Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland

Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that Spartanburg County, South Carolina conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under Community Project Funding Grant Agreement B-24-CP-SC-2017. The proposed project includes activities in the following jurisdictions: Inman, Spartanburg County, South Carolina Campobello, Spartanburg County, South Carolina Landrum, Spartanburg County, South Carolina Tryon, Polk County, North Carolina Saluda, Polk County, North Carolina Unincorporated Areas, Spartanburg County, South Carolina Unincorporated Areas, Greenville County, South Carolina Unincorporated Areas, Polk County, North Carolina Project Name: Saluda Grade Rail Corridor Project Description: Spartanburg County is acting as the Responsible Entity with Partners for Active Living, who are developing a community-led implementation plan for a paved trail along the former Saluda Grade rail corridor in Spartanburg and Greenville counties, South Carolina. Partners for Active Living and its partners are committed to delivering the proposed study and 1 mile of construction. Approximately half of the funds will be used in North Carolina and half of the funds will be used in South Carolina. Work will begin on these tasks in the coming months and will inform preliminary engineering tasks to be funded through the CPF grant. Grant Program: Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding Grant Number: B-24-CP-SC-2017 Grant Amount: $6,000,000 Total Estimated Funding: $7,000,000 The following specific sites contain an FFRMS Floodplain and/or Wetland. Site 1 Location: Motlow Creek Longitude/Latitude: 35.10799, -82.14288 FFRMS Floodplain Type: 100-Year Floodplain FFRMS Floodplain Impact Size: Approximately 16,000 square feet (80 feet x 200 feet) Base Flood Elevation: 832 feet Wetland Type: N/A Wetland Impacted Size: N/A Site 2 Location: South Pacolet River (Southern Floodplain) Longitude/Latitude: 35.12283, -82.15005 FFRMS Floodplain Type: 100-Year Floodplain FFRMS Floodplain Impact Size: Approximately 37,600 square feet (80 feet x 470 feet) Base Flood Elevation: 845 feet Wetland Type: N/A Wetland Impacted Size: N/A Site 3 Location: South Pacolet River (Northern Floodplain) Longitude/Latitude: 35.12614, -82.15081 FFRMS Floodplain Type: 100-Year Floodplain FFRMS Floodplain Impact Size: Approximately 29,600 square feet (80 feet x 370 feet) Base Flood Elevation: 845 feet Wetland Type: N/A Wetland Impacted Size: N/A Site 4 Location: Big Fall Creek Longitude/Latitude: 35.21991, -82.29891 FFRMS Floodplain Type: 100-Year Floodplain FFRMS Floodplain Impact Size: Approximately 10,400 square feet (80 feet x 130 feet) Base Flood Elevation: 1,380 feet Wetland Type: N/A Wetland Impacted Size: N/A Total Size of FFRMS Floodplains Impacted: 93,600 square feet (2.15 acres) Total Wetlands Impacted: 0 square feet (0 acres) Spartanburg County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain/wetland: Practicable alternatives to the proposed project are very limited. Due to the nature of the project, it must occur along the railroad and cross over FFRMS floodplains. Diverting funds to a different project was not possible due to the funding source, which was designated specifically to this project by Congress. The County was able to review and coordinate with the participating parties to ensure that the plans will mitigate any potential impact on floodplains. At each floodplain site, plans were discussed with local experts to ensure the trail protects valuable waterways. This project will comply with all state and local floodplain and wetland protection procedures. Spartanburg County reevaluated alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, and/or Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. 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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment 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 Spartanburg County at the following address on or before September 17, 2025: Spartanburg County 9039 Fairforest Road Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-595-5309 Attention: Kerry S. Easler, Program Coordinator A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 10am to 4pm at the above address. Comments may also be submitted via email at keasler@spartanburgcounty.org. Date: September 09, 2025 September 9 2025 LGSC0365806