To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals,

This is to give notice that the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (Responsible Entity) under 24 CFR Part 58 has 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 PRICE B-23-PR-25-002. The proposed project is located 94 Third Street in Berlin, Washington county and is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using a freeboard value approach. Weston’s Mobile Home Cooperative is an 83-lot affordable housing source on 29.57 acres of land. The project involves replacing the community’s water distribution system, which has surpassed its useful lifespan and is starting to fail. Included in this work will be placing underground storage tanks at an elevation above the community that will eliminate the need for locating pressurization equipment within the flood plain, as well as provide a backup water supply for the community. In addition, the project involves installing new storm water infrastructure to comply Vermont’s new “three-acre” permit rule per 10 V.S.A Chapter 47.

The Responsible Entity 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: The action taking place is occurring within a mobile home cooperative that has been in residential use since the 1960s. Taking no action is not advisable because of the increasing risk of water system failure that would threaten the health, safety and financial solvency of a crucial source of affordable housing in central Vermont. Relocation of the entire community to a location outside of the riverine FFRMS floodplain was also considered. This alternative was ruled out because its cost would far exceed the costs associated with not only the proposed water system upgrades, but also other possible infrastructure projects that could greatly increase the resiliency of this community. The preferred alternative of moving forward with the installation of a new drinking water distribution system initially considered inclusion of a significant renovation to the community’s water treatment and pressure tank building to raise its floor above base flood elevation. In the time since the outset of the 8-step process, the community has gained an opportunity to access an adjacent parcel of land which is elevated enough to locate underground water storage tanks, which would provide consistent and reliable water pressure for the entire community as well as at least one day of backup water supply. In terms of the community’s flood resilience, adding these storage tanks will locate the community’s pressurization system outside of the floodplain. This leaves only the chlorination equipment, which can be mounted at an elevation well above the base flood elevation in the existing water service building with very little renovation required. A flood insurance policy has been taken out by the Weston’s Cooperative to mitigate against floodplain risks.

The Responsible Entity has 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 the Responsible Entity at the following address on or before September 3rd, 2025:

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
Grace Vinson, Environmental Officer
1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, Vermont 05620
802-622-4336

A full description of the project may also be reviewed from Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm, at 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, Vermont 05620 and online at cdi.coop/westons. Comments may also be submitted via email at wisp@cdi.coop.

Date: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025