To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that Town of Hampton, under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management. The activity is funded under HUD CDBG # 4-LP-23-002. The proposed project is located at Dave Daniels Park on Nix Street West in the Town of Hampton, Hampton County, SC and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using FEMA/FIRM maps and using the .2% annual chance floodplain approach (.02PFA) to assess for 500-year and 100-year floodplains (CISA/FFRMS floodplain data was not available). Based on the FIRM map, approximately .25 acres of the park site is located in Zone A (100-year floodplain) and no portions are located in the 500-year floodplain. The proposed activities will stay within the park’s existing footprint and will include demolishing the current playground area and adding new surface materials, new ADA accessible and standard playground equipment, perimeter fencing, a shade/shelter, benches, tables, and trash cans.
The existing natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain are to provide flood risk reduction benefits by slowing stormwater runoff, storing floodwater, providing natural flood and erosion control, floodwater storage and conveyance, groundwater discharge or recharge, erosion control, water quality maintenance, and habitat for flora and fauna.
The existing playground equipment is in Zone A; however, no work will be done outside of this existing footprint, which is approximately .20 acres in size, therefore the floodplain will not be impacted by the proposed activities.
Town of Hampton has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain:
No Action Alternative: Not pursuing this project increases the likelihood of less accessibility to a community recreation facility.
Other locations outside the 100-year floodplain do not meet the town’s budget requirements.
The proposed improvements must occur in the floodplain because the site is an existing park that has been in use for many years by Hampton residents. The park equipment is being replaced so the park can continue to be used safely by residents as well as replacing equipment with all-inclusive park equipment so persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to utilize it.
(i) The proposed action involves rehabilitation activities at an existing park that is partially located within an FFRMS floodplain. No structures are located within the 100-year floodplain. The existing park equipment is within the floodplain; however, the ground disturbance will be minimal as old equipment will be removed, and new ADA accessible park equipment will be installed within the existing footprint.
(ii) The proposed action will not aggravate the current hazard to other floodplains nor disrupt floodplain values. The proposed rehabilitation activities within the FFRMS floodplain will have no impacts to the natural moderation of floods, water quality maintenance, or groundwater recharge, and do not create risks to lives or insurable property. No further means of avoiding activities within the floodplain are available. The proposed activities are expected to have no quantifiable changes to any floodplains.
(iii) The subject property needs rehabilitation activities to improve the quality of life of the town residents to include disabled citizens who could not use the playground equipment in the past, to comply with modern regulations for safe and all-inclusive parks. The “No-Action” alternative would not achieve any of these benefits and thus, would not serve the same purpose.
The Town of Hampton will monitor construction to ensure full compliance with applicable standards, codes and requirements of Federal, State and Local agencies.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain 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 project impacts on the floodplain. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplain 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 floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by Town of Hampton at the following address on or before February 20, 2025, to: Town of Hampton, 608 First Street West, Hampton, SC 29924-3504, Attention: Robert Brown, Mayor.
A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. at 608 First Street West, Hampton, SC. Comments may also be submitted via email to kvarn@lowcountrycog.org.
Date: February 13, 2025