To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
Re: Franklin County, Florida; St. George Island Stormwater Improvements Construction; U.S. Department of the Treasury; RESTORE Act Direct Component Grant Program
In accordance with the federal regulations at 44 CFR Part 9, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners is issuing this notice to inform the public that the St. George Island Stormwater Improvements Construction project will in whole or in part take place in a 100-year Floodplain and Wetland. This activity is funded by a RESTORE Act Direct Component grant, grant number, RDCGR090560-01-00 issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The proposed project will include installation of approximately 1,489 linear feet of 18” piping and 3,186 linear feet of 24” piping, and 3,270 square yards of asphalt patching and resurfacing, sod improvements, other required piping and restoration activities to complete the overall objectives of the St. George Island Stormwater Improvements project. The purpose of this project is to extend, enhance, and construct storm water drainage facilities in order to increase the capacity for the commercial district of St. George Island. The project locations include: Zone 1: W Gorrie Drive, 1st Street W, W Gulf Beach Drive; Zone 2: W Pine Street to Franklin Blvd; Zone 3: W Bay Shore Drive to Franklin Blvd; Zone 4: 1st Street E; Zone 5: 2nd Street E to E Pine Street; and Zone 6: E Pine Street to 3rd Street E.
Franklin County has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values. The project includes impacts to approximately 0.10 acres of wetlands for the installation of outfall pipes and mitered end sections. The Environmental Resource Permit issued by the Northwest Florida Water Management District includes construction recommendations to reduce the chances for adverse impacts which the County and its Construction Contractor will implement to avoid any adverse impacts to the wetland and 100-year floodplain, as applicable.
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 projects that will take place in floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance the county’s efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas in accordance with the Federal requirements. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the county uses Federal funds for projects that will take place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform the public who may be put at greater or continued risk pursuant to 44 CFR § 9.8.
Written comments may be mailed via United States Postal Service (USPS) and must be received by the Franklin County at the following address on or before June 9, 2025: Franklin County Board of County Commissioners, Attn: Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator, 248 Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328.
Written comments may also be submitted via email to Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator at erin@franklincountyflorida.com or Michael Moron, County Coordinator at michael@franklincountyflorida.com and must be received by June 9, 2025.