of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year/500-year Floodplain and

Wetland

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that the New River Valley Regional Commission (NRVRC) has conducted an

evaluation as required by 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER grant program and the Department of Housing and Community Development Project (22-PW-02A). The proposed project is located at 5277 Whitethorne Rd Blacksburg, VA 24060. 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 .94 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,

extended parking suitable for vehicles with trailers and an accessible path to connect.

The NRVRC has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: Because the nature of the project the boat ramp must be located in the floodplain/wetland in order to provide sufficient access to the waterway. Alternatives were considered and based on land availability and proximity to maintained

roads with easy access for boat trailers, the choice of suitable sites are limited. Additionally, rail right-of-

way reduces potential developable land with public access potential along the river. Alternatively, no

action at all will not provide any benefit for the public. Any perceived and/or realized effects on

alternative sites would be similar to any of the effects on current, selected site. The regulatory agencies

involved with the permiting of the boat launch will dictate the least impactiul design of the boat ramp

to mitigate adverse effects. Mitigation measures include acquiring all necessary permits through the

Army Corp of Engineers, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Marine Resource

Commission. The permits obtained from the regulatory agencies will dictate any requirements for

mitigation measures and compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.

Sediment and erosion mitigation controls will be utilized throughout project construction/site

disturbance. NRVRC has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and wetland and has

determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with

steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and 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 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.

Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts Rev. 04/02/2014 Appendix 2.E: Final Notice and Notice of

Explanation 48 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 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 September 28,

2023 New River Valley Regional Commission, 6580 Valley Center Drive Suite 124 Radford, VA 24141. 540-639-9313

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: September 20, 2023