Early Notice for Public Review of a Proposal to Support Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain and Wetland

Date of Publication: June 1, 2023
Town of Penney Farms, FL
P.O. Box 1041
Penney Farms, FL 32079-1041
Phone: 904-529-9078
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Town of Penney Farms has determined that the following proposed action under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program (Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021-2022) is in the 100-year floodplain. The Town of Penney Farms 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.
The funds will be used to replace deteriorated lead jointed water lines with newer, safer, and more durable water lines. The project will also involve connecting the Town's water system with the water system that serves the PRC Retirement Community. The CDBG funded replacement water lines will be located along Town streets in the following segments: Segment 1 extends from the WATER TOWER which is on the south side of Caroline Blvd. to the north side of Caroline Blvd.; Segment 2 extends along HOFFMAN ST. between Clark Ave. and Lewis Ave.; Segment 3 extends along HOFFMAN ST. from Lewis Avenue for less than 50 LF to the Penney Farms Retirement Community (PRC) interconnect meter site; Segment 4 extends along CLARK AVE. between Hoffman St. and Caroline Blvd.; Segment 5 extends along CAROLINE BLVD. between the water tower and Clark Ave.; Segment 6 extends along CAROLINE BLVD. between Clark Ave. and Lewis Ave.; Segment 7 extends along LEWIS AVE. between Hoffman Street and Caroline Blvd. The replacement of these water mains and the interconnection of the Town of Penney Farms and PRC water systems will help to improve water quality, reliability, and safety for all Town residents. After the water line segments described above are addressed, and if funds are available, the water line replacement activities will be extended to the next block. Street segments for these additional water line replacement activities include CLARK AVE. between Hoffman St. and Morton Dr.; MORTON DR. between Clark Ave. and Wilbanks Ave.; and LEWIS AVE. between Morton Dr. and Hoffman St.
Initial review of available public source mapping indicates that the Project’s intent to replace approximately 2,630 LF of water lines, plus up to an additional 2000 LF, based on available funding, will impact approximately .5 acres of flood prone area. The improvements will be located in the public right of way next to existing streets that are already in the floodplain. The proposed project is located within the incorporated area of the Town of Penney Farms, which is in Clay County, Florida.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the floodplain 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 Thomas E. DeVille, Mayor, C/O Anita E. Cooper, Town Clerk, at P.O. Box 1041 Penney Farms, FL 32079-1041 on or before June 19, 2023. A full description of the project may also be reviewed at the Town of Penney Farms Town Hall at 4100 Clark Ave, Penney Farms, FL 32079-0607 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. , or by appointment. Additional information may be obtained (and/or comments provided) by contacting: Anita E. Cooper, Town Clerk at 904/529-9078, or by email at acooperpenneyfarms@bellsouth.net.
Thomas E. DeVille, Mayor
Environmental Certifying Official
Legal 70125 Published 6/1/2023 in Clay County's Clay Today newspaper