CONCURRENT NOTICE M0042

CONCURRENT NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Cottondale, Florida

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about July 15, 2024, Cottondale, Florida will submit a request to Florida Commerce for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project to make improvements to the City’s commercial corridor along US Hwy231.

The proposed CDBG activity will demolish several commercial buildings along Cottondale’s commercial corridor, (US Hwy231) and stabilize those properties for future resale for development or reuse by the City. These buildings were damaged beyond permittable repair by Hurricane Michael in 2019 and are a continuing eyesore, a public safety hazard, and a detriment to further development. Associated Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) activities will make other necessary and/or cosmetic improvements along US 231 and install welcome signs at the City’s northern and southern municipal limits. RIF funding will also install parking lot improvements that will serve City Hall and the City’s fire station.

The anticipated funding sources for the proposed improvements include the following: $1,691,221.46 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Hometown Revitalization Category Grant Number M0042 and $1,000,000 from the Rural Infrastructure Fund Project Number D0213.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Cottondale 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 Cottondale City Hall at 2659 Front Street, Cottondale, Florida, and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to City Hall, 2659 Front Street, Cottondale, Florida 32431. Comments may also be submitted by email to: cityclerk@cityofcottondale.net. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Sherri McBride, City Clerk, at (850) 352-4361. All comments must be received by July 15, 2024. Comments will be considered prior to the City requesting a release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Cottondale certifies to Florida Commerce and HUD that James Elmore, 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 State’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Cottondale to use the CDBG funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

Florida Commerce will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Cottondale’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 Cottondale; (b) the City of Cottondale 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 has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the State; 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 at 24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76 and shall be addressed to Florida Commerce, CDBG Program, MSC-400, 107 East Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6508. Potential objectors should contact FloridaCommerce to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

James Elmore, Mayor, Environmental Certifying Official