Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Johnson County Community Development has determined that the following proposed action under Community Development Block Grant and B-25-UC-20-0001 is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and Johnson County Community Development will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the FFRMS floodplain and the potential impacts on the FFRMS floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project is at Commerce Drive to north of 95th Street, along Lexington Road in DeSoto, Kansas 66030, Johnson County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach. The project consists of new construction of an 8,000 square foot ADA walkway/bike path, ending 20 feet short of the floodway, with approximately 171 feet located in the FFRMS floodplain. The path will be constructed in an existing 15-20 feet of box grade in the right of way. There will be no clearing of trees or vegetation and natural landscape enhancements that maintain or restore natural hydrology, as well as planting or restoring native plant specifies will be completed as a means of minimization of hazards. The project will improve the safety of pedestrians that travel along Lexington Road, keeping them out of the road and allow for easier access to commercial districts along Commerce Drive, by means of an energy efficient mode of transportation. Therefore, this analysis will consider impacts to the FFMRS floodplain along with concerns for loss of life and property.
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. 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 impacts. 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 Johnson County Community Development at the following address on or before November 10, 2024: Johnson County Community Development, 111 South Cherry, Suite 2000, Olathe, Kansas 66061 and 913-715-2220, Attention: Jay C. Leipzig, Director of Planning, Housing, and Community Development. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 111 South Cherry, Suite 2000, Olathe, Kansas 66061 and https://www.jocogov.org/department/community-development. Comments may also be submitted via email at cdbg@jocogov.org.
Date: October 25, 2024