of a Proposed Activity in a
100-Year Floodplain

September 16, 2021

To:  RIDEM, FEMA, RIEMA, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Coastal Resource Management Council, US Army Corp. of Engineers, all interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Warwick, Rhode Island under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended) (P.L. 93-383) and HUD Grants B-18-MC-44-0004 & B-20-MC-44-0004  is located in the 100-year floodplain, and the City of Warwick, Rhode Island will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. 

This early notice is for the proposed action commonly referred to as the “Seaview Drive and Strand Avenue Shoreline Restoration Project” and includes the removal of low lying street pavement and parking vulnerable to coastal flooding, establishment of a vegetated coastal buffer, construction of structural and vegetative BMPs, planting of native vegetation along BMPs and upland, extension of a recreational walking path, and general improvements to waterfront access corridors. The purpose of the project is to prevent erosion, protect existing infrastructure, enhance water quality, improve natural habitat, provide better public access, and preserve recreation opportunities for years to come.

The proposed action, undertaken by the City of Warwick, is located between the terminus of Suburban Parkway and Strand Avenue along Brush Neck & Buttonwoods Coves (41.686513, -71.401560) in the Oakland Beach section of the City of Warwick, County of Kent. The City has received a $400,000 Coastal Resiliency grant from RIDEM for the implementation of the proposed improvements.  The City of Warwick will be utilizing federal funds (CDBG) as the required municipal match estimated to be $140,000.

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.  Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, 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 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 Warwick, Rhode Island at the following address on or before close of business on October 4, 2021:  Office of Housing & Community Development, 3275 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island, 02886 and (401) 921-9688, Attention:  William R. Facente, Acting Program Coordinator / Housing Officer.  A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday - Friday at the Office of Housing & Community Development, 61 Hoxsie Avenue, Door #20 (former Randall Holden Elementary School), Warwick, Rhode Island, 02886.  Comments may also be submitted via email at william.r.facente@warwickri.com.

Frank J. Picozzi
Mayor