Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-year Floodplain and Wetland

To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals


This is to give notice that the City of Steamboat Springs under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 HUD Community Project Funding, Grant Number B-24-CO-CP-0442.


The proposed project(s) is located 2453 Lincoln Avenue in Steamboat Springs, Routt County, Colorado on parcel 937014012 and includes approximately 3.03 acres of developed urban land. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined as indicated on the National Flood Hazard Layer FEMA FIRMette - FIRM08107C0713D effective 2/4/2005.

The project activities include replacing the aging water and sewer infrastructure at the Whitehaven Mobile Home Park by installing a new water system and connecting it to the City of Steamboat Springs public water main. The project would impact approximately 0.20-acre of the 100-year floodplain and approximately 0.015-acre of the wetland, and would add approximately 0.047-acre of impervious surface to the project area. The wetland impacted is a palustrine emergent herbaceous wetland with various ecological functions, including floodwater storage, groundwater discharge, erosion control, and water quality maintenance. The value of the wetland habitat for local and T&E species is reduced due to its proximity to the mobile home park. The project impacts are anticipated to be minimal, and are not expected to impact the functionality, purpose, or use of the floodplain or wetland.

The City of Steamboat Springs 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/wetland:


  1. There are no alternative locations for the Project. The existing infrastructure in the Project area can not feasibly move, and the Project serves to provide ancillary services to support that infrastructure. Additionally, the floodplain within the project area overlaps with a previously developed and disturbed area, and project activities are not anticipated to significantly impact the function of the 100-year floodplain or wetlands within and adjacent to the Project area. Finally, the Project is needed to continue the viability of mobile homes within the Project area, as it would serve to provide these homes with reliable and updated water systems.
  2. The no-action alternative would have a negative impact on residents within the Project area by leaving them with inadequate and failing water systems. The Project will provide updated water systems to the community that will serve as a positive addition and an asset to residents within the Project area.
  3. Planning for Residents and Occupant's safety: As required for 24 CFR 55.20{e)(4)(i), the developer will develop an evacuation plan that includes safe egress route(s) out of the FFRMS floodplain, plans for evacuating residents with special needs, and clear communication of the evacuation plan and safety resources for residents.
  4. This project will comply with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.

The City of Steamboat Springs has reevaluated alternatives to building in the wetland and 100-year floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative to wetland and floodplain development. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, 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 wetland and 100-year 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 the 100-year Floodplain and Wetland 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 wetland and 100-year floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.


Written comments must be received by the City of Steamboat Springs at the following address on or before October 10, 2025: Tom Leeson, City Manager, 115 10th Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 and (970) 871-8249, Attention: Tom Leeson, City Manager. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 7:30am to 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday at City Hall, 115 10th Street, Steamboat Springs, CO. Comments may also be submitted via email at tleeson@steamboatsprings.net.

Date: September 24, 2025

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