"Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain" To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals SUBJECT: Notice of Intent to take action within the 100-year floodplain This document gives notice that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors (JCBOS) is proposing to conduct activities within the 100-year floodplain, as identified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Jackson County, to facilitate the State Highway 609 Gateway Project. The existing configuration of six intersections along SR 609 contributes to traffic congestion and limits convenient access to the highway. The purpose of the proposed improvements is to enable safer and more efficient access to SR 609. Additionally, pedestrian safety and walkability in the area will be significantly improved by the installation of new sidewalks. The project site is in the City of Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi. The project limits for the improvements begin at the intersection of Washington Avenue and U.S. Highway 90 and extends north approximately 2.75 miles to Interstate 10. The JCBOS is requesting the use of U.S. Department of the Treasury Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act funding for the referenced project. In deciding whether to fund the proposed project, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is obligated to follow requirements set forth by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management. This Notice of Intent is being provided in fulfillment of the aforementioned Executive Order. The JCBOS has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the environment. The proposed activity is intended to occur in Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi with 16.49 acres of the project located in the 100-year floodplain (Zone AE) as determined from Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Map Numbers 28059C0287G (effective 03/16/2009) and 28059C0279H (effective 12/21/2017). Activities in these areas are not anticipated to result in adverse impacts to the floodplain. In response to the requirement for evaluating alternatives to building/mitigating projects in the floodplain, the alternatives considered included relocating the proposed activity to an alternate site and no action. Alternate Site Alternative Alternate site locations are not possible because the objective of the project is to enable safer and more efficient access to SR 609. Additionally, the existing configuration of the six intersections along SR 609 contributes to traffic congestion and limits convenient access to the highway. No Action Alternative The adoption of the No Action Alternative would not provide changes to the existing roadway and would provide only routine maintenance. The No Action Alternative does not meet the project's purpose and need to enable safer and more efficient access to SR 609. Proposed Action Alternative The objective of the project is to enable safer and more efficient access to SR 609. The project includes constructing landscaped medians to better control access, installing subsurface drainage along with curbs and gutters, sidewalks, roadway lighting, and erecting mast arm signal poles. The project also proposes improving intersection geometry at six intersections along SR 609 including Shore Drive, Cambridge Boulevard, Ponce De Leon Drive, Old Fort Bayou, Lemoyne Boulevard, and Big Ridge Road. Additionally, the installation of new sidewalks will significantly improve pedestrian safety and walkability in the area. Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the proposed activity. Additional information on the proposed activity is available for the public between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday at the following location: Michael Baker International 2113 Government Street, Suite D-3, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 TJHolliday@mbakerintl.com Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments for consideration by the JCBOS at the above address by June 1, 2026. All comments will be considered prior to constructing the proposed activity. IPL0339632 May 17 2026