2017 Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds – County of Erie, PA

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds 2017 (PDF)

On or about March 1, 2017 the County of Erie will submit a request to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) 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 project:

Project Name: Union City Borough Handicapped Accessible Curb-Cut Ramps Construction Project
Project Number: (S-14-E-16-6-1[D])
Project Description: Erie County CDBG funds will provide for the construction of approximately thirty-four (34) curb-cut ramps at street corners/crossways in Union City Borough where sidewalks are present, but where no ramps exist for handicapped accessibility. The work will be undertaken in accordance with either the American with Disabilities (ADA) Standards or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). Additionally, the project will be implemented in accordance with DCED’s new Architectural Barrier Guidance which was issued in June 2016. The locations of the ramps have not yet been decided but no ramps will be constructed within a designated floodplain.
Purpose of Project: To make pedestrian crossings accessible to people with disabilities by providing curb-cut ramps.
Funding Source/Amount: FY 2014 Erie County CDBG program / approximately $80,000

The proposed project is 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 determination for this project is on file at the Erie County Department of Planning where the ERR is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Erie County Department of Planning. All comments received by February 28, 2017 will be considered by the County of Erie prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The County of Erie certifies to the PA DCED that Kathy Dahlkemper in her capacity as County Executive 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. DCED’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Erie to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The PA DCED will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Erie’s certification for a period of eighteen (18) 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 Erie;
(b) The Countyhas 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 PA DCED; 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 PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Building, Office of Community Development, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225. Potential objectors should contact the PA DCED at (717) 720-7350 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Kathy Dahlkemper
County Executive