Public Notice (English) Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Smithville (City) has determined that the following proposed action under the Texas General Land Office (TxGLO) Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Grant Funds Program, GLO Contract #22-085-020-D256, is located in the 100-Year Floodplain and wetland, and the City will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and 11990 in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection.
Project Description, Flood and Drainage Improvements: Subrecipient shall construct one regional detention pond, install new storm sewer systems to connect to the pond, and upgrade/extend the city’s existing storm sewer with associated pavement repair, and complete all associated appurtenances, at the following locations in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas:
Loop 230 Regional Detention Pond: Between Loop 230 and Woodress Ln, 760’ SW of Faulkner Rd (29.997844, -97.140231. Loop 230 Pond’s Drainage Improvements #1: Along Oak Meadows Dr 125’ west of Leuders Ln, beginning on the north side of Oak Meadows Dr, crossing to the south side, then westward to Faulkner Rd, then southward to Loop 230 (30.001301, -97.139206), 1,030 LF. Improvements #2: Along Faulkner Rd, north of Oak Meadows Dr for 25’ (30.001402, -97.139064), 50 LF. Improvements #3: From Loop 230, 75’ from intersection with Faulkner Rd, northwestward for 300’, then southwestward for 500’ (29.999857, -97.139978), 900 LF.
SE Drainage Improvements #1: Beginning at Willow Creek (29.992331, -97.144883) and extending north 320 LF (29.993239, -97.144928), then turning west 850 LF to Bunte St (29.993197, -97.147614), 1,170 LF. Improvements #2: Along Bunte St (29.993197, -97.147614), extending north 1,400 LF to SE 4th St (29.997042, -97.147689), then west 100 LF (29.997169, -97.147953), and then north 950 LF to SE 1st St (29.999503, -97. 146642), 2,450 LF. Improvements #3: Along SE 4th St, starting at intersection with Bunte St, southeastward to end of street (29.995989, -97.145211), 870 LF. Improvements #4: Along SE 2nd St, starting at intersection with Bunte St, northwestward to Miller St (29.999517, -97.149108, 700 LF.
Approximately 0.28-acres of activities for SE Drainage Improvements #1 will be in Zone AE of the 100-Year Floodplain; and approximately the same in a Riverine Wetland. Work will be approached under the appropriate Nationwide Permit, such as NW58, Utility Line Activities for Water and Other Substances. The remainder of project areas are in Zone X, outside of the floodplain. The natural and beneficial values of the floodplain and wetland will not be adversely affected as activities will not change the topography of the land, and the storm sewer system will outfall into the wetland, but not change the current structure of the wetland.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands, 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 and wetland, 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 and wetlands 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 and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Smithville at the following address on or before 9/11/23: City of Smithville, P. O. Box 449, Smithville, TX 78957, Attn: Mayor’s Office. (512) 237-3282. A full description of the project will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the address above or by email to citymanager@ci.smithville.tx.us.
