Notice of decision for storm sewer improvements in floodplain and wetlands.

City of Effingham (Effingham County)

Final Notice Of Decision Regarding Project To Be Located 
In A Floodplain And Wetlands

Publication Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026 

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND PERSONS:

As required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, this is a notice of findings and public explanation for proposed activity in a 100-year floodplain and wetlands. 
The City of Effingham proposes to use funds allocated through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the following proposed project: City of Effingham Storm Sewer Improvements CDBG Public Infrastructure Grant #TBD. The proposed project includes replacing approximately 100 feet of 12-inch Storm Sewers, 558 feet of 15-inch Storm Sewers, 620 feet of 24-inch Storm Sewers, 486 feet of 30-inch Storm Sewers, 1,228 lineal feet of 36-inch Storm Sewers, 42 feet of 24-inch Storm Sewers, 140 feet of 36-inch Storm Sewers, 7 Manholes - 4-foot Diameter, 12 Manholes - 5-foot Diameter, 4 Manholes - 6-foot Diameter, Culverts, Storm Sewer Connections, Inlets, Seeding, and all appurtenances and related costs in the City of Effingham. The project area is a bound area that includes South Park Street (West), Wabash Avenue (North), East of 3rd Street (East), and West Wernsing (South), located in the City of Effingham (Effingham Couty), Illinois. The project is planned to start Summer 2026 and conclude Fall 2026. The total estimated construction cost of $1,500,000.00 will be funded as follows: $1,500,000.00 State CDBG Public Infrastructure Grant #TBD.
The City of Effingham hereby states that this proposed project would occur within an identified 100-year floodplain and wetlands. However, the City of Effingham has reached a decision that this is the only practicable alternative for this proposed project.
This decision is based on an evaluation of the following alternatives: in order to meet the project objectives, this project must be constructed as designed. The proposed storm sewer improvements must cross the designated 100-year floodplain and wetlands to serve those identified with safe potable water and alleviate the threat to the health and safety of these residents. The alternatives considered include re-routing the storm sewers around the designated 100-year floodplain and wetlands and stop construction before the floodplain and wetlands, construct the storm sewers as designed using construction methods that have a minimal impact to the environment, and to do nothing. Re-routing the storm sewers could not be built because the cost could not meet project objectives. The re-routing of the storm sewers alternative and do-nothing alternative are not feasible because they would not meet project objectives. The storm sewer construction will adhere to the IDNR 1:1 wetland mitigation standard which will be made as part of this project. Because the proposed replacement of the storm sewers will have minimal impact on ground disturbance and any disturbed area will be reverted to their original condition, it was determined that this action will have a minimal impact on the designated wetland. After a re-evaluation of the alternatives, it has been determined that the construction of the proposed project as designed and using construction methods that have a minimal impact to the environment, will occur in the designated 100-year floodplain and wetlands, however construction practices will be modified in order to minimize that impact. 
The City of Effingham has additional information on this proposed project that can be reviewed on weekdays at the office of Milano & Grunloh Engineers, LLC, 114 West Washington Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Interested persons may also call the City Clerk, Abby Nosbisch at (217) 342-5300 extension 5364 for additional information about this proposed project. The City of Effingham is now evaluating potential alternatives, the potential impact of the proposed project, and potential mitigation to minimize flood hazard and wetlands impact.
Written comments on this proposed project are invited and must be received by City Clerk, Abby Nosbisch at 201 East Jefferson Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401 by February 22, 2026. All such comments will be taken into consideration by the City of Effingham prior to its decision on the proposed project.

Mike Schutzbach, Mayor
Public Notice #5317 02/14/2026