Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Floodplain

Town of Whitefield, New Hampshire

To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) intends to fund the following proposed action under the Catalyst Program. NBRC will prepare an 8-Step DecisionMaking Process review in compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988 (Floodplain Management) to ensure federally funded projects consider floodplain impacts and avoid unnecessary risks.

The proposed action involves excavation and replacement of approximately 2,000 linear feet of an existing 10-inch clay, lead-jointed water main along Union Street in the Town of Whitefield, New Hampshire, extending to the intersection of NH Route 116 (Whitefield Road) and Route 3, just south of the Johns River crossing (approximate coordinates: 44°22’19.38”N, 71°36’40.02”W). The project also includes the in-kind replacement of an existing stormwater outfall that conveys runoff from Union, Greenwood, View, and Cherry Streets to the Johns River. Disturbed areas would be restored following construction.

The project is needed to improve the reliability and maintainability of the public water system and to maintain stormwater conveyance to the Johns River, supporting public health and safety and sustainable community infrastructure.

Floodplain Determination: The floodplain status of the proposed action was determined using FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL). Based on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panel 33007C0915D, dated 2/20/2013, a portion of the project is located within the 100-year floodplain (Zone A), and the proposed action warrants an analysis under the 8-Step Decision-Making Process.

This notice provides people who may be affected by the proposed action and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment with an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts.

Comments should be submitted by email to nepa@nbrc.gov. NBRC is accepting comments on this notice for 15 days, from December 23, 2025 through the end of the day on January 7, 2026.

Date of Publication: December 22, 2025