner: The project is not anticipated to have any impact on the floodplain. The Webster County Commission and Cowen Public Service District have 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Webster County Commission at the following address on or before Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Webster County Courthouse, Webster County Commission, 2 Court Square, Room G1, Webster Springs, WV 26288, Attention: Kimble Tanner, President. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30a.m. – 4:00p.m. at the same address listed above. Date: February 4, 2026 LW-414051 02-04;2026