NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Correction Notice
January 20, 2023
City of New Castle
230 North Jefferson Street
New Castle, PA 16101
On or about January 31, 2023, a Notice of Intent to Request the Release of Funds will be submitted to PA Department of Community & Economic Development for the release of HOME Investment Partnership funds in association with ESA No. (202208129515) in the amount of $650,000, under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (NAHA), as amended, to undertake the following project:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: City of New Castle, PA Housing Rehabilitation FFY2022
Purpose: Single-Family, Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Location: Scattered Sites located throughout the City of New Castle, Lawrence County, PA
Project/Program Description: The City of New Castle proposes to use HOME funds to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes. In accordance with 58.15, a tiered environmental review, anticipated activities associated with the scattered sites for housing rehabilitation throughout the city 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. It is estimated that 16 structures will be brought up to current construction codes and safe standards included in the County Housing Rehabilitation Manual. None of these projects will include new construction.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i)
The proposed housing rehabilitation activities to be funded under the HOME program are Categorically Excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act requirements but are subject to compliance with the environmental laws and authorities listed at §58.5 of 24 CFR Part 58. In accordance with §58.15, a tiered review process has been structured, compliance with the following laws and authorities will be established in Tier I:
Floodplain Management, Coastal Barriers Resources Act, Sole Source Aquifers, Wild and Scenic River, Wetlands Protection, Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Air Act, Explosive & Flammable Hazards, Farmlands Protection and Environmental Justice.
Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known:
Airport Hazards, Flood Insurance, Endangered Species Act, Contamination and Toxic Substances, Floodplain Management Historic Preservation. Additionally, lead based paint, asbestos, and radon will be treated consistent with program requirements and federal, state, and local laws.
Estimated Project Cost: DCED total funding of $650,000 & total estimated average project cost of $35,000
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 at City Hall 230 North Jefferson Street 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 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of New Castle, 230 North Jefferson Street New Castle, PA 16101 or Lawrence County Social Services Inc., 1745 Frew Mill Road Suite 9, New Castle, PA 16101. All comments received by January 30, 2023, will be considered by the City of New Castle prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of New Castle certifies to PA Department of Community & Economic Development that Chris Frye that in his capacity as Mayor, City of New Castle 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. PA Department of Community & Economic Development’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of New Castle to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
PA Department of Community & Economic Development will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of New Castle 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 New Castle; (b) the City of New Castle 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 the City of New Castles Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Programs has been posted at The City Hall, The Post Office, Lawrence County Social Services Inc., Grant Street and Frew Mill Offices, and Social Media accounts.
Chris Frye – Mayor, City of New Castle
