NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

June 10, 2016

Commonwealth of Virginia,
Department of Housing and Community Development
600 East Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Kevin Hobbs (804) 371-7120
kevin.hobbs@dhcd.virginia.gov

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about June 27, 2016, DHCD will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Richmond Field Office (HUD), for the release of HOME funds under Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, Title II, 1990, as amended, to undertake a project two projects known as Berkley Court and Pretlow-Old Town Apts. The project purpose is to provide $1,000,000 in HOME funds to rehab 150 units of affordable housing to be located at 601 Campbell Ave in the City Franklin, Virginia for families earning 40% and 50% of the area median income. The total development cost for both projects is estimated to be $13,706,975

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

DHCD has determined that the 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. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at DHCD 600 E. Main Street, Suite 300, Richmond Virginia 23219 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Kevin Hobbs at DHCD. All comments received by close of business June 27, 2016 will be considered by DHCD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

DHCD certifies to HUD that William Shelton in his capacity as Director 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 the related laws and authorities, which allows DHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and DHCD’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 Commonwealth of Virginia; (b) DHCD 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 HUD, 600 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-1800, Attention: Ronnie J. Legette, Sr., Director, Community Planning and Development Division. Potential objectors should contact HUD at (804) 822-4881 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

William Shelton, Director