COMBINED NOTICE: FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT/INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Publication: May 6, 2017
Wythe County
Wythe County Offices
340 South 6th Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
(276) 223 4500/ FAX (276) 223-4515 

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS:
On or about June 12. 2017, Wythe County will submit a request to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)l funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383) to be used for the following project:

Development of Progress Park’s Lot 20- Wythe County
(Project Title)

Installation of 3,000 LF of 12” Gravity Sewer and Related Sewer System Appurtenances
(Purpose or Nature of Project)

Wythe County Progress Park-Wythe County, Virginia
(Location)

$300,000
(Estimated Cost of Project)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and, accordingly, the above-named County has decided not to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Policy Act of 1969 (PL 91-190). The reasons for such decision not to prepare such Statement are as follows:

a) No historic structures and/or archaeologically significant areas will be affected by this project

b) Installation of gravity sewer into the existing area is consistent with the zoning of the area to be served, the comprehensive plans of the Wythe County, Virginia, and the County of Wythe and will not affect the present character of the area.

c) Short periods characterized by some dust and noise pollution generated by construction activities will be the only adverse environmental condition generated by this project.

d) Erosion control, restoration of disturbed areas of grasslands and existing pavement will be accomplished in accordance with acceptable engineering criteria.

An Environmental Review Record respecting the within project has been made by the Wythe County which documents the environmental review of the project and more fully sets forth the reasons why such Statement is not required. This Environmental Review Record is on file at the above address and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, at the County Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

No further environmental review of such project is proposed to be conducted, prior to the request for release of CDBG funds.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

All interested agencies, groups and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by the County to the office of the undersigned. Such written comments should be received at the address specified on or before May 22, 2017. All such comments so received will be considered and the County will not request the release of CDBG funds or take any administrative action on the within project prior to the date specified in the preceding sentence. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

Wythe County will undertake the project described above with CDBG funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Wythe County is certifying to DHCD that Wythe County and Stephen D. Bear in his official capacity as County Administrator, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, decision making, and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that upon its approval, Wythe County may use the CDBG funds, and DHCD will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

DHCD will accept an objection to its approval of the Release of Funds and acceptance of the County’s Certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or DHCD’s actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) that the certification was not in fact executed by the chief executive officer or other officer of applicant approved by DHCD; (b) that applicant's Environmental Review Record for the project indicates omission of a required decision, finding, or step applicable to the project in the environmental review process; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DHCD; 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 procedure (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76), and may be addressed to:

DIRECTOR
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ATTN: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND ASSISTANCE OFFICE
MAIN STREET CENTRE
600 EAST MAIN STREET, SUITE 300
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219-2430
(804) 371-7061 [TPP 371-7089 / FAX 371-7093]

Potential objectors should contact DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Stephen D. Bear, County Administrator/Certifying Officer
Wythe County
Wythe County Offices
340 South 6th Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
(Name and Address of Chief Executive Officer of Applicant)