NOTICE – Floodplain Project:
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed
Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
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To: All Interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Three Rivers, under 24 CFR Part 58 (Responsible Entity) has determined that the following proposed action under the HUD CBDG Public Gathering Space Initiative, MSC-223001- PGS, is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and the Responsible Entity will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within 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 and/or Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is 11 Joshua Drive in Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, Michigan. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach.
The project work within the FFRMS floodplain involves minor earthwork and placement of a retaining wall supporting a sidewalk and platform for a new pre-engineered amphitheater structure. The purpose of the overall project is to provide recreational opportunities for the local and regional community. This floodplain (which extends northward well beyond the limits of the current project) provides floodwater storage and conveyance for the Portage River. The total FFRMS floodplain proposed to be affected by this work is 3,000 square feet or 0.07 acre. Note that there is no impact proposed to the FEMA 100-year floodplain or floodway.
Based on the minimal work within the FFRMS floodplain, we do not anticipate that the proposed project would meaningfully impact the floodplain.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain 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 project impacts on the floodplain. 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 Responsible Entity at the following address on or before January 4, 2025: City of Three Rivers, 333 W. Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers, MI 49093 (269) 273-1075. Attention: Joseph A. Bippus, City Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, local time at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted via email at joe@threeriversmi.org.
Floodplain Notice (PDF)
Plan Drawings (PDF)
Posted: December 18, 2024
