CITY OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY
IN A 100-YEAR
FLOODPLAIN
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give final notice that the City of Wheeling’s Economic and Community Development Department 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 Protection of Wetlands. These activities are funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for FY 2021 (Grant No. B-21-MC-54-0005). The activities described below are located in a floodplain and/or floodway. These activities will not affect the respective floodplain and/or floodway nor its respective water flow and will not obstruct the respective water course.
ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTIONS:
The following FY 2021 funded activities are subject to the eight-step decision-making process in 24 CFR 55.20:
CD-21-05 Robrecht Site. The City of Wheeling owns a 3-acre site along the Ohio River south of the confluence of Wheeling Creek in the Center Wheeling Neighborhood. This is a former railroad yard and industrial site. The structures were previously removed from the site. The City proposes to use $121,000 of FY 2021 CDBG funds for capping and remediation measures. Once the site is cleaned-up, the City will develop a park and recreational facility, that will be an extension of the adjacent Wheeling Heritage Trail. The subject project is located in the floodplain. This activity is located in Zone AE as illustrated on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 54069C0053D.
CD-21-06 37th Street Storm Sewer Separation Project. FY 2021 CDBG funds in the amount of $272,705.00 will be used to construct a 42-inch storm sewer and related manholes and inlets for the purpose of separating storm and sanitary sewer systems within the project area. The project area will run between Alley F (located east of Jacob Street) and Wetzel Street. This activity is located in Zone AE as illustrated on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 54069C0061D.
Both proposed project/ activities are located in the City of Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.
COMMENTS ON FLOODPLAIN ACTIVITIES:
The City of Wheeling Economic and Community Development Department considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
These proposed projects are all related to the existing built environment. The 3-acre site needs to be capped and remediated and the stormwater management system needs to be reconstructed. Many portions of the City of Wheeling are located in the 100-year floodplain. Therefore, the City must address the need to revitalize its existing neighborhoods. The City cannot neglect these areas, even though they are located in the 100-year floodplain. All mitigation measures will be taken and none of these activities will affect the floodplain nor the floodway, change the respective water flow, or obstruct the respective water course. The City of Wheeling acknowledges compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures.
The City of Wheeling 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. 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 by August 27, 2021, or seven (7) days from the date of the publication of this notice. Written comments may be submitted by this date to the City of Wheeling’s Economic and Community Development Department, City-County Building, Room 305, 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003; Attn: Nancy Prager, Director, Department of Economic and Community Development or by email to: [email protected]. Oral comments may be made by calling (304) 234-3701. A full description of the project and Flood Insurance Rate Map may also be reviewed from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday at the 1500 Chapline Street, Room 305, Wheeling, WV 26003.
Robert Herron,
City Manager
City of Wheeling
City-County Building,
Room 305
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, West Virginia, 26003
Int., Aug. 20, 2021