NOTICES OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICES OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – CITIES OF ROCHESTER AND DOVER, NH

NOTICES OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICES OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS – CITIES OF ROCHESTER AND DOVER, NH

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

REQUESTS FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about October 9, 2019 the Cities of Rochester and Dover will submit requests to the HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds to undertake project known as the Homeless Center for Strafford County Land Purchase (202 Washington St., Rochester, NH 03867), for the purpose of purchasing land to construct a new two-story homeless shelter ($50,000 in Rochester funds, $100,000 in Dover funds).

FINDINGS OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Cities of Rochester and Dover have 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. The Cities of Rochester and Dover 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 Zone A floodplain and in protected wetlands.  The Cities of Rochester and Dover have 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 a minimum 35” no-cut barrier for Axe Handle Brook with deed restriction, preference for open drainage vs. catch basins, and recommendation for the use of erosion-control berm or other organic “wildlife friendly” erosion control options vs. plastic netting.

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, and at City of Dover, City Hall, Planning and Community Development Department, 288 Central Avenue, Dover, NH. 03820, 603-516-6008, where the ERR can be examined or copied M-Th from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Rochester and City of Dover. All comments received by October 9, 2019 will be considered by the City of Rochester and City of Dover 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.

The City of Dover certifies to HUD that Michael Joyal 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 Dover to use program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Rochester’s and City of Dover’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, City of Rochester
Michael Joyal, City Manager, City of Dover