Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed
Activity in a Riverine Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Columbus (City) has determined the following proposed action under the Texas Department of Agriculture Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Contract #CDV23-0407, known as Water Improvements for the purpose of improving the reliability of the water supply delivery, is located in a riverine Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The City will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the riverine floodplain and the potential impacts on the riverine floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management.
Project Location: On Center Street, from Live Oak Street to Milam Street, and on Live Oak Street, from Center Street to Preston Street, City of Columbus, Colorado County, TX (29.710959, -96.543093).
Description of the Proposed Project: Install approximately two thousand thirty linear feet (2,030 LF) of six-inch (6 in) water line including fire hydrants, gate valves, related service reconnections, and all associated appurtenances.
The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the Freeboard Value Approach. Approximately <4.0-acres of project activities will occur in the Riverine FFRMS floodplain, based on climate change floodplain forecasts. The beneficial values of the floodplain will not be adversely affected as the project will not change the topography, and best management practices will be utilized during construction. The project activities will improve the reliability of the water delivery system and is not subject to elevation requirements.
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 City on or before 2/24/25. Please submit your request by U. S. Mail to City of Columbus, 605 Spring Street or P. O. Box 87, Columbus, Colorado County, TX 78934-0087, Attn: Mayor’s Office, or by email to secretary@columbustexas.net. (979) 732-2366,. A full description of the project will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail.
Date: 2/7/25