322 Governor Hunt RD, Vernon, VT 05354

Notice to Public of Intent to Request Release of Funds

 

May 31, 2023

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development 

Grace Vinson, Environmental Officer

1 National Life Drive

Montpelier, Vermont 05620

(802) 622- 4336

 

Request for Release of Funds

 

On or about June 8, 2023, the Friends of Vernon Center, Inc. will submit a request to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (the Agency) to release the Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L 117-103 (the Act), to undertake a project known as the Governor Hunt House for the purpose of developing a community center for the town of Vernon. The project is located at 322 Governor Hunt Road, Vernon VT 05354. The total estimated cost of the project is $403,000; approximately $85,000 from the Town of Vernon, and $318,000 in CPF funding. 

 

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, Vermont 05620.

 

Public Comments

 

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Agency, Attn: Environmental Officer, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, One National Life Drive, Davis Building, 6th Floor, Montpelier, Vermont, 05620 or via email at grace.vinson@vermont.gov.. All comments received by June 7, 2023  will be considered by the Department prior to authorizing a request for release of funds. 

 

Environmental Certification

The Agency is certifying to the HUD that Ann Kroll, in her official capacity as Director of Federal Programs, 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. The Agency’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Agency to use CPF funds.

 

Objections to Release of Funds

The Agency will accept objections to its release of funds and the Agency’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, Ann Kroll, Director of Federal Programs; (b) the Agency 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 the Agency; 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 Attn: Grace Vinson, Environmental Officer, Agency of Commerce and Community Development, One National Life Drive, Davis Building, 6th Floor, Montpelier, Vermont 05620. Potential objectors should contact the Agency to verify the actual last date of the objection period.