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

8/25/21                                             P O S T E D

City of Hitchcock, 7423 Hwy 6, Hitchcock, Galveston County, TX 77563
(409) 986-5591

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Hitchcock.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about  9/14/21, the City of Hitchcock will submit a request to the Texas Department of Agriculture (Department), Office of Rural Affairs for the release of 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds under Section 104(f) of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, to undertake a project known as Downtown Revitalization Project #7220172.  Grant funding $408,940; Hitchcock Economic Development Corporation Funds $61,342; Total project cost $470,282.

Project Locations:  Hitchcock, Galveston County, TX 77563 

Description of the Proposed Project:  

Sidewalk Activities: Contractor shall replace sidewalks in the Downtown District to improve pedestrian safety and eliminate existing conditions of slums or blight. Contractor shall replace/install approximately 2,075 LF of concrete sidewalk, curb, and pavement repair, 4 ADA-compliant ramps, signage, crosswalk, and all associated appurtenances, to include Administration and Engineering services and fees.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Hitchcock 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).  The ERR will be made available to the public for review electronically or by U.S. mail.  Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the City of Hitchcock at the address stated above, or by email to mgelles@cityofhitchcock.org. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Hitchcock.  All comments received by 9/13/21 will be considered by the City of Hitchcock prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. 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 the City of Hitchcock at mgelles@cityofhitchcock.org, or by mail to the City of Hitchcock at the address stated above.   Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.  Potential objectors should contact the City of Hitchcock to verify the actual last day of the objection period.  

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Hitchcock certifies to the Texas Department of Agriculture, Office of Rural Affairs that Chris Armacost, in his capacity as Mayor, 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.  The Department’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Hitchcock to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Texas Department of Agriculture will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Hitchcock’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 Hitchcock; (b) the City of Hitchcock 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 the Department; 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 Environmental Review Specialist, Texas Department of Agriculture by email at CDBG_ENVReview@TexasAgriculture.gov. Potential objectors should contact the Environmental Review Specialist at TDA to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Chris Armacost, Mayor