Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain or Wetland

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain or Wetland To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that the Town of Richton has determined that the following proposed action under the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) is located in the floodplain and/or a wetland, and the Town of Richton will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain or wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and/or wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and/or Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project locations would include the town's wastewater treatment facility on Sycamore Avenue, and the sewer collection system improvements would be made along Oak Street, in the Town of Richton, Perry County, Mississippi. The extent of the floodplain was determined using the applicable FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). The Town of Richton is proposing to undertake the following activities in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and possibly a wetland: FY 2025 CDBG Public Facilities Project, which consists of improvements at the town's wastewater treatment facility that would involve installing new chlorination and de-chlorination treatment systems; new fiberglass housing for the systems as well as control panels and electrical services; and approximately four thousand (4,000) linear feet of chain link security fencing and four chain link access gates around the lagoon perimeter; and the access road to the lagoon would be rehabilitated. As for the sewer collection system improvements, they would include laying approximately 300 linear feet of 8" gravity sewer lines, tying existing service connection to the new line, and making the necessary roadway repairs. The proposed project could potentially affect +/- 1 acre of floodplain and/or wetland areas. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in a floodplain and/or wetland, 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 and/or wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain and/or wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comments about floodplains and wetlands 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 and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Town of Richton at the following address on or before February 2, 2026: Town of Richton, P. O. Box 493, Richton, MS 39476, Attention: Michael W. Ruffin, Mayor. A full description of the project may also be reviewed on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Richton Town Hall, 206 Dogwood Avenue, Richton, MS 39476. Comments may also be submitted via email at townofrichton@yahoo.com. January 14 2026 LMSS0436914