Public notice
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Hamilton has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under ADECA’s ARC Program Project No. AL-21666-2024. The proposed project(s) is located town-wide in Hamilton, Marion County. The project includes the rehabilitation of an existing pump station located along Alabama Highway 171 and extending a new 6” water line from the City of Hamilton along County Road 42 that will provide connection with the City of Guin’s system, utilizing Marion County Public Water Authority’s distribution system. The existing pump station is in need of repair and upgrades will be required for this project. The booster pumps will be replaced along with the associated valves. There will be minor upgrades performed on the pump house. The water line will be 6” Class 200 PVC, extending approximately 5850 linear feet. Fire protection for the citizens will also be provided through the installation of fire hydrants. The construction will allow the City of Hamilton to have an alternate source of water for its citizens and businesses. The project crosses approximate 3,940 ft², 0.09 acres.
City of Hamilton has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The proposed project, alternative water supply, includes replacing piping and updating a water pump to connect the City of Hamilton to the City of Guin’s water line, utilizing Marion County Public Water Authority’s distribution system. These points do take place in wetland areas. Here is the list of alternatives considered for the project: Option 1: No build, but this alternative was not considered an option due to the ongoing risks associated with it. A No build would allow the current risks and issues to continue. Option 2: Connection to Franklin County Water Authority. However, this alternative was considered but is not feasible. It involves connecting to the Franklin County Water Authority in Vina. The route to do this is lengthy, requiring approximately 10 miles of 6” PVC and a booster station. The estimated cost for this is approximately $3,200,000. Additionally, the time required to accomplish this project is significant. Option 3: Connection to the City of Guin’s System. This alternative utilizes the existing Marion County Water Authority distribution system. Upgrades to the existing pump station, operated by the City of Guin, will allow for water to be provided to the City of Hamilton. The addition of the 6” PVC line will also provide fire protection for citizens along this route. Upon investigation, it was determined this is the shortest and most direct route. Addition, it allows all work to be performed in existing right of way so the purchase of additional right of way is not anticipated.
City of Hamilton has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the wetland. and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of wetland., 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 a wetland. 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 wetland. 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 wetland., it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of Hamilton at the following address on or before 12/5/2024: Gant Recipient, 736 Military Street South Hamilton, AL 35570 and 205-921-2121, Attention: Robert Page, Mayor. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 a.m.-5:00p.m. at 736 Military Street South Hamilton, AL 35570. Comments may also be submitted via email at mayor@hamiltoncityal.org.
NHW
NOV 20
717