To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Jonesboro 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 Demolition Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The proposed project is located 1902 Moore Road in Jonesboro, Craighead County. The project activities include: demolition of a deteriorated single-family structure; remove existing structure of shed and trees obstructing the way; clear the property lot, and level and smooth the lot on a footprint of approximately 21780 sq. ft. The Demolition Assistance is provided utilizing CDBG to qualified low-moderate income homeowner(s) in eliminating slum and/or blight. Approximately 1.00 acre of floodplains involved with this project.
City of Jonesboro 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) the property has been condemned by the City Council; the project is minor that no adversely impacts are expected, (ii) the property owner is a disabled low-income elderly and cannot afford the project, (iii) should flooding conditions arise, Evacuation and Relocation plan is enforced upon approval by ADEM, the homeowner will be given information FEMA’s Lowest Floor Guide and flood resistance materials consistent with FEMA bulletins, the project will be closely monitored to assure all debris are correctly disposed and the lot is leveled and smoothed. The City of Jonesboro acknowledges its responsibility to stay in compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures.
City of Jonesboro has reevaluated the alternatives to demolishing 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 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 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 the City of Jonesboro at the following address on or before September 30, 2016, City of Jonesboro – Grants and Community Development Department, 300 South Church Street, Suite 402, Jonesboro, AR 72401 and (870) 336-7229, Attention: Kimberly Marshall, Grants Administrator. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday at the above address and http://www.jonesboro.org/158/CDBG-Resources-Links. Comments may also be submitted via email at kmarshall@jonesboro.org.