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 Village of Valley Grove 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant under 21CDBG0010. The proposed project(s) is located at the following address: 8631 National Road in the Village of Valley Grove in Ohio County, West Virginia. This project consists of the demolition of three (3) vacant, dilapidated properties one of which, 8631 National Road, is located within the 100-year floodplain.
The Village of Valley Grove has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
Alternative 1 – Elevation of existing structures to the required height to be considered no longer located in floodplain:
1. This alternative is financially questionable, as not only would funds be required for elevation, but funds would also be required for the rehabilitation of the structures to a livable condition.
No Action Alternative
There is a need for these dilapidated structures to be demolished, as dilapidated structures are unsafe and decrease property values for surrounding properties. Additionally, no action would fail to carry out HUD’s national objective to eliminate slum and blight.
Fund the demolition as proposed:
Demolition of the one (1) dilapidated structure in the floodplain is the preferred option. This option not only removes slum and blight, but also creates additional permeable ground within the Village of Valley Grove, which will allow more water during heavy rain events to be absorbed into the ground as opposed to inundating the City’s storm sewer system and streets.
Once the dilapidated structures are demolished, the vacant lots will be grated to existing contours, seeded, and maintained as open space per the City’s ordinance.
The “Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-year Floodplain” for this project ran on February 27, 2025 in The Intelligencer. The Village of Valley Grove has reevaluated the alternatives to this project 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 Village of Valley Grove c/o Belomar Regional Council at the following address on or before April 8, 2025. Please send comments to: Village of Valley Grove Attn: Mayor Chad Kleeh 105 Bridge St Plaza, PO Box 2086, Wheeling WV 26003 or 304-242-1800. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 AM to 5 PM at Belomar Regional Council 105 Bridge Street Plaza Wheeling, WV 26003. Comments may also be submitted to Zach Blazer at [email protected] or 304-242-1800.
Date: March 26, 2025
Int. Mar 31, 2025