Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals: This is to give notice that Hamilton County 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 Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant program and HUD grant # B23UC390003.

The proposed projects will implement improvements to the existing intersection at Koehler and Jefferson and Koehler and Reading. Up to $61,000 may be used for the project.

The City of Reading proposes to complete road resurfacing to an existing road; the project will include full-depth repairs, and the addition of curbs which will also improve accessibility. The site is between Jefferson Avenue and Reading Road. Project is in FEMA Firm Panel #0227E.

All state and local floodplain protection procedures will be followed to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values. All actions will comply with state and local floodplain protection procedures. The proposed project is to complete road resurfacing. It has been determined that there is no practicable alternative to this project and that it will have no significant impact on the environment. This project will resurface Koehler Avenue in Reading and improve accessibility. 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 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.

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 Hamilton County at the following address on or before July 12, 2024: Hamilton County Community Development, 138 E. Court St, Rm 1002, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Attention: Maria Collins, Community Development Administrator. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the address above. Comments may also be submitted via email at maria.collins@hamilton-co.org.

7/5/2024