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

Posted

July 28, 2022

To:  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, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the 100-Year Floodplain will have on the human environment under the Community Development Fund under the Consolidate Appropriations Act 2022.  The Conimicut Shoals (Point) 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 of 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 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 Upgrading the Boardwalk in the 100-yr Floodplain:

  • Relocate the lighthouse to an alternate location outside the 100-yr floodplain, due to the nature and function of the active aid to navigation this alternative is not a practicable alternative.
  • “Do Nothing” - this alternative proved to be impracticable as some of the lighthouse’s structural components are exposed to the elements and damaging seawater spray.  By doing nothing eventually, the lighthouse would need to be removed at the detriment to the historic preservation of lighthouses.

The City of Warwick has reevaluated the alternatives to performing work on the lighthouse located 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 maintenance and repair of the lighthouse, the proposed activity was deemed appropriate for taken place in the floodplain. All appropriate measures will be taken to ensure there will be minimal impact.

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 August 9, 2022 will be considered.

Frank J. Picozzi
Mayor

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