NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – CITY OF ROCHESTER, NH – 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867 – 603-335-7522

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Rochester.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about September 10, 2019 the City of Rochester will submit a request to the HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds to undertake project known as the Back Hill Beer Co. JOB Loan (10 Main St., Gonic), for the purpose of renovating a suite in the Gonic Mill Building for the purpose of starting a brewery and tap room ($45,000).

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Rochester has determined that the above project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at City of Rochester, Office of Economic & Community Development, 33 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867, where the ERR can be examined or copied M-F 9 AM to 5 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Rochester. All comments received by September 10, 2019 will be considered by the City of Rochester prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Rochester certifies to HUD that Blaine Cox in his capacity as City Manager consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Rochester to use program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Rochester’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Rochester; (b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the U.S Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development, Tip O’Neill Building, Room 535, 10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Blaine Cox, City Manager