EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD DESIGNATED FLOODPLAIN To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the City of Crete has determined that the following proposed action under the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NEDED) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, grant #24PWI004, is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and the City of Crete will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is in Crete, Saline County. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a 0.2 percent flood approach. The City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska (City) is preparing to implement a street improvement project within the municipal limits of the City. The project will improve three (3) street segments: 21st Street from Norman Avenue to Oak Avenue, Oak Avenue from 21st Street to 22nd Street, and Oak Avenue from 20th Street to 21st Street (Project). The Project will include the construction of 7-inch Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) paving, 32 feet in width, with an associated storm sewer system. The total Project area covers these three blocks, focusing on enhancing street durability, improving stormwater management, and increasing pedestrian safety. These streets are currently in need of significant repair to maintain safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians and vehicles. The street improvement Project will include several key activities: Demolition and removal of the existing street surface; Earthwork, grading, and sloping to prepare the sub-base; Installation of new 7-inch PCC paving to ensure long-lasting road surfaces; Construction of a storm sewer system to enhance drainage and reduce flooding risks; Installation of sidewalks with American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant detectable warning panels to improve pedestrian safety. The total Project area covers approximately three blocks, or approximately 1 acre within the FFRMS 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. The streets are owned and maintained by the City of Crete and are surrounded primarily by residential properties. Project impacts may include temporary road closures, noise, and dust during construction. The City will notify businesses, residents, and emergency services of all road closures and provide alternative routes. All construction activities will be scheduled during normal business hours to minimize disruption. Total Project costs are estimated at $688,450, including $480,000 funded by a Nebraska Department of Economic Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds of which $25,000 is allocated for general administration and $5,000 for construction management. A local match of $208,450 will be provided by the City. The matching funds will be sourced from the city's general fund, and are unobligated and readily available. The project will primarily benefit low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents by improving local infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life in the community. No residents, businesses, or farms will be displaced as a result of the project activities. Construction is anticipated to be completed within thirty (30) months. 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 project impacts on the floodplain. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the floodplain 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 a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the City of Crete at the following address on or before January, 10th, 2025 [a minimum 15 calendar day comment period will begin the day after the publication and end on the 16th day after the publication]: City of Crete, 243 East 13th Street, Crete, NE 68333 and 402-826-4312, Attention: Nancy Tellez, City Clerk. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the address listed above. Comments may also be submitted via email at nancy.tellez@crete.ne.gov. Date: December 25, 2024 CR — December 25, 2024 ZNEZ
