Public notice for proposed floodplain management project in Painted Post, NY.

Final Notice & Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designation Floodplain To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the Town of Erwin, Steuben County, NY has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990 and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management. The New York State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for 2025 Housing Activities through funding administration by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office of Community Renewal. A portion of the project site lies within a designated 100-year floodplain with base flood elevation and flood hazard factors that have been determined in accordance with standards published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Project Location: Victory Village Manufactured Home Community (MHC), 201 Oak Dr., Painted Post (Town of Erwin), NY, 14870. This property is 22.8 acres, fronts NYS Rte. 415, and the community is accessed on Evergreen Drive, which intersects NYS Rte. 415 (property center Lat. 42.176054, Long. -77. 116497). Description of the Proposed Project: The existing MHC is situated within an existing Town Water District, but presently not connected. The existing MHC water system provides water from individual onsite wells with delivery through a localized distribution system. This system is very old and has been subject to numerous breaks, leading to significant inconvenience for residents. The health department also issued several notices of violations to the MHC. To rectify the situation, the existing water well system will be abandoned, and the MHC will connect to the Town Water District. Improvements include extending the water line from the MCH distribution system to the Town Water District water main. In addition, the project will replace several older, more troublesome portions of the MHC water distribution system. Additional valves will be added to the system to better isolate future water main breaks should they occur. Flushing hydrants will be added to improve water quality within the system by permitting periodic flushing of the water lines. Conclusions: The Town of Erwin has considered the following mitigation measures and alternatives to minimize the adverse impacts: (1) Moving the connections out of the floodplain and (2) Not completing the project (No Action Alternative). Moving the project out of the floodplain is not practical because it would require that the MHC also be moved, and as such may displace current residents that depend on affordable housing. Project activities with the existing MHC will occur in the riverine floodplain. The beneficial values of the floodplain will not be adversely affected as the project will not change topography/surface elevations and best management practices will be utilized during construction. (2) Not completing the project (No Action Alternative) would not be practical because the water system would eventually fail and the housing would have to be abandoned. The housing is necessary to providing affordable housing to the Town of Erwin, and these units are needed for low-income residents in the Town of Erwin. The project activities will improve the reliability of the water delivery system and is not subject to elevation requirements. Prior to construction all required permits will be obtained. 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 Town of Erwin on or before April 16, 2026. Please submit your request by U. S. Mail to Town Manager & Certifying Officer - Melissa Greenthal, 310 Town Center Road, or by email mgreenthal@erwinny.gov. Procedural questions or accessibility concerns can also be directed at (607) 962-7021. A full description of the project in the form of a Preliminary Engineering Report will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Date: 04/06/2026