To: All interested Agencies Federal, State, and Local, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Dixie County under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 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. The activity is funded under the HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program under 23DB-34. The proposed project is located at NE 95th and NE 97th Streets in Cross City, Dixie County, in a residential area that includes these two existing paved roads. Proposed road improvements will use HUD Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds to resurface pavement, striping, signage and add necessary drainage ditches involving minimal ground disturbance and removal of the necessary trees and vegetation within the existing road rights-of-way. The pavement and ditch improvements are to direct storm water away from the road surface that presents driving hazards and physical deterioration of the roadway. According to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) 12029C0169D, dated January 18, 2019, 230 feet of NE 97th Street is in Zone A areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding with no base flood elevations functions provide water storage/attenuation and groundwater recharge and a wetland classification PFO1/7A-Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland that are flooded less frequent for shorter periods functions provide floodwater storage and conveyance. The flood zone or wetland is currently not known to have any recreational, educational, scientific, historic, and cultural value of public interest. The floodplain and wetland potentially adversely affected by the activity is .20 acres of floodplains and wetlands.
Dixie County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Project is resurfacing and improving the two existing roads which have no relocation alternatives and are abutted by existing homesites. Project is contained within existing disturbed road rights-of-way involving minimal ground disturbance and removal of the necessary trees/vegetation and designed to allow for the natural functions of the floodplain and wetlands. Ditch improvements will allow water to disperse along the length of the road providing no additional impacts to water, living, cultural or agriculture resources. Construction will comply with state and local floodplain and wetland protection procedures.
Dixie County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, 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 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. 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 Dixie County at the following address on or before August 16, 2024.
Dixie County Board of County Commissioners
Attention: Jamie Storey, Chair, Dixie County BOCC
214 NE 351 Hwy, Cross City, FL 32628
352-498-1426; grantcoordinator@dixiecounty.us
A full description of the project may also be reviewed Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm at the same address above. Comments may also be submitted via email at grantcoordinator@dixiecounty.us.
Date Advertised: August 8, 2024
