(WNY News Now) – Mayville, NY – Chautauqua County prepares to launch a transformative microenterprise program, pending federal approval, with a commitment to environmental integrity.
Chautauqua County has issued the following public notices. These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Chautauqua County.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about September 19, 2024, Chautauqua County will submit a request to the New York State Office of Community Renewal for the release of CDBG funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a county-wide microenterprise project. Chautauqua County will use $200,000 in CDBG microenterprise funds to provide entrepreneurial training, business plan development, capital grants, and technical assistance to prospective and existing microenterprises in Chautauqua County, outside the entitlement communities of Dunkirk and Jamestown. The implementation of the MAP will provide a source of grant funding which is not currently available. The total program cost will be $220,000 with $20,000 from owner equity.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Chautauqua County 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). The ERR will be made available to the public for review electronically. Please submit your request by email to Stephanie Nick, Special Projects Coordinator with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, nicks@chqgov.com or by phone to (716)-661-8214.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Stephanie Nick, Special Projects Coordinator at Nicks@chqgov.com and in writing to the Department of Planning & Development located at 201 W. 3rd St, Suite 115, Jamestown, NY 14701. All comments received by close of business September 18, 2024 will be considered by Chautauqua County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Chautauqua County certifies to the Office of Community Renewal that Paul M. Wendel Jr., in his capacity as County Executive, 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 Office of Community Renewal’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Chautauqua County to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Office of Community Renewal will accept objections to its release of funds and the 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 Chautauqua County; (b) Chautauqua County 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 Office of Community Renewal; 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Crystal Loffler, President, at Office of Community Renewal, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State Street, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207. Potential objectors should contact the Office of Community Renewal to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Leave a Reply