Final Notice and Public Explanation of
PROPOSED PROJECT WITHIN A 100-Year/500-Year Floodplain
CDBG PY2021 and PY2022 (47th & 48th Year)
March 22, 2021
To: All interested Agencies; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Tarrant County, City of Mansfield, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Tarrant County under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, 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 under HUD grant B-21-UC-48-0001 and B-22-UC-48-0001. The proposed project is located in Tarrant County, TX.
CITY OF MANSFIELD, 100-300 blocks of Pond Street (between E. Broad and Lake St), Mansfield, TX 76063: The multi-infrastructure project consists of the following; street reconstruction proposed is approximately 850 LF of 29 foot wide Asphalt Street with bar ditches to 7” reinforced concrete pavement with curb and gutter and storm drain system. New 300 LF of 5 feet wide 4 inch thick sidewalks on both sides of the street will be added to connect to adjacent pedestrian bridge to downtown area. Existing 820 Linear Feet of 15 inch PVC sewer line and 820 Linear Feet of 6 inch PVC water line will both be replaced with new PVC lines in the same dimensions and length. Approximately 28 percent of the project area lies within 0.4 acres of zone AE and 0.9 acres of Zone X floodplains. FEMA Map no. 48439C0460K and 48439C0470K (effective 09/25/2009).
Tarrant County, Texas has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:
(i) Existing infrastructure already exists in developed residential areas where the floodplain exists.
(ii) Alternatives considered and reasons for non-selection: (a) Modify the project to avoid the floodplain, (b) locate the project outside of the floodplain, (c) reject the project and make no improvements. The infrastructure crosses a floodplain and is at the end of a project area where the project could awkwardly cut short to avoid. Considering all utilities are existing, to make no change would create blight in the residential neighborhoods and create unsafe living conditions for current residents.
(iii) All mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions will be reflected in the construction contract. Erosion control, avoiding or replanting any habitat for flora and fauna and retaining flood values of the floodplain will be enforced. Tarrant County, TX acknowledges compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures and will adhere to all federal and state rules to comply.
Tarrant County, Texas has reevaluated the alternatives to reconstructing in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988, 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 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 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 Tarrant County, Texas at the following address on or before April 9, 2021 to Kristen Camareno, Interim Director of Tarrant County Community Development and Housing, 1509 B South University Drive, Suite 276, Fort Worth, Texas 7607 and (817) 850-7940. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00am to 5:00 pm at 1509 B South University Drive, Suite 276, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Comments and requests for digital review may also be submitted via email to sau@tarrantcounty.com