To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals 

This is to give notice that the City of Riviera Beach Utility Special District 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. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CBDG-MIT) under Contract Number IR009. The proposed projects are located (1) east of Garden Road between MLK Blvd and W. Blue Heron Blvd (at the canal crossing) in Riviera Beach, FL 33404, and (2) west of Haverhill Road (at the M-Canal Crossing), in Riviera Beach, FL 33407 leading into the East Central Regional WWTF. Note: Replacement and reconstruction shall occur within the existing disturbed footprint as much as possible. The total area affected at each site is less than ¼ acre. 

The City of Riviera Beach Utility Special District has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values, and it has been determined that no practicable alternative other than to proceed with the work is available. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: 1. Need to replace existing pipes from storm damage, 2. Desire to prevent surface water contamination, 3. Need to construct an efficient and feasible project to prevent catastrophic failure, 4. Ability to mitigate and minimize impacts to the environment, human health, public property, and floodplain resources. Although the project(s) may be located in the 100/500-year floodplain and/ or wetland, the improvements cannot be undertaken in any other location due to the scope of the project. There is, therefore, no practicable alternative. The proposed improvements conform to applicable floodplain protection standards. The proposed action will not affect natural or beneficial floodplain values, and residents of the community will benefit from the project. The proposed project activities will be conducted within the existing footprint. 

The Riviera Beach Utility Special District has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland 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 locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. 

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/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/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. 

Written comments must be received by the Riviera Beach Utility Special District at the following address on or before April 17, 2023: City of Riviera Beach Utility Special District, 600 West Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404, 561-845-4185, Attention: Michael Low, Utility Special District Executive Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the address identified previously. Comments may also be submitted via email at Utilities@RiveraBeach.org.

Date: April 7, 2023

Mrs. Tawanna Smith
Interim District Clerk