FINAL NOTICE & PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FLOODPLAIN/WETLAND

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Date of Publication: October 30, 2024

To: All interested Agencies [all Federal, State, and Local], Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of West Plains has conducted an evaluation 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 activity is funded under CDBG under project# 18-DP-MIT30. The proposed project is located on St. Louis Street in West Plains, Missouri; Howell County. The City of West Plains seeks to replace Saint Louis St Bridge and widen a portion of Howell Creek. The project scope for the Saint Louis Street Bridge Improvements includes grading Howell Creek between Washington Ave and Saint Louis St and 350 feet downstream of Saint Louis St to improve channel capacity. The new structure will be three 30-foot wide three-sided openings to accommodate the wider channel opening while maintaining a natural channel bottom. Roadway improvements extend 150 feet north and 150 feet south along Saint Louis St to accommodate the wider bridge.

Improvements include widening the channel between Washington Ave and Saint Louis St to accommodate the 5O­year 35% reduced flow storm event. These improvements will convey the design storm without overflowing the banks along Howell Creek from Washington Ave to Saint Louis St providing a uniform flow path through the new Saint Louis St structure. Channel improvements include grading Howell Creek approximately 700 feet upstream of Saint Louis St creating a low flow channel in the middle and an overall 90-foot-wide channel for larger events.

These improvements will reduce the water level in the channel downstream of Washington Ave for the 50-year event approximately 2.5 feet. There are no historic properties identified. Erosion control will be maintained by use of blankets and matting, as necessary by the contractor. No floodwater storage exists on or near the site and conveyance only occurs during heavy rain events. There is no groundwater discharge or recharge, natural and beneficial floodplain values that will be maintained. The City of West Plains wilt benefit from this project by providing a more reliable connection from the north to the south side of Howell Creek. The businesses along Saint Louis Street will benefit from the reduced flood levels created by the new wider channel and wider opening. In addition, the Saint Louis Street Bridge is nearly 50 years old and is reaching the end of its life. Therefore, this project will benefit all that travel this corridor providing a safe and reliable crossing along Howell Creek. A Floodplain Development Permit will be obtained, with copies going to SEMA and CDBG.

The City of West Plains has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Multiple alternates were considered for the St. Louis Street Bridge along with multiple options for the overall Howell Creek Improvement plan.

Alternates considered for the bridge include double 40-foot wide Hy-Span structure, 60-foot-wide bridge, and the three 30-foot wide Hy-Span structure. Each option considered different channel widths and grading upstream and downstream of the structure. For the 60-foot wide bridge with grading only at the opening there was only a slight improvement (0.3 feet-100 year) in water surface elevations. For the double 40-foot wide Hy-Span there was a greater improvement in water surface elevation (0.4 feet-100 year). However, the three 30-foot wide Hy-Span

configuration with creek grading upstream and downstream reduces the 100-year water level (0.67 feet-100 year) and over 3-feet when compared to the 35% reduced flows after the regional basins are constructed. There are no historic properties identified. Erosion control will be maintained by use of blankets and matting, as necessary by the contractor.

The City of West Plains has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of (Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990), 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 floodplains 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 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 the City of West Plains at the following address on or before November 13, 2024: The City of West Plains, 1910 Holiday ln, West Plains, MO 65775, (417) 256-7176, Attention: Michael Topliff, Mayor or via email at michael.mcmahon@westplains.gov.

A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 am – 3 pm at the above address.

Michael Topliff, Mayor