NOTICES OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICES OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – CITY OF ROCHESTER, NH
NOTICES OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICES 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 July 1, 2019 the City of Rochester will submit requests to the HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds to undertake projects known as the Historic District Commission Façade Improvements Program, for the purpose of providing façade improvement grants to downtown commercial buildings ($10,000); East Rochester Library Building Renovation (55 Main St., E. Rochester), for the purpose of repairing the building foundation and repointing exterior bricks ($10,000); and Rochester Child Care Center Fire Sprinkler Installation (95 Charles St.), for the purpose of installing code-compliant fire sprinklers in the child care center building ($20,000).
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. 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 July 1, 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