Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain
Legals / Public Notices
Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Agencies- Federal, State, and Local, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that Johnson County, Tennessee under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the Johnson County TN Government and Appalachian Regional Commission (TN-18698) is located in the 100-year floodplain and Johnson 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 on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. Johnson County Government and Office of Economic Development proposes to utilize $47,167.50 in Appalachian Regional Commission Grant funds to build a ‘pump track’. A pump track is a compact area with twists, turns, mini hills, and slopes. This growing outdoor activity is enjoyed by the entire family, but the design of the pump track is also used to teach bikers to master the skills needed to navigate mountain biking trails and OHV trails. The proposed pump tracks have the potential to substantially increase the number of visitors to Johnson County and to Ralph Stout State Park, consequential to economic growth and development. The proposed project(s) is located 401 N. Shady St. in Mountain City, Johnson County. The bicycle pump tracks • 100 X 200 feet • A kids motorcycle skills area 200 X 500 feet • Anticipated usage 100-200 cyclists per week The proposed project is located in Flood Zone A. An Area with the Potential of a 100 year flood. Consultations with the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE) revealed that the purposed work is entirely uplands and a Department of the Army (DA) permit would not be required for the work described in the plans provided. Consultation with the Johnson County Tennessee Flood plain Director also revealed that the project site is a sufficient distance from any natural water source and the project will require minimal excavation or fill to install the pump track. No mitigation is being recommended by either the USACOE or the Director of Floodplain Management in Johnson County, Tennessee. 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 TN Government at the following address: 222 West Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683 on or before: February 28, 2019. Attention: Mike Taylor, Mayor of Johnson County, Tennessee. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm at 222 West Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683 and www.johnsoncountytn.gov. Comments may also be submitted via email at office.mayor@johnsoncountytn.gov. Date: February 13, 2019