NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOIRROF)
March 16, 2022
City of Easthampton
50 Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 529-1405
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS;
On or about April 1, 2022, the City of Easthampton will submit a request to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, for the purpose of the following project(s):
FY 2021 Easthampton Community Development Fund Program:
1. Cherry Street Infrastructure Improvements: Infrastructure improvements to Cherry Street. Specific improvements include sewer and water replacement.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Office of Planning and Community Development, Easthampton Municipal Building, 50 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA and may be examined or copied Monday through Thursday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. with prior arrangement by calling 413-529-1405.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Office of Planning and Community Development. All comments received by end of day on March 28, 2022 will be considered by the Environmental Certifying Officer, prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Easthampton certifies to the DHCD that Jamie Webb, in her official capacity as Environmental Certifying Officer, consent 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. The DHCD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Easthampton to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The DHCD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Easthampton’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 Easthampton;
(b) The City of Easthampton 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 the 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 procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 55.76) and shall be addressed to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114. Potential objectors should contact the DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Jamie Webb
Environmental Certifying Officer
City of Easthampton
50 Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 529-1405