Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100 Year Floodplain

To:  All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection.  The activity is funded under ADECA’s CDBG Program Grant No. AL-21137-2024.  The proposed project(s) is located at addresses in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The Project consists of improvements to a 13-mile section of the Huntsville & Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCR) nonprofit, short-line railroad in Huntsville, Alabama. The project would include the replacement of a railroad bridge over Aldridge Creek at mile (MP) 58.80 which recently collapsed (late July 2025); replacement of approximately 10,000 crossties between MP 48.33 and MP 61.58; construction of new capacity sidings on the west side of the main track line from MP 59.1 to 59.85 and on the west and east sides of the main line track from MP 59.9 to MP 60.5, totaling 10,296 feet in length; and construction of a 100-foot extension to the existing yard track near 13207 South Memorial Parkway and MP 58.4. All improvements will take place within the existing HMCR owned and maintained right-of-way.  Approximately 0.494 acres of the construction zone are located in the 100-yr floodplain (Zone AE).  Approximately 0.066 acres of the construction zone for the Aldridge Creek bridge replacement are located in the Aldridge Creek floodway.  In accordance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conducted an Environmental Review and published a Categorical Exclusion document clearing the project for FRA funding earlier in 2025. Other than short-term impacts from construction, impacts will be minimal. Long-term impacts to transportation, noise and air quality will be positive. The northern terminus of the proposed project is near Fagan Creek in downtown Huntsville, and the southern terminus is 13 miles to the south near the intersection of Hobbs Island Road and Cap Adkins Road, near the Tennessee River in Madison County, Alabama.

Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCR) evaluated multiple options for completing the proposed improvements while avoiding or minimizing work in the 100-year floodplain and Aldridge Creek floodway. The primary driver for construction within these areas is the location of the Aldridge Creek railroad bridge at MP 58.80, which was an existing critical structure within the floodway and collapsed on July 22, 2025. The bridge provided essential connectivity for freight movement along the 13-mile HMCR corridor. Relocation of the track or bridge outside the floodplain was determined to be impracticable due to the fixed alignment of the rail corridor, the presence of developed properties on both sides of the right-of-way, and substantial cost and operational constraints. The “no action” alternative was rejected because it would permanently sever rail service south of Aldridge Creek, resulting in significant economic impacts, disruption of freight movement, and reduced safety due to potential diversion of goods to truck transport on local highways.

Alternatives that considered partial replacement or temporary bypass structures were also dismissed because they would not meet the structural, hydraulic, and operational requirements for long-term service, nor provide the same level of flood conveyance as a properly designed permanent bridge replacement. All other project elements, including cross tie replacement, siding construction, and yard track extension, are located within the existing HMCR right-of-way, with de minimis portions in mapped floodplain areas. Avoidance of these areas would require rerouting the rail line or relocating facilities outside the operational corridor, which is not practicable without major new land acquisition and permitting.

The Aldridge Creek bridge will be designed to meet FEMA hydraulic criteria and obtain a No-Rise Certification, ensuring no increase in flood elevations. Construction impacts will be minimized by confining work to the smallest practicable footprint, using erosion and sediment controls, restoring disturbed areas, and preserving or replanting any native vegetation that may be disturbed during construction. All activities will comply with local, state, and federal floodplain management requirements.

Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the 100 Year Floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.  Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of HUD’s 8-Step Decision-Making Process for Activities in Floodplains, 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 a 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 100 Year 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 100 Year Floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by the Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority at the following address on or before 8/21/2025:  Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority Gant Recipient, 119 Woodson Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801 and 256-535-6516, Attention:  John Peek, General Manager.  A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8am to 5pm at 119 Woodson Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35801.  Comments may also be submitted via email at jpeek@hmcrr.com .  

Date Published: 8/14/2025