CITY OF WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED
ACTIVITY IN A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
DATE: Friday, July 29, 2022
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. This project/activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for FY 2022 (Grant No. B-22-MC-54-0005). The activity described below is located in a floodplain. This activity 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 project/activity is subject to the Eight-Step Decision-Making Process in 24 CFR 55.20:
CD-22-03 Helping Heroes. FY 2022 CDBG funds ($253,988) will be used to assist in the development of a new center for veteran resources where the following types of public services and temporary housing opportunities will be provided: emergency shelter, transitional housing, rent and utility assistance, assistance securing permanent housing, intensive case management, assistance in accessing Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, employment counseling, case management and referrals, food assistance, and clothing assistance. CDBG funded renovations to the existing building will include the installation of an exterior wheelchair ramp, installation of an elevator, and renovations to provide accessible bathroom and common area facilities. The total renovation project budget is approximately $5,003,000. Portions of the subject site are located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain) as illustrated on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel 54069C0053D (eff. 07/17/2006).
The proposed action is 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:
This proposed project is related to the existing built environment. Many portions of the City of Wheeling are located in the 100-year floodplain. The City must address the need to revitalize existing buildings located in the floodplain when proposed rehabilitation work will not alter the existing hydrology of the floodplain nor the habitat, the natural flood and erosion control, the surface water quality maintenance, the groundwater recharge, or the biological productivity functions the floodplain currently serves. 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 the proposed rehabilitation work to the existing Historic Manufacturer’s Light & Heat Company Building 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 Friday, August 5, 2022, 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].
A full description of the proposed project and the Flood Insurance Rate Map may also be reviewed during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 July 29, 2022