PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
March 10, 2022
Town of Fairhaven, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Contact Person: Robert J. Espindola, Environmental Certifying Officer. Telephone: (508) 979-4023 Ext. 2
On or about March 22, 2022 the Town of Fairhaven will submit a request to the Massachusetts Dept. of Housing & Community Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383) as amended, for the purpose of the following FY21 CDF project:
Hedge Street Infrastructure Improvements Project, Phase 3:
The project will undertake the reconstruction of 485 LF of Hedge Street between Main Street to approximately #70 Hedge Street. The project includes full-depth reconstruction of 485 LF of roadway; replacement of 810 LF of sidewalk and 230 LF of driveway aprons and wheelchair ramps; replacement of 740 LF of curbing; replacement of 530 LF of sanitary sewer main; and repair of the road drainage system by replacing 50 LF of drain pipe as well as consisting of 210 LF of PVC piping, 1 manhole and 2 catch basins. Two street trees will also be replaced.
The project will meet the National Objective of Prevention or Elimination of Slums and Blight.
Estimated cost: total of $618,771: $610,050 CDBG funds for construction and engineering oversight; and $8,721 CDBG funds for program delivery.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 Section 58.35 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. The project also involves construction oversight and general administrative activities (both exempt CFR 58.34 (a) (3)).
Additional information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Office of Planning and Economic Development, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 and may be examined or copied by appointment between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Fairhaven Office of Planning and Economic Development at the above address. All comments received by March 21, 2022, will be considered by the Town of Fairhaven prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION: The Town of Fairhaven is certifying to the Commonwealth of Mass. that Robert J. Espindola, in his capacity as the Environmental Certifying Officer, 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 Commonwealth’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under the NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Fairhaven to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS: The Commonwealth will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town of Fairhaven’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 Town of Fairhaven;
b) the Town of Fairhaven 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 Commonwealth; 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 procedure (24 CFR Part 58.76), and shall be addressed to the Mass. Small Cities Program, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston MA 02114. Potential objectors should contact DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Signed: Robert J. Espindola, Environmental Certifying Officer, Town of Fairhaven, 40 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719
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