NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – RIVERWALK COMMITTEE CANOE AND KAYAK LAUNCH

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.

REQUESTS FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about November 8, 2019 the City of Rochester will submit requests to the HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds to undertake project known as the Riverwalk Committee Canoe and Kayak Launch (10 Hillsdale Rd.), for the purpose of installing a seasonal watercraft launch on the Cocheco River ($25,000).

FINDINGS OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Rochester has determined that the above projects 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. The City of Rochester under 24 CFR Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain and wetland will have on the human environment. This proposed project site is located within a regulatory floodway and in protected wetlands. The City of Rochester has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: consideration of alternative sites, no action or alternative actions, and reevaluation of alternatives. Mitigation measures will be to delay as construction until after July 1, 2019 and to delay annual installation of the seasonal floating dock until after May 15th, due to nearby nesting bald eagles.

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 November 7, 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