Hearst Media Services, Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland Date: July 9, 2015 To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the State of Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management, for the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) State of Connecticut Disaster Recovery Program activities under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetlands will have on the human environment. The proposed Bayview Beach neighborhood drainage improvements will evaluate, redesign, and retrofit/upgrade portions of the existing drainage system on Field Court, Lawrence Road, Deerfield Avenue, Milesfield Avenue, Westland Drive, and Oakland Avenue in Milford, New Haven County. The area currently experiences flooding during periods of heavy rainfall and storm events and under certain tidal conditions. The proposed project will mitigate flooding dangers and provide safe access through the streets. Proposed activities include replacement of portions of the existing drainage system, upgrade or replacement of the existing worn outfalls to keep tides out of the drainage system, and use of green infrastructure practices at selected locations within the municipal right-of-way to reduce the hydraulic load to the drainage system combined with storing runoff in the system during high tides. The work will occur within existing rights-of-way associated with the current roadway/drainage infrastructure. Anticipated activities have an approximately 4.6-acre footprint in the 100-year floodplain and 0.5-acre footprint in wetlands as mapped by the National Wetlands Inventory. No adverse impacts to natural areas or the community are anticipated since work will be performed primarily within the right-of-way or at existing outfalls. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands 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 and wetlands, 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 and wetlands 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 and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by DOH on or before July 24, 2015. DOH encourages electronic submittal of comments to CT.Housing.Plans@ct.gov. In the alternative, comments may be submitted on paper to: Hermia Delaire, Program Manager, Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Program, Department of Housing, 505 Hudson Street, 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 by July 24, 2015, where a full description of the project may also be reviewed during the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Evonne M. Klein, Commissioner, DOH
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