NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RE…

Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds Tiered Reviews NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS Date of Publication: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 City of Charleston, Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development (MOECD) 105 McFarland Street Charleston, WV 25301 304-348-8035 On or after Saturday, September 20, 2025 the City of Charleston will authorize the Religious Coalition for Community Renewal (RCCR) to submit a request to the for the release of Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) Healthy Homes Production (HHP) funds under 501 and 502 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1970. It builds upon the successful Lead Hazard Control programs, which are authorized under Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852). Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Healthy Homes Purpose: Our proposed Healthy Homes activities are meticulously aligned with the requirement to affirmatively further fair housing by addressing several key areas of disparity and opportunity. First, our program targets significant disparities by focusing on neighborhoods like Charleston's West Side with high concentrations of protected classes experiencing unmet housing needs, such as inadequate housing conditions or lack of access to safe living environments. By prioritizing these areas, we aim to bridge gaps in housing quality and availability. Second, we address disparities in access to opportunity by ensuring that our program includes robust outreach and education efforts tailored to protected class communities, thus providing them with equal access to the benefits of the Healthy Homes program. Our efforts also target reducing segregation and promoting integration by deploying resources in a manner that supports mixed-income developments and encourages diverse community participation. Furthermore, we are committed to transforming areas of concentrated poverty into well-resourced neighborhoods through comprehensive revitalization efforts, which include improving infrastructure and expanding local services without displacing current residents. Location: Charleston, WV: Zip Code 25302 Project/Program Description: In the 25302-zip code, housing-related hazards such as lead-based paint, mold and moisture issues, and structural deficiencies are prevalent. Many homes in this area, particularly those built before 1978, are at high risk for lead exposure, which poses significant health risks to children. Mold and moisture problems are also common, contributing to poor indoor air quality and respiratory issues. Structural issues, including faulty plumbing and electrical systems, further compromise the safety and habitability of these homes. To address these hazards, the program will prioritize interventions that align with the Eight Healthy Homes Principles: 1. Keep It Dry: Remediation of mold and moisture problems to prevent health issues related to damp environments. 2. Keep It Clean: Removal of dust and contaminants that can exacerbate asthma and other health conditions. 3. Keep It Safe: Repairing structural issues and ensuring the safety of electrical and plumbing systems. 4. Keep It Contained: Addressing lead-based paint hazards through safe remediation practices. 5. Keep It Ventilated: Improving ventilation to enhance indoor air quality. 6. Keep It Pest-Free: Managing and eliminating pest infestations that can contribute to health problems. 7. Keep It Well-Maintained: Ensuring regular maintenance and repair of housing units to prevent deterioration. 8. Keep It Energy Efficient: Incorporating energy-efficient practices to reduce overall household costs and environmental impact. The interventions will focus on these principles to enhance the safety, health, and sustainability of up to 100 homes within the 25302-zip code. By targeting these areas, the program ensures that the most pressing housing-related issues are addressed effectively. Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known. Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(iii) Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Airport Hazards, Flood Insurance, Floodplain Management, and Historic Preservation. Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): Mitigation measures are not anticipated. Estimated Project Cost: $1,800,000 The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3)(iii). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Charleston MOECD, 105 McFarland Street, Charleston, WV 25301 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M. or at https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/environmental-review/environmental-review-records/. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Charleston MOECD office. All comments received by if notice is published: Saturday, September 20; if notice is mailed and posted: Thursday, September 25 will be considered by the City of Charleston MOECD prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Charleston certifies to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Andy Backus, Certifying Officer, in his capacity as MOECD Director, 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. HUD's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows The Religious Coalition for Community Renewal funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Charleston'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 Charleston; (b) the City of Charleston 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 HUD; 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 Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) at 451 7th St. SW Washington, DC 20410 Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Andy Backus, MOECD Director, Certifying Officer LC-348182 09-16,17,18,19,20,23,24;2025
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