NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Notice: January 13, 2023
Responsible Entity: City of Elkins
Address: 401 Davis Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241
Telephone Number: 304-636-1414
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Woodlands Development Group.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about January 31, 2023 the City of Elkins will authorize Woodlands Development Group to submit a request to the HUD for the release of Economic Development Initiative, Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending, and Miscellaneous Grants Program funds under Section P.L. 117-103 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, as amended , to undertake a project known as the Tygart Hotel Restoration for the purpose of its rehabilitation.
Project Location: 206 Davis Ave., Elkins, WV (38 55’27.31″N , 79 50’57.68″W)
Estimated Project Cost: HUD funding – $1,750,000; total estimated project cost – $16,200,000.
Woodlands Development Group purchased the historic Tygart Hotel in 2017 and intends to restore the historic building in downtown Elkins for use as a boutique hotel with 56 hotel rooms for overnight guests to the region, a restaurant, and meeting rooms. The Elkins area is experiencing growth in tourism and this project will help meet the demand for overnight accommodations for visitors. Further, it will preserve the historic building, which is part of the nationally recognized Elkins Downtown Historic District.
The building is currently vacant. All renovation activities will occur within the confines of the current building footprint. No vegetation or undeveloped land will be disturbed. Asbestos and lead-based paint are known to be present in the building; appropriate measures will be taken to ensure human exposures to these substances do not occur, as described in our approved mitigation plan.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Elkins 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 office of the City Clerk in Elkins City Hall, 401 Davis Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 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 Elkins City Clerk. All comments received by January 30, 2023, will be considered by the City of Elkins prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Elkins certifies to HUD that Jessica Sutton in her capacity as City Clerk 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 Woodlands Development Group to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Elkins’ 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 Elkins; (b) the City of Elkins 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 HUD at US Dept of Housing and Urban Development, CPD Director Phillip McKeough at: [email protected]. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Jessica Sutton, Elkins City Clerk