Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed

Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

To:  All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Kenedy (City) has determined the following proposed action under the Texas General Land Office Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program, GLO Contract #TBD, known as Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements for the purpose of replacing and enhancing outdated facilities, which will be located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain.  The City will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in 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, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management.

The proposed project location is City of Kenedy Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mourning Street @ Goff Street, 28.821843, -97.842888, in the City of Kenedy, Karnes County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the freeboard value approach.  Approximately 3 acres of project activities will occur in the FFRMS floodplain, based on climate change floodplain forecasts.  The beneficial values of the floodplain will not be adversely affected as the project will not change the topography and best management practices will be utilized during construction.

Project Description: The proposed plan will replace and enhance outdated facilities at the WWTP. A new filter press system will be constructed at the obsolete racetrack on the southern section of the property, including a new belt filter press, associated piping, valves and accessories, decommissioning the outdated racetrack, and building a new lab facility with climate-controlled areas for on-site sample testing.

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 the City on or before 10/7/24.  Please submit your request by U. S. Mail to City of Kenedy, 303 W. Main Street, Kenedy, TX 78119-2721, Attn: Mayor’s Office, or by email to citysecretary@kenedytx.gov.   (830) 583-2230.  A full description of the project will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail.

Date:  9/20/24