PUBLIC NOTICE:
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain and Wetland
Responsible Entity (RE): City of Centralia, Kansas
Address: 517 4th Street, Centralia, KS 66415
Phone: (785) 857-3764
Contact: Evan Whetzal, Mayor
Grant: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) #25-PF-028
Date of Notice: 2/2/2026
To: All interested Agencies (including all Federal, State, and Local), Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of Centralia, Kansas, as the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, has conducted the required evaluation under Executive Order 11988 (as amended by Executive Order 13690) and Executive Order 11990, in accordance with 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C, Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The City has determined that portions of the proposed activity under the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program are located within the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and within a mapped wetland.
Project Description and Location:
The City of Centralia, Kansas has received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in the amount of $650,000 for a Sewer Improvements Project. The proposed project includes rehabilitation of existing sanitary sewer infrastructure, including manhole rehabilitation, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining of 4-inch and 8-inch sewer mains, CCTV inspection, lift station improvements, and associated appurtenances.
Project activities will occur within the area generally bounded by the City Limits of Centralia, Kansas. The total estimated project cost is $3,340,211. CDBG funds will be used for construction; the local match of approximately $2,690,211 will be provided through a KDHE SRF loan to cover construction, engineering design and inspection, grant administration, and other soft costs. Construction is anticipated between June 2026 and June 2027.
Floodplain and Wetland Involvement:
Based on review of FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, portions of the existing sewer system and lift station facilities are located within a mapped 100-year floodplain (Zone AE). These areas may also include wetlands associated with the drainage corridor. As a result, the project is subject to Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) and Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), as implemented by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 55. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using the 0.2-percent annual-chance (500-year) flood approach.
Floodplain Area (FEMA Zone AE and 0.2% Annual Chance Floodplain):
Portions of the proposed sewer improvements are located within FEMA-mapped floodplain areas. Project activities within the floodplain are limited to rehabilitation of existing sewer infrastructure, including manholes, sewer mains, and lift station components, and do not involve expansion of the system footprint.
- Estimated temporary disturbance within the floodplain: approximately 0.69 acres
- Estimated permanent impact within the floodplain: 0.00 acres
All floodplain disturbances will be temporary in nature and confined to previously disturbed areas. Upon completion of construction, affected areas will be restored to pre-project conditions. The project will not result in increased flood elevations, loss of floodplain storage, or changes to floodplain function.
Wetland Area (Freshwater Emergent Wetland):
Based on mapping and site conditions, portions of the floodplain corridor may meet the definition of freshwater emergent wetlands. Project activities in these areas are limited to trenchless sewer rehabilitation, manhole improvements, and associated appurtenances within the existing alignment.
- Estimated temporary disturbance within wetlands: ≤ 0.07 acre
- Estimated permanent wetland impact: 0.00 acres
No filling, dredging, or permanent alteration of wetlands is proposed. Temporary impacts will be minimized through the use of trenchless construction methods where feasible and implementation of erosion and sediment control measures. Disturbed areas will be restored following construction.
Alternatives and Mitigation Measures:
(i) Reasons the action must take place in the floodplain/wetland:
- The sewer system already exists within established alignments that cross floodplain and wetland areas.
- Rehabilitation must occur in place to restore functionality, prevent infiltration and inflow, and comply with KDHE and USDA-RD requirements.
- Relocating sewer mains outside the floodplain/wetland is not technically feasible and would require full reconstruction, new easements, major excavation, and extensive permanent impacts.
(ii) Alternatives considered and reasons for non-selection:
1. No-Build Alternative – Rejected due to system deficiencies.
2. Constructing new sewer mains outside the floodplain/wetland – Not practicable due to engineering infeasibility and excessive permanent impacts.
3. Phased or partial improvements – Rejected because critical segments are located within the floodplain/wetland and cannot be omitted.
(iii) Mitigation measures to minimize impacts:
- Use of trenchless cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining.
- Compliance with KDHE Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- No permanent fill in wetlands or floodplains.
- Restoration of vegetation and ground cover immediately following construction.
Determination:
The City of Centralia, KS has reevaluated alternatives and determined that there is no practicable alternative to conducting the proposed activities in the floodplain and wetland. The project has been designed to minimize adverse impacts and avoid permanent disturbance. Environmental documentation related to this determination is available for public review.
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. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and/or 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 floodplain and/or wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Public Comments:
Written comments must be received by the City of Centralia on or before 2/9/2026.
Evan Whetzal, Mayor
City of Centralia
517 4th Street
Centralia, KS 66415
Phone: (785) 857-3764
Email: centcity@bluevalley.net
A full description of the project and environmental documents can be reviewed during normal business hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) at City Hall. Comments must specify that they address the Final Notice for Floodplain/Wetland.
Date of Notice: 2/2/2026
Evan Whetzal, Mayor
City of Centralia, Kansas