Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain and Wetlands

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the New River Valley Regional Commission (NRVRC) under 24 CFR part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER

grant program and the Department of Housing and Community Development Project (22-PW-02A) is

located in the 100-year floodplain and a riverine, and the NRVRC will be identifying and evaluating

practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain/wetland and the potential impacts on the

floodplain/wetland from the proposed action, as required by both Executive Order 11988 and 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 proposed project area includes the development of an enhanced concrete boat launch on the bank of the New River in Montgomery

County. The project area is approximately 1.7 acres, located entirely within the 100-year Floodplain and

partially within a riverine. The project provides enhanced motorized and non-motorized boat access to the New River at the most utilized boat launch in Montgomery County, thus expanding the recreational

opportunities and access for Montgomery County residents and tourists. This project will benefit the

livability of our region and the burgeoning outdoor recreation economy. The Montgomery County boat

launch at Whitethorne is one of four new/enhanced boat launches that will extend the existing 37 miles

of the New River Water Trail (Giles County) to the rest of the region, totaling 61 miles upon completion.

The project includes several related components: enhancements/expansion of current boat launch with

an accessible path to connect extended parking, suitable for vehicles with trailers, potential adjacent

parking on a secondary site north of the boat launch, and a potential surface revetment. The proposed

project is located at 5277 Whitethorne Rd Blacksburg, VA 24060.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in

floodplains/wetlands 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/wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of

information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands 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 and/or wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or

continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the NRVRC at the following address on or before October 26,

2023: New River Valley Regional Commission, 6580 Valley Center Drive Suite 124 Radford, VA 24141

Attention: Kathleen Armstrong, Regional Planner II/ Community Designer. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9am to 5pm at the above address and electronically by request.

Comments may also be submitted via email at karmstrong@nrvrc.org.

Date: October 11, 2023