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

November 15, 2023

This is to give notice that Lancaster County under Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is located in the 100-year floodplain and wetlands, and Lancaster County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetlands and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetlands from the proposed action, 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 Protection of Wetlands. Manheim Borough is requesting the use of CDBG funding for an infrastructure project for pedestrian improvements that will provide safe access for borough residents to areas of Penn Township. The work will include installing new sidewalks, curb, curb ramps for improved accessibility and will include resurfacing the sidewalk on the High Street bridge. The proposed project is located at the south side of East High Street in Manheim, Lancaster County.

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. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland, 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 and wetlands 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 and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Lancaster County at the following address on or before December 4, 2023: Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster, 28 Penn Square, Suite 200, Lancaster, PA 17603 and (717) 394-0793, Attention: Justin Eby, Executive Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the address listed above and at www.lchra.com. Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected].

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
MANHEIM BORUGH PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Manheim Borough has identified the lack of pedestrian connectivity between Penn Township and the Borough along East High Street to Doe Run Road as an issue of safety concerns. The absence of pedestrian walkways and an ADA accessible route for residents to walk from Manheim Borough to Penn Township results in residents using the roadway shoulder or grass areas for travel and provides no access for residence with mobility disabilities.
This project would include the installation of new curbs, sidewalk, and curb ramps on the southside of East High Street to increase pedestrian safety between Manheim Borough and Penn Township. Also, the existing sidewalk on the East High Street bridge will be resurfaced to restore an adequate walking route. The project is located in a floodplain in the Manheim Borough.