Early Notice for Public Review of a Proposal to Support Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland

This is to give notice that the City of Bristol, Florida has determined that the following proposed action under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and Grant Number DR M0104 may have an impact on the 100-Yr floodplain and/or wetlands. The City of Bristol will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetlands and the potential impacts on the these from the proposed action as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, 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’s drainage component proposes to increase capacity of culverts and swales along CR12 and NW Michaux Rd to decrease flooding in the southern portions of the City’s downtown core. The sewer improvements component will replace grinder pumps in three areas hard hit by the Hurricane Sally and Hurricane Michael events with gravity sewers. These sewer improvements will be made in the NW Hall Circle, NW Miller Road, and NW Schmarje Lane neighborhoods. A few locations exist where there will be impacts to areas mapped as Flood Zone A by FEMA and as wetlands by the National Wetlands Inventory. The floodplain impacts occur near the NW Hall Circle area and the NW Schmarje Lane area. At NW Hall Circle the potential impact area is approximately 0.25 acres. At NW Schmarje Lane, the impact area is approximately 0.24 acres. In both areas, upon completion of the sewer installations all natural grades will be restored, and surface areas not repaved will be stabilized or sodded. There are proposed project work sites very near areas mapped by the National Wetlands Inventory as wetlands. Unless field work identifies further areas as jurisdictional wetlands, these areas will likely be avoided, and the permitted project should have an impact of 0.0 acres of wetland. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in 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 floodplain and wetland issues 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 floodplain or wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by James Kersey, Mayor, at 12444 NW Virginia G Weaver St, P.O. Box 207, Bristol, FL 32321 on or before February 9, 2023. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Robin Hatcher, City Clerk, (850) 643-2261. Comments may also be submitted by email at rmh.cityofbristol@fairpoint.net. James Kersey, Mayor, Environmental Certifying Official