June 20, 2016
View Posted Environmental Reviews
On or about July 5, 2016 the County of Lancaster will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following multi-year, 2016-2020, non-site specific projects, countywide:
Project: Countywide Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
The public improvement activities within the parameters of this review include the repair, replacement, restoration or upgrading of streets, curbs, sidewalks, water lines, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, street lights and traffic control devices. The public facilities activities within the parameters of this review include the repair, replacement, or upgrading of fire protection facilities and equipment, parks, playgrounds and related equipment, neighborhood facilities and buildings, non-profit facilities, to include architectural barrier removal for the physically disabled, code compliance requirements, parking facilities and other related facilities.
| Program | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
| CDBG | $900,000 | $900,000 | $900,000 | $900,000 | $900,000 |
Project: Countywide Housing Rehabilitation
Lancaster County plans to continue various rehabilitation financing programs to provide for the repair, restoration, and improvement of residential structures, including both owner and rental occupied. Financial assistance would be provided in the form of grants, deferred payment loans, or interest-bearing amortizing loans, which may or may not be leveraged with conventional financing. The scope of work may range from completion of minor improvements and selective rehabilitation, including weatherization, accessibility improvements and public utility connections, to comprehensive improvements to meet building codes.
| Program | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
| CDBG | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 |
Actual annual amounts will be identified in the annual action plan for each year. Any site specific activity that exceeds the environmental constraints established under each tiered review will be subject to a separate environmental review and public notification, if required.
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 the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Offices, 202 N. Prince Street, Suite 400, Lancaster, PA, 17603 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M.
An environmental review strategy has been prepared and it has been determined that the only applicable site-specific 24 CFR §58.5 and §58.6 requirements for the subject program are: historic preservation, explosive/flammable operations, contamination and toxic substances, noise abatement and control, and floodplain management and flood insurance. Each site shall be reviewed against these factors, with compliance fully documented, before approving any specific loans or grants. Site specific projects determined to exceed one or more of the environmental constraints established for the program will require a separate environmental review.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. All comments received by July 1, 2016 will be considered by the County of Lancaster prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The County of Lancaster certifies to HUD that Matthew Sternberg in his capacity as Executive Director 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Lancaster to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the County of Lancaster’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 County of Lancaster; (b) the County of Lancaster 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 in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3380. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Matthew Sternberg, Executive Director