NOTICES OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICES OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

FY 16-17 CDBG Facilities Projects
Posted on: July 14, 2016 - 1:02pm

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 – July 14, 2016

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 August 4, 2016 the City of Rochester will submit requests to the U.S. Dept. of HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant Funds to undertake project known as the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Weatherization Project, which will provide weatherization assistance to low-income Rochester homeowners; Rochester Main Street Façade Program, which will provide façade improvement grants to downtown businesses; Homeless Center for Strafford County Generator Project, which will install a back-up generator at the main shelter building; Community Partners Elevator Project, which will replace the current elevator at the organization’s main building; and Tri-City Co-op HVAC and Handicap Ramp Project, which will replace the current wheelchair ramp and HVAC system at the organization’s building.

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.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record and is available for review and comment in person or in writing M-F 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Community & Economic Development Office at 150 Wakefield St., Rochester, NH 03867.  All comments received by August 3, 2016 will be forwarded to the City Manager and considered prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Rochester certifies to HUD that Daniel Fitzpatrick 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 expend 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 Amy Yuhasz at the U.S Dept of HUD, 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.