NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
October 23, 2023
The City of Erie
626 State Street, Room 404
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 870-1274
On or about October 31, 2023, the City of Erie will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to undertake a project known as EMI Site Renovation for the purpose of renovating a collection of buildings at 601-645 W. 12th St. for office space and light manufacturing to create and retain approximately 200 jobs. Estimated CDBG funding is $500,000. Estimated Total Project Cost: $5,000,000.
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 with the City of Erie and may be examined or copied weekdays 9A.M to 4P.M. The ERR can also be accessed online at https://cityof.erie.pa.us
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Debra Smith, Department of Economic and Community Development, 626 State Street, Room 404, Erie, PA 16501, or by email to dsmith@erie.pa.us. All comments received by October 30, 2023, will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City certifies to HUD that Joseph V. Schember, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Erie, 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 to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City’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 of the City; (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 the HUD Pittsburgh Field Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) by phone at (412) 644-5846, or by email to PGHCPDObjections@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Joseph V. Schember, Mayor
Certifying Officer