Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain

Posted

July 7, 2022

To:  All Interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the City of Warwick, Rhode Island under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation 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, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment for Community Development Fund under the Consolidate Appropriations Act 2022.

This early notice is for the proposed action of maintenance & repair of the Conimicut Point Lighthouse.  The lighthouse is located, on a shoal within the 100-year floodplain, at the mouth of the Providence River and the upper portion of Narragansett Bay (41.71699,-71.34513) off of Conimicut Point Park.

The scope of work calls for preserving and refurbishing existing features and architectural details where possible.  When an architectural detail cannot be saved it will be replicated/fabricated out of material as close to the original as possible.  In general, the scope of work addresses repairs to the long neglected exterior of the lighthouse to improve its resilience to the damaging effects of saltwater, salt spray, ice, and numerous other storms and weather that impacts the exterior surfaces daily.  In addition, there is some interior work in the lantern room that requires immediate attention as it has been exposed to the elements.

The Action is taking place in the Conimicut Point section of the City of Warwick, County of Kent.

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 July 25, 2022:  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

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