NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Publication Date: August 14, 2024
Name of Responsible Entity: City Commission of Cottondale, Florida
Council Address: PO Box 398, Cottondale, FL, 32431
Phone: (850) 352-4361
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by City of Cottondale, Florida
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about September 2, 2024, the City of 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 Critical Facilities Safe Room and Hardening Project.
The city will construct a hardened space for the police department, designed as a safe room to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria. The new structure will be connected to the Fire Department building, on land currently owned by the city and adjacent to City Hall at 2669 Front St, Cottondale, FL 32431. The new structure will house all vital communications equipment, including but not limited to servers, evidence, records, phone systems, and surveillance equipment.
The anticipated funding sources for the proposed improvements include the following:
- $1,392,350.00 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Mitigation Grant #MT144
- $5,000.00 from the City of Cottondale
- $56,000.00 from the CDBG Program, Hometown Revitalization Grant
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 7:00 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 August 30, 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
The Florida Department of 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 the Florida Department of Commerce to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
James Elmore, Mayor, Environmental Certifying Official
