COMBINED PUBLIC
NOTICE
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI-RROF); AND
(2) NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT
IMPACT (FONSI)
DATE OF NOTICE: March 30, 2023
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY NAME: City of Wheeling, WV
RESPONSIBLE 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 Wheeling Heritage – Wheeling Artisan Center.
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI-RROF)
On or about Monday, April 17, 2023, the City of Wheeling will authorize Wheeling Heritage 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) Congressionally Directed Spending funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2022 (P.L. 117-103) to undertake renovations to the Wheeling Artisan Center described below.
CATEGORICALLY EXCLUDED SUBJECT TO SECTION 58.5 (CEST)
Wheeling Artisan Center Upgrade: FY 2022 Economic Development Initiative – Community Project Funding/ Congressionally Directed Spending funds will be used for interior renovations of the first level of the existing Artisan Center building. The proposed work includes removing the vacant interior restaurant area on the Main Street side of the building and consolidating it with the existing bar area along the 14th Street side of the building. The former restaurant space will be renovated to allow for potential new retail tenants, and the atrium area will be focused on gallery space. No ground disturbing activities are being proposed as a result of this interior renovation project. The estimated total project budget is $1,548,323, which includes $1 million in FY 2022 EDI-CPF funds. Renovation work is expected to start and be completed in Calendar Year 2023.
(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:
ATTN Nancy Prager,
Director,
1500 Chapline Street,
Wheeling, WV 26003
or via email to:
[email protected].
All comments received by Friday, April 14, 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 Wheeling Heritage to use EDI-CPF 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. Mar 30, 2023