Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

March 4, 2021
Grantee: City of Franklin, 316 Central St, Franklin, NH 03235
Certifying Officer: Judie Milner, City Manager 603-934-3900
Additional Contact: Donna Lane (603)344-7505 donnalanecdbg@roadrunner.com
 

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by City of Franklin (Grantee).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about March 23, 2021, the City of Franklin will submit a request to CDFA/CDBG for the release of CDBG Program Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as Franklin Municipal Parking, Sidewalks & Lighting Project for the purpose of creating a parking lot to include 13 parking spaces from a currently vacant parcel of land.  The new parking area, 33 Memorial Street, will incorporate improved stormwater management , new safety lighting, pedestrian pathways and Landscaping. The City of Franklin does not have enough parking in the downtown area and this project will provide additional parking in the City.

Estimated Total Project Cost: $160,000+/-. CDBG Funding: $80,000; Other Funding: $80,000+/-

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Grantee has determined that the project(s) will have no significant impact on the human environment. This determination is based on the assumption that the City will get all required permits and will adhere to all applicable regulations.  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 the Grantee offices listed above and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. An electronic file may be requested at donnalanecdbg@roadrunner.com.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Grantee listed above. All comments received by March 22, 2021 will be considered by the Grantee prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer, Judie Milner, City Manager, certifies to CDFA/CDBG and/or HUD, that in his/her capacity as Certifying Officer for the Grantee, that he/she 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. CDFA/CDBG’s and/or HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the Grantees to use CDBG Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

CDFA/CDBG will accept objections to its release of funds and the Grantees 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 Grantee; (b)  the Grantee 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 CDFA/CDBG; 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) and shall be addressed to CDFA/CDBG, 14 Dixon Ave, Suite 102, Concord, NH 03301. Potential objectors should contact CDFA/CDBG (226-2170) to verify the actual last day of the objection period (approximately April 8, 2021).