Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Action in a 100 Year Floodplain

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

Notice is hereby given that Hamilton County has determined that the following proposed action under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is located in a 100-year floodplain, and Hamilton County 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 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations of Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands.

The City of Reading plans to implement improvements to the existing intersection at Koehler and Jefferson and Koehler and Reading. All or part of this road is in a floodplain area. The road needs repair and it’s in a low-mod income area. The city has met with ODOT and discussed the possibility of creating curb ramps at Jefferson Avenue and Reading Road. Other recommendations would be a full street resurfacing with ADA improvements at Reading Road and Jefferson Avenue. Project Area is approximately 2,000 ft. of road. The final use for the project is improved streets and accessibility. Project is in FEMA Firm Panel #0227E (39061C0227E).

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 at 138 E. Court St, Rm 1002, 45202 Attention: Maria Collins, Community Development Administrator, on or before June 28, 2024. Comments may also be submitted via email at maria.collins@hamilton-co.org. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Maria Collins at 513-946-8234. A full description of the project may be reviewed from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 138 E. Court St., Rm 1002, 45202.

Date: June 11, 2024