NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS January 31, 2018 City of Seward, Nebraska 537 Main Street Seward, NE 68434 402-643-2928 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Seward. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about January 31, 2018, the City of Seward will submit a request to the State of Nebraska, Department of Economic Development (DED) 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 City of Seward’s Downtown Revitalization plan. The project’s objectives are: Provide financing assistance for the design and construction of new or renovated building facades; provide financing assistance for building owners to meet City code requirements; and support the renovation and improvement of the exterior downtown buildings; including but not limited to tuck pointing, new windows, removal of architectural barriers, etc. The intent of the program is to improve life, safety, and health concerns in the buildings that make up the downtown business inventory while improving the overall economic climate. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Seward 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) on file at the City of Seward, 537 Main Street, Seward, Nebraska 68434 and at the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) office located at 2100 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68521 and may be examined or copied Monday, Wednesday, Friday-8:30 A.M to -12:30 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Seward. All comments received by January 31, 2018, will be considered by the City of Seward prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Seward certifies to DED that Josh Eickmeier 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. DED’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Seward to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS DED will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Seward’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 Seward; (b) the City of Seward 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 DED; 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 the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) at 301 Centennial Mall South, PO Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666. Potential objectors should contact DED to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Josh Eickmeier Mayor, City of Seward, Nebraska SCI — January 31, 2018
