Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain

October 7, 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 under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the 100-Year Floodplain will have on the human environment for the Community Development Block Grant Program under HUD Grant B-18-MC-44-0004, B-20-MC-44-0004 & B-21-MC-44-0004. 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 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 approximate size of the project area or area of potential disturbance is approximately 1.60 acres.

The City of Warwick has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values as relating to the activity proposed:

Alternatives to Seaview Drive and Strand Avenue Shoreline Restoration Project in the 100-yr Floodplain:

• Reduce or eliminate the walking/bike path connection
• Reduce or eliminate the area of roadway asphalt removed;
• Reduce or eliminate the removal of concrete/stone structures;
• Reduce or eliminate the parking spaces;
• Reduce or eliminate defined shoreline access points;
• Reduce or eliminate the storm water mitigation measures;
• Reduce or eliminate the amount of shoreline grading and improvements

The proposed action is designed as a comprehensive project that provides for the maximization of beneficial impacts on the floodplain from each of the areas studied (stormwater quality, recreation access, and coastal resiliency).  While reducing one or more of the proposed improvements would not in itself adversely impact the floodplain, the overall benefit of improving recreation, stormwater quality and coastal resiliency would potentially be reduced to the do nothing alternative.

The Office also looked at the “do nothing” as a potential alternative to The Seaview Drive and Strand Avenue Shoreline Restoration Project in the floodplain.  This alternative was determined to be not acceptable, by doing nothing the current area used for parking would be completely washed out and need to be permanently closed.  The roadway and storm water infrastructure will fail and be inundated during high tides.  Further erosion could impact the dwelling units constructed along the area and may require moving or condemnation.

The City of Warwick has reevaluated the alternatives to performing work in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.  Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 and/or 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. These activities will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reason:

Based on scope of the proposed activity, the proposed activity was deemed appropriate for taken place in the floodplain. All appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that only those areas that need to be disturbed will be.  Every effort will be taken to ensure protection of areas that are not contained in the project area.

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.  Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks 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.

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Proposed Activity or request further information by contacting William R. Facente, Acting Program Coordinator / Housing Officer and Certifying Officer, Office of Housing & Community Development, 3275 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 and (401) 921-9688; or via email: william.r.facente@warwickri.com.  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. All comments received by 4:30 pm on October 15, 2021 will be considered.

Frank J. Picozzi
Mayor