COMBINED PUBLIC
NOTICE THAT INCLUDES:
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI / RROF); AND
(2) NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
DATE OF NOTICE: Wednesday, February 15, 2023
RESPONSIBLE ENTITIY NAME: City of Wheeling
RESPONSIBILITY ENTITY ADDRESS: 1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
TELEPHONE: (304) 234-3701
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: The purpose of this notice is to satisfy two (2) separate but related procedural notification requirements for activities to be undertaken by Grow Ohio Valley, Inc. – Wheeling Food Hub.
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI – RROF)
On or about Friday, March 3, 2023, the City of Wheeling will authorize Grow Ohio Valley, Inc. to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022 (P.L. 117-103) to undertake the development of the Wheeling Food Hub Project.
ASSESSED PROJECT
Wheeling Food Hub Project: Grow Ohio Valley, Inc. seeks to develop the Wheeling Food Hub Project, which will include renovations to an existing four-story vacant warehouse building at 134 17th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003. Renovations will include roof replacement, minor structural repairs, fa ade improvements, utility installations, demolition of the rear addition, build out of cold and dry storage, a commercial kitchen, and office and programming spaces. Project funds will also be used for the purchase and installation of program-specific fixtures and furnishing, including commercial kitchen appliances and food processing equipment. The project is anticipated to start in Calendar Year 2023 and be completed in Calendar Year 2024. The total estimated project budget is $3,151,530, which includes $620,000 in EDI-CPF funds.
(2) NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)
The City of Wheeling has determined that the above-identified 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. The subject project is assessed under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from NEPA requirements. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of Wheeling Department of Community and Economic Development, 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003, and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Wheeling, Department of Economic and Community Development, via mail to: 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV 26003 or via email to:
[email protected].
All comments received by Thursday, March 2, 2023 will be considered by the City of Wheeling prior to authorizing submittal of a request for release of funds to HUD. Commenters should specify which Notice provided herein they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CERTIFICATION
The City of Wheeling certifies to HUD that Mr. Robert Herron, in his capacity as City Manager, 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 these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Grow Ohio Valley, Inc. to use EDI-CPF funds and ARC POWER Initiative funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Wheeling’s certification for a period of fifteen (15) 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 basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Wheeling; (b) the City of Wheeling has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations are 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the City of Wheeling 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 projects are unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.76), and shall be addressed to the CPD Director, HUD Pittsburgh Field Office, via email to
phillip.e.mckeough@
hud.gov,
or by calling
(412) 644-5846.
Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mr. Robert Herron,
City Manager
City of Wheeling
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Int. Feb 15, 2023