NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

FY 2023 Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Weatherization Program
Posted on: May 4, 2022 - 11:30am

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

City of Rochester, NH
31 Wakefield St.
Rochester, NH 03867
603-335-7519

On or after May 20, 2022, the City of Rochester will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Weatherization Program funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, to undertake the following project:

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Weatherization Program

Purpose: To weatherize homes owned by low-income homeowners to provide fuel cost savings.
Location: Multiple locations within the City of Rochester.
Project/Program Description: To weatherize homes owned by low-income homeowners to provide fuel cost savings. Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)(i)
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: 24 CFR Part 50.3(i) & 58.5(i)(2), 24 CFR Part 51 Subpart C, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, ; 24 CFR Part 51 Subpart B
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): Contamination and Toxic Substances – Removal of any existing contamination; Explosive and Flammable Hazards – Natural or manmade explosion barriers; Historic Preservation – Consultation and coordination with SHPO; Noise Abatement and Control – Natural or manmade noise barriers.
Estimated Project Cost: $75,000.00

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)(i). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Office of Economic & Community Development, 33 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Community Development Coordinator, Julian Long, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867. All comments received by May 20, 2022 will be considered by the City of Rochester prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Rochester certifies to HUD that Blaine Cox, Certifying Officer, 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 HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund 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 of Rochester 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 HUD at CPD_COVID-19OEE-BOS@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Blaine Cox, Certifying Officer