FINAL NOTICE – Downtown Amphitheater Project:
Final Notice and Public Explanation 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 conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the HUD CBDG Public Gathering Space Initiative, MSC-223001-PGS. The proposed project(s) is located at 11 Joshua Drive in Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. 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.
Responsible Entity has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain. Due to the configuration of the property and the requirements of the proposed development, minor work within the FFRMS floodplain was unavoidable. Mitigation measures will include soil erosion control measures and limiting earthwork within the affected FFRMS floodplain to the 0,07 acres noted above. The project will comply with all state and local floodplain protection procedures.
Responsible Entity has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, 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 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain 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, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the Responsible Entity at the following address on or before January 21, 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.
Date: January 13, 2025
FINAL NOTICE (PDF)
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For additional info, refer to the original (Dec.’24) post: here.
Also refer to Plan Drawings (PDF)
Leslie Wilson, City Clerk
City of Three Rivers
333 W. Michigan Avenue
Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269) 273-1075 Ext. 108
LWilson@threeriversmi.org
