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Wlaf1450LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of LaFollette 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 Community Development Block Grant B-25-DC-47-0001. The proposed project(s) is to make improvements to the drainage system and flood control, along W. Beech St., in the City of LaFollette. A portion of the project area is in a floodplain.
Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
This is to give notice that the City of LaFollette 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 Community Development Block Grant B-25-DC-47-0001. The proposed project(s) is to make improvements to the drainage system and flood control, along W. Beech St., in the City of LaFollette. A portion of the project area is in a floodplain.
The City of LaFollette proposes replacing the existing cast-in-place junction box with covered standard storm structures and converting the open swale into a buried box culvert. Water will be collected as it enters the park and channeled into the underground system. The new underground box culvert, measuring 10’ by 3’, will be sized to handle the amount of water draining from 480 acres of surrounding property within the basin. Due to anticipated costs, improvements will be phased. This first phase will include as much underground culvert as funding allows. Any remaining open channel, if at all, will be fenced to protect the public.
The City of LaFollette 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: (i) the project location is taken place at the existing utility site, which cannot be removed; (ii) all mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing floodplain. The City of LaFollette will comply with state and local floodplain protection procedures.
The City of LaFollette 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, reviewing 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 comments about floodplains 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 a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments must be received by the City of LaFollette at the following address, on or before Friday April 16, 2026. City of LaFollette, 207 South Tennessee Avenue LaFollette, TN 37766; Attention: Mr. Stan Foust, Clerk & Administrator (423) 563-0719. Comments may also be submitted, or further information can be requested via email at sfoust@lafollettetn.net. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 7:30 am – 5:00pm EST at the address listed above.
April 9, 2026
Mayor, Scott Kitts
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 4/9/2026-6AM-PAID)