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