Mercer

NOTICE

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 Mercer County Commission has determined that the following proposed action under HUD Small Cities Block Grant is partially located in the 100-year floodplain, and the Mercer County Commission will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, 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 Protection of Wetlands. The proposed Mercer/Summers Phase IV-B Elgood Waterline Extension Project will utilize HUD Small Cities, West Virginia American Water, West Virginia Infrastructure & Jobs Development Council, and local funding to extend water service to approximately 154 currently unserved residential and small commercial customers (397 persons) in the Elgood area of Mercer County. The project consists of construction of approximately 66,585 linear feet of 8-inch and smaller diameter water main, a 131,000 gallon water tank, a booster pump station, 3 pressure reducing stations, fire hydrants, valves, individual customer services and other related appurtenances. Portions of this project, consisting of roughly 1.09 acres, will be located within the 100 year flood plain, along County Route 28 (also known as Elgood Road) and Adams Run Road in the Elgood area of Mercer County. The Mercer 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: This waterline extension project must occur within the floodplain due to the need for potable water. Those small areas in the floodplain are along preexisting roadways. There are no viable alternatives and a no project alternative is not feasible due to the presence of fecal contaminants, high iron and sulfur content as well as a lack of water to existing residents. This project involves below grade uninsurable waterlines and will not create any long term adverse impacts to the floodplain. The Mercer 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Mercer County Commission at the following address on or before June 17, 2015: Mercer County Commission c/o Region I Planning & Development Council, 1439 E. Main St., Ste. #5, Princeton, WV 24740 and (304) 431-7225, Attention: Mike Vinciguerra, President. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. M-F at the address above. Date: July 10, 2015