COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS Date of Publication: July 12th 2024 800 5th Ave Huntington, WV 25701 304-696-5540 Ext. 2104 On or about July 30th 2024 the City of Huntington will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383), as amended, to undertake the following projects: 1. Program Title: Westmoreland Fire Station – FY2024 Purpose: The City of Huntington plans to construct a modern fire station to meet the critical public safety needs of the Westmoreland neighborhood and surrounding areas. The current station, built in 1926, is outdated and fails to meet operational and safety standards, impacting the effectiveness of emergency response. The Westmoreland neighborhood has frequent arson incidents due to blighted housing. The new station will increase firefighting capacity, improve response times, and enhance overall emergency response capabilities. Supported by $4,165,000 from the HUD Community Development Fund conomic Development Initiative, this project is vital for ensuring the safety and resilience of the community. The station’s strategic location on Piedmont Road will expedite response times and improve emergency services. The project is critical for mitigating public safety risks and enhancing community resilience against fire hazards. Location: 3208 Piedmont Rd, Huntington, WV 25704 Project rogram Description: The City of Huntington is planning the construction of a modern fire station at 3208 Piedmont Road to address public safety needs in the Westmoreland neighborhood. This new facility will replace the outdated station built in 1926 with a state-of-the-art building designed to current codes and standards. It will support continuous 247/83/865 occupancy of three firefighters and feature a drive-through design to enhance safety and reduce response times for a front-line engine and a reserve apparatus. The new station will house the first-due engine company responsible for emergencies in the Westmoreland community and the Herschel “Woody” Williams Veterans Administration Medical Center. The project is funded by $4,165,000 from the HUD Community Development Fund conomic Development Initiative and is fully designed and engineered, with the environment and historical considerations. Construction is planned to begin by the end of summer 2024. The Westmoreland neighborhood presents a blend of residential, commercial, and community spaces within a historically significant area. Currently, the neighborhood exhibits a mix of older residential structures alongside newer developments, reflecting its evolving demographic and economic landscape. Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on community revitalization and infrastructure improvement, supported by local initiatives and engagement. However, challenges such as aging infrastructure and occasional crime incidents underscore the need for enhanced emergency response capabilities, making the proposed fire station a crucial addition to bolster safety and resilience in Westmoreland. Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.36 Total CPF Funding: $4,165,000 Estimated Project Cost: $4,300,000 2. Program Title: The Foundry – FY2024 Purpose: In collaboration with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, the City of Huntington seeks to transform the former ACF machine shop into a cutting-edge Welding & Robotics Training Center. This $7.15 million initiative, supported by a $1,470,000 HUD Community Development grant and $5,133,875 from local and federal sources including the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Challenge, aims to meet workforce demands while catalyzing economic growth and community revitalization in Huntington’s Highlawn neighborhood. Aligning with sustainable development goals and historic preservation efforts, the project aims to create a hub for innovation and education. Location: 2300 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25703 Project rogram Description: The City of Huntington, in partnership with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, is repurposing the former ACF machine shop into a state-of-the-art Welding & Robotics Training Center. With $7.15 million allocated, including significant HUD funding and local contributions, the center will provide comprehensive training in welding, robotics, and machine shop operations. This initiative not only addresses critical workforce needs but also supports economic revitalization in Huntington’s Highlawn neighborhood. By blending historic preservation with advanced manufacturing, the project aims to establish Huntington as a leader in regional economic transformation. Mitigation Measures onditions ermits (if any): Mitigation measures for the Welding & Robotics Training Center include a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City of Huntington, HMDA, and WV SHPO. This MOA outlines steps to mitigate impacts on historic properties, focusing on integrating the former ACF machine shop into redevelopment plans. Actions include an oral history project, interpretive exhibits, and incorporation of salvaged architectural elements, ensuring compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and local guidelines. The project is overseen by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) through the Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP). Thorough environmental assessments and remediation efforts at 2300 3rd Avenue have addressed historical contaminants, meeting state standards. A Certificate of Completion from WVDEP ensures environmental suitability for redevelopment, supported by a recorded land use covenant. These measures underscore the project’s commitment to sustainable practices and regulatory compliance, enhancing community trust in Huntington’s revitalization endeavors. Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.36 Total CPF Funding: $1,470,000 Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Challenge: $5,133,875 U.S. Department of Agriculture: $550,000 Estimated Project Cost: $7,153,875 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Huntington has determined that these projects 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 City of Huntington, Office of Planning and Development, 800 5th Ave L39, Huntington, WV 25701 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 City of Huntington Department of Planning and Development, 800 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701. All comments received by July 29th 2024 will be considered by the City of Huntington. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Huntington certifies to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Steve Williams, Certifying Officer, 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. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Huntington to use HUD program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Huntington’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 Huntington; (b) the City of Huntington 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 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; 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 should be sent to mailed to1000 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1000, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or sent to [email protected] or (412) 644-5846. Potential objectors should contact U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Steve Williams, Mayor, Certifying Officer LH-176905 07-12;2024