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 Raleigh County Commission under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Pilot Program is located in the 100-year floodplain, and the Raleigh 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 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.
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 Raleigh County Commission at the following address on or before March 19, 2019: Raleigh County Commission c/o Region I Planning and 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 4, 2019
3-4-MON-1-RH; LG 218879
ID: 218879