Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals on June 3rd, 2025: This is to give notice that Jim Wells County has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant Program and administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) ERR #(CDV23-0313). Jim Wells County proposes a Water System Improvements project to replace 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 0.2 percent flood approach. According to the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) report, Panel No. 48249C0305D 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. Jim Wells County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain: locations outside and not affecting the FFRMS floodplain, alternative methods to serve the identical project objective, and a determination not to approve any action proposing the occupancy or modification of a floodplain. The practicability of alternatives considered the natural, social, and economic values of each alternative. The alternatives considered were not chosen because they would fail to address the most deteriorated water lines in need of repair, would be economically prohibitive, and would allow health, safety, and environmental violations to persist. Jim Wells County has reevaluated the alternatives and has determined that there is no practicable alternative to locating the proposed project in the FFRMS floodplain. The proposed project must be located within the floodplain due to the necessity of aligning with existing infrastructure and to meet critical service requirements for the surrounding community. The best action is to proceed with the project as planned to utilize the following mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and values of the FFRMS floodplain: The project shall comply with all applicable local floodplain requirements set by the community’s Floodplain Administrator, as well as state, local, and NFIP floodplain protection procedures. The project shall be implemented using best management practices designed to protect natural landscapes that serve to maintain or restore natural hydrology through infiltration. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request during regular business hours at the County Courthouse. 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; (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 June 10th, 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: Final Notice Jim Wells County CDB23-0313 English.pdf