Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 500-Year 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 determined that the following proposed action under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)  is located in a 500-year floodplain, and Hamilton County 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 Round Bottom Road and State Route 32 in Newtown, Hamilton County, Ohio. 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 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. 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 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 3, 2025: Hamilton County, 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: 7/17/2025