Public Notice
Pursuant to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management), as well as, Federal Emergency
Management Agency’s (FEMA) implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal
Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides final notice of its decision to provide Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program funding for actions located in floodplains. Funding would be provided
through Vermont Emergency Management to the Town of Hardwick for the demolition and
acquisition of two (2) residential properties on VT Route-15.
Eligible actions are within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Work would include the
demolition and removal of structures, associated impervious surfaces, outbuildings, and
facilities. Demolition would involve minor ground disturbances; site preparations and/or
restorations; and the use of fill for minor grading and/or filling subsurface facilities where fill
would meet existing grade. All construction equipment and materials would be staged within the
parcels on pre-disturbed areas or driveways.
Demolition work and associated site restorations would have limited temporary effects and no
permanent adverse effects on the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains. Long-term,
the values of the floodplain would be restored and natural flood storage capacity at the sites
would improve.
Alternatives considered include relocation, elevation, and “no action.” The relocation and
elevation alternatives were deemed technically impracticable and not cost effective. The “no
action” alternative would leave the community at risk. Demolition is the preferred alternative as
it is cost effective, eliminates flood risk to homeowners to the maximum extent, promotes open
space use, and restores natural floodplain values.
Grant conditions will require compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including
coordination with the local floodplain administrator and proper removal of demolition debris,
where applicable.
Map requests and comments about this project and potential floodplain impacts should be
submitted within 15 days of the date of this publication to:
Pamela Sparks, Senior Environmental Specialist
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cambridge, MA
pamela.sparks@fema.dhs.gov; (346) 314-8506
Holiday Closing: President’s Day
All Town Offices will be closed Monday, February 17 in observance of President’s Day.
We will re-open on Tuesday, February 18 for regular business hours.
Request for Proposals: Engineering Services
The Town of Hardwick, VT, is seeking proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide comprehensive design and engineering services for East Main Street Bridge #31 rebuild, which was demolished in 2024 due to structural collapse caused by rushing flood waters. This bridge is a vital component of our local infrastructure, and its replacement is essential for ensuring public safety and continuity of transportation for the area towns. To see the full request please click here.
Emailed proposals may be sent to: david.upson@hardwickvt.gov. Proposals may also be mailed to: Hardwick Town Manager David Upson, Town of Hardwick, PO Box 523, Hardwick, VT 05843 with a post mark no later than 2/19/25.
Proposals are due by Wednesday, February 19, 2024 at 3:00pm. Any proposals received after that date may be rejected at the sole discretion of the Town of Hardwick.
For additional information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 472-6120.
Invitation to Bid: Roadside Mowing
The Town of Hardwick is requesting bids for mowing of Town Highway roadsides. The Town has 77 miles of Class 3 and Class 2 roads both paved and gravel, which equates to 154 miles of roadside. The Town would like the roadsides mowed during the month of July. Please submit a written bid (stating a not to exceed dollar amount) for the project by 1:00 PM Monday, February 3, 2025 to:
Town of Hardwick
P.O. Box 523
Hardwick, VT 05843
Bids can also be emailed to casey.rowell@hardwickvt.gov. The Town of Hardwick reserves the right to waive informalities in, or reject any and all bids, or to accept any bid deemed to be in the best interest of the Town. If you have questions, call 802 472-6120.