Public Notice - Mill Brook floodplain restoration/streambank stabilization project

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides final notice of its decision to provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for an action located in a floodplain. Funding would be provided through the Vermont Agency of Transportation to the Town of Jericho to for the Mill Brook floodplain restoration and streambank stabilization project.

The action is located at the confluence of Mill Brook and Winooski River along VT Route 117 in Jericho, Vermont. The project is to reduce erosion and maintain the riverbank adjacent to Route 117 while enhancing floodplain function. A temporary access road would be established on the west side of Route 117. Construction would include the removal of failing riprap and historic armoring. A failing stone berm would also be removed. A ballasted engineered log jam using stacked logs with root wads would be installed. The west side of the brook would be excavated to widen it several feet. A flood bench would be created and restoration with trees, shrubs, and native planting would occur.

Work would occur within a mapped special flood hazard area, which could cause short-term adverse effects. However, the natural and beneficial floodplain functions would be restored at the site long-term. Sedimentation and erosion controls would be employed and staging areas would be on pre-disturbed ground to reduce impacts. The site could still be impacted by flooding; however, the adjacent roadway would no longer be at risk. A map of the area of available upon request.

The project must take place in a floodplain due to the nature of the risk being mitigated. Ten additional alternatives were considered, including “no action” and road relocation. No action would leave Route 117 at risk. Relocating the roadway is not practicable and could have adverse impacts on the community. The action would conform to applicable state and local floodplain protection standards. Grant conditions will also require compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including coordination with the local floodplain administrator.

Map requests and comments about this project and potential floodplain impacts should be submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:

Kari Elkins, Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Boston, MA

kari.elkins@fema.dhs.gov; (256) 343-3570