NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

Date of Publication: February 6, 2024 to March 6, 2024

City of Mentor
8500 Civic Center Boulevard
Mentor, Ohio  44060
440-974-5714

On or after February 20, 2024 the City of Mentor will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following project: Western Reserve Community Development Corporation – Single Family Housing Rehabilitation.

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Single Family Housing Rehabilitation.

Purpose:  Repair and replace residential roofs, gutters, downspouts, facia, plumbing and project administration.

Location: City of Mentor.

Project/Program Description: Provide financial assistance to low and low-to moderate income families for home repairs.  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.

Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i)

Estimated Project Cost:  Depending on inflation, labor and material costs a maximum total of $60,000 will be expended on administration and construction activities related to four to seven housing rehabilitation projects.

The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(i). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) documenting the environmental determinations for this project is on file at 8500 Civic Boulevard, Mentor, Ohio  44060 in the city manager’s office and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M. or at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/environmental-review/environmental-review-records/.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Mentor. All comments received by February 16, 2024 will be considered by the City of Mentor prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Mentor certifies to HUD that KENNETH J. FILIPIAK, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as the city manager 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 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 of Mentor to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Mentor’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 Mentor; (b) the City of Mentor 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to CPD Director, HUD Columbus Field Office at CPDColumbusRROF@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact the HUD Columbus Field Office via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

KENNETH J. FILIPIAK, Mentor City Manager, Certifying Officer