Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that Hamilton County, under 24 CFR Part 58, has conducted an evaluation 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The proposed project is located at Round Bottom Road and State Route 32 in Newtown, Hamilton County, Ohio, and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain . The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach . The Village of Newtown plans to implement improvements to the existing drywell serving the area just north of State Route 32 on Round Bottom Road. This existing drywell frequently backs up and floods the roadway, greatly reducing the service level of the road. The project is located in a low-to-moderate income area, and is within a 500-year floodplain. The roadway flooding occurs on a curve with little sight distance of the hazard, and it poses a potential hydroplane hazard for those driving northbound on Round Bottom Road. Hamilton County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain: the project occurs within floodplain and, while alternatives were considered, there are no alternative options to address the safety needs of the road; all appropriate measures will to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain . All actions will be in compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures. There is no action alternative. Hamilton County has reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. 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. 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 the floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by Hamilton County at the following address on or before August 12, 2025: 138 E. Court St., Rm 1002, 45202 and 513-946-8217, Attention: Steve Johns, Assistant Director, Planning + Development Department. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am – 5pm at the address above. Comments may also be submitted via email at Steve.Johns@hamiltoncountyohio.gov. Date: 8/4/2025