Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the City of Albany has determined that the following proposed action under The Table of Southwest Georgia and Grant Number: B-22-CP-GA-0272 is located in the 100-year floodplain, and the City of Albany will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, 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 and Protection of Wetlands. The action, known as the Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education proposes The Table, a community resource to bring fresh farm goods into the local community; develop local food related businesses; assist these new food businesses by providing commercial kitchen facilities; diminish food insecurity within the community; provide a retail outlet for farmers currently working with Southwest Georgia Project for Community Education; and become a community anchor. The facility will provide access to healthcare providers, access to fresh vegetables, educational opportunities, and training facilities. To increase local farming sustainability, The Table will also include an aggregation and distribution center to enable small farmers to bring their products to market, aggregate with other growers, and distribute to buyers. The proposed project site is approximately 3.98 acres, located entirely within the 100-year floodplain of the Flint River, but outside of the regulatory floodway. The site address is 200 East Oakridge Drive, Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia. 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 Albany Department of Community and Economic Development at the following address on or before June 9, 2023 City of Albany Department of Community and Economic Development 230 South Jackson Street, Suite 315 Albany, Georgia 31702 A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 am and 4:00 pm at the City of Albany Department of Community and Economic Development at the address stated above. Comments may also be submitted via email at [email protected]
