To: All interested Federal, State and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Unicoi County, Tennessee under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 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 the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) 2023 Unicoi County HOME Program, M-23-SG-47-0100. The proposed project(s) is located 704 Old Hwy Road in Erwin, Unicoi County, Tennessee and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using freeboard value approach. The proposed project will consist of demolishing the existing single-family residential unit and reconstructing a single-family residential unit at or near its current footprint. The parcel is approximately 0.6 acres, however the activity will be limited to the residential unit’s footprint. A portion of the parcel is located within the riverine FFRMS floodplain and less than 0.25 acre of floodplain will potentially be impacted. This area contains an existing natural feature of a small ditch with water conveyance.
Unicoi County, Tennessee 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/wetland: (i) the property owned by the homeowner is limited in size and reconstructing the single-family residential unit on the same property provides an affordable housing unit for the existing homeowner; (ii) reconstructing the residential unit as affordable housing could be relocated, however the program requires the reconstruction to occur on the existing homeowner’s property and the existing homeowner does not own property elsewhere, (iii) mitigation to minimize adverse impacts will include elevating structure 1 foot above the FFRMS Freeboard Value Approach level and floodproofing venting measures. Ground disturbance will occur at the location of the residential structure footprint and best management practices regarding ground disturbance will be implemented to minimize any anticipated adverse impacts to the FFRMS floodplain location. The project is in compliance with Executive Orders 11988 and 13690.
Unicoi County, Tennessee 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 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 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 floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by Unicoi County, Tennessee at the following address on or before February 19, 2025, Unicoi County, Tennessee, 100 N Main Avenue, #102, Erwin, Tennessee 37650 and (423) 743-9391, Attention: Garland Evely, Mayor. A full description of the project may also be reviewed 9:00 am through 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday at the address listed above or at www.FTDD.org/notices Attention: Garland Evely, Mayor . Comments may also be submitted via email at karenbaileyfinance@unicoicountytn.gov .
Date: February 10, 2025