NOTICE

Early Notice and Public Review 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 under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the Oakvale Road PSD: Mercer/Summers Phase IV-B Elgood Waterline Extension and HUD grant 14SCBG0004X 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 Mercer/Summers Phase IV-B Elgood Waterline Extension Project is to provide water service to the communities of Elgood, Twin Oaks Estates, and Christians Ridge for approximately 162 new customers in southeastern Mercer County, West Virginia. The project consists of construction of approximately 66,585 linear feet of new water line, 2 booster pump stations, 3 pressure reducing stations, 29 fire hydrants, a 131,000 gallon water storage tank, valves, and other related appurtenances. A total of 1.09 acres, of the uninsurable underground waterline, are in the floodplains along Elgood Road (County Route 28) and Adams Run Road. The proposed project is located in and around the community of Elgood, Mercer County, WV. 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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, 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 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 28, 2016: Mercer County Commission c/o Region I Planning & Development Council, 1439 E. Main St., Suite 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. Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected]. Date: June 13, 2016