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The Beaumont Enterprise, COUNTY OF HARDIN EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPACT TO A FLOODPLAIN AND/OR WETLAND This is to give notice that Community Development Resources, LLC, on behalf of the County of Hardin, Texas has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and 11990, in accordance with Texas General Land Office - Disaster Recovery (GLO-DR) program protocols and HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and/or wetland will have on the human environment for the proposed Flood & Drainage Facilities, and Acquisition project (DRS220002-22110-1), and the proposed Water Facilities, and Fire Protection & Equipment Facilities project (DRS220002-22110.1-1), under GLO-DR Contract No. 13-130-000-7192; Federal grant amount - $4,280,683. The County of Hardin proposes to use federal funds for the following projects: 1. DRS220002-22110-1, Flood & Drainage Facilities: Perform channel improvements to the Coon Marsh Gully to include ditch cleaning and re-grading (widening); new culverts with wingwalls at Bonura Road in Country Wood; wingwalls and concrete lining of the sides and bottom of the Pinewood Boulevard bridge over Coon Marsh Gully; two (2) pedestrian creek crossings across Coon Marsh Gully (replacement of existing crossing per design requirements); provide other associated appurtenances; and perform site work associated with construction. The County of Hardin will acquire any additional easements or rights-of-way necessary for the proposed Coon Marsh Gully improvements. Construction will take place at Coon Marsh Gully (ditch cleaning/re-grading) from Highway 105 to Bonura Road; at Coon Marsh Gully (channel improvements) from Bonura Road to Pinewood Boulevard; and at Diversion Channel (channel improvements) from Pinewood Boulevard to Little Pine Island Bayou. The affected area is approximately 667,000 square feet (15.3122 acres), and is located within a Flood Zone AE, and in Freshwater Forested/Shrub & Freshwater Pond wetlands. The proposed improvements will ensure proper conveyance of storm water, significantly increase the capacity of the channel, and reduce flooding. The County of Hardin proposes to acquire easements as needed to accommodate the drainage improvements. The County of Hardin will carry out all acquisition of needed real property, easements, and/or rights-of-way in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C 4601 et seq.) and HUD implementing regulations (24 CFR Part 42). 2. DRS220002-22110.1-1, Water Facilities, and Fire Protection Facilities & Equipment: A. North Hardin WSC - Purchase and install one (1) 300 kW - 400 kW generator with transfer switch, pad, associated appurtenances, and perform site work associated with construction. Construction will take place at North Hardin WSC located at the northeast corner of State Highway 92 and Post Plant Road (north of Silsbee), Hardin County, Texas. The affected area is approximately 36,400 square feet (0.8356 acres), and is located within a Flood Zone X. No wetland was identified within the project area. The proposed improvements will ensure continuous operation of the water facilities and uninterrupted potable water supply. B. Hardin County WCID No. 2 - Purchase and install one (1) 100 kW - 200 kW generator with transfer switch, pad, associated appurtenances, and perform site work associated with construction. Construction will take place at Hardin County WCID No. 2 located approximately 450 feet from the intersection of Woodbine Boulevard and Woodway Boulevard (between Sour Lake and Beaumont in Pinewood Estates), Hardin County. The affected area is approximately 3,025 square feet (0.0694 acres), and is located within a Flood Zone AE. No wetland was identified within the project area. The proposed improvements will ensure continuous operation of the water facilities and uninterrupted potable water supply. C. Saratoga VFD - Purchase and install one (1) 50 kW - 150 kW generator with transfer switch, pad, fencing, perform electrical work, provide associated appurtenances, and perform site work associated with construction. Construction will take place at the Saratoga VFD located at 16628 FM 770, Saratoga, Texas. The affected area is approximately 6,750 square feet (0.1550 acres), and is located within a Flood Zone X. No wetland was identified within the project area. The proposed improvements will ensure that the fire station is able to remain fully operational and provide fire protection service to the community during future storm events. D. Lumberton VFD - Purchase and install one (1) 50 kW - 150 kW generator with transfer switch, pad, fencing, perform electrical work, provide associated appurtenances, and perform site work associated with construction. Construction will take place at the Lumberton VFD located at 8890 Keith Road, Lumberton, Texas. The affected area is approximately 1,875 square feet (0.0430 acres), and is located within a Flood Zone X. No wetland was identified within the project area. The proposed improvements will ensure that the fire station is able to remain fully operational and provide fire protection service to the community during future storm events. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and/or wetlands, 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 about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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 and/or wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Hardin County no later than December 13, 2013, at the following address: Hardin County Courthouse, 300 Monroe Street, Kountze, TX 77625, Attn: Judge Billy Caraway; during the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays; Tel: (409) 246-5120. Judge Billy Caraway, Hardin County, Texas Robert L. Chavira, Managing Member, Community Development Resources, LLC, GLO Environmental Service Provider
