January 31, 2022
Lawrence County
430 Court Street
New Castle, PA 16101
On or about February 11, 2022 The County of Lawrence, Pennsylvania, will submit a request to PA Department of Community & Economic Development for the release of HOME Investment Partnership funds (202108310661) under 24 CFR Part 58, for the Lawrence County Housing Rehabilitation Programs.
The County of Lawrence proposes to use HOME funds to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes. Assessed on a tiered environmental review, anticipated activities associated with the scattered sites for housing rehabilitation throughout Lawrence and Mercer County include, but are not necessarily limited to, roofs, downspouts and gutters, windows, porches, steps, balconies, exterior doors and screen doors, fascia and soffits, exterior painting or siding, sidewalks, electrical system improvements, furnace, water heater, plumbing, handrails, etc.
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 Lawrence County Court House at 430 Court St. New Castle, PA 16101 or Lawrence County Social Services Inc., 1745 Frew Mill Road Suite 9, New Castle, PA 16101 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30A.M to 4:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the County of Lawrence, 430 Court St. New Castle, PA 16101 or Lawrence County Social Services Inc., 1745 Frew Mill Road Suite 9, New Castle, PA 16101 or by email: Lawrence County mhughes@lccap.org, Mercer County – mmcconnell@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us. All comments received by February 10, 2022, will be considered by the County of Lawrence prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
Lawrence County certifies to PA Department of Community & Economic Development that Morgan Boyd that in his capacity as Chairman Commissioner of Lawrence County and Matthew McConnell Chairman Commissioner of Mercer County both 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. PA Department of Community & Economic Development’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Lawrence to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
PA Department of Community & Economic Development will accept objections to its release of funds and Lawrence County 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 Lawrence County; (b) Lawrence County 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 PA Department of Community & Economic Development; 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 sent to PA Department of Community & Economic Development at chrhowe@pa.gov . Potential objectors should contact PA Department of Community & Economic Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
This Notice for Lawrence County Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Programs has been posted at Lawrence and Mercer County Courthouse and Post Offices, Lawrence County Social Services Inc., Grant Street and Frew Mill Offices, and Social Media accounts.
Morgan Boyd – Chairman Commissioner Lawrence County
Matthew McConnell – Chairman Commissioner Mercer County
