Early Notice and Public Review of Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain.
All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals on MAY 1st 2025: This is to give notice that Jim Wells County has determined that the following proposed action under the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TOA) and ERR #(CDV23-0313), is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and Jim Wells County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the 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 and Protection of Wetlands. Jim Wells County proposes a Water System Improvements project to replace the waterline on Rosario Street between McMasters Road and Beam Station Road and will replace waterline along Herrera Street from Corina Street to Carmen Street in Jim Wells County, Texas. This project will replace approximately one thousand, nine hundred seventy-four linear feet (1,974 LF) of two Inch (2") waterline with eight-inch (8 in) PVC waterline and associated appurtenances on Rosario Street. Four (4) fire hydrants will also be placed along Rosario Street. The proposed improvements on Herrera Street will replace approximately one thousand, five hundred linear feet (1,500 LF) of two Inch (2") waterline with eight-inch (8 in) PVC waterline and associated appurtenances. Herrera Street will also receive approximately four (4) fire hydrants for fire protection. The replacement of these lines will lead to decreased breaks and leaks while improving safety and water access to the surrounding residents. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 percent flood approach. According to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel No. 48249C0305O effective date 08/15/2017, the proposed project is within approximately 0.02 acres of the FFRMS Floodplain. The natural and beneficial functions and values of the floodplain potentially affected by the proposed activity include floodwater storage and conveyance, groundwater recharge, erosion control, surface water quality maintenance, biological productivity, fish and wildlife habitats, harvest for wild & cultivated products, recreational, educational, scientific, historic, and cultural opportunities. There are three primary purposes for this notice: (1) 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; (2) 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; and (3) 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 on or before MAY 16, 2025 by Jim Wells County at 200 N. Almond, Alice, TX 78332, . Attention: Pedro Trevino, County Judge.
A full description of the project may also be reviewed during regular business hours at 200 N. Almond, Alice, TX 78332.
Comments may also be submitted via email to norma.salas@co.jim-wells.tx.us
CC:kayce@grantworks.net
Attachment: Notice and Public Review Floodplain Grant CDV23-0313_English.pdf