These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Chattanooga
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about February 5, 2024, the City of Chattanooga will submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of the following funds to undertake a project known as Westside Evolves:
- Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant funds under the HOPE VI statute (section 24 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended), Public and Indian Housing (PIH) funds ($50 million)
- Community Development Block Grant funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, Community Planning and Development (CPD) funds (up to $2 million)
- HOME funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended, Community Planning and Development (CPD) funds (up to $3.5 million)
- Project-based Vouchers under Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937, as amended, Community Planning and Development (CPD) funds (up to 629 vouchers worth an estimated $40 million)
The project is estimated to cost 105,500,000.The project will be a ten-year endeavor that will include the demolition of the 12th street Youth and Family Center, demolition and replacement of housing, new construction of mixed income housing, rehabilitation of the James A Henry School into a community hub, new spaces for Head Start and a community health clinic, infrastructure renovations, parks and greenspaces, installation of public art, urban agricultural areas, exercise and walking areas, and the introduction of retail and other economic opportunities. The project will also provide preservation of the historical significance of the Westside. The project location is in the Westside located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, roughly 435 acres within the City of Chattanooga that is bounded by U.S. Highway 27 and downtown Chattanooga to the east, Main Street to the south, MLK Boulevard to the north, and Riverfront Parkway and the Tennessee River to the west. Due to the nature and scope of the project, the environmental assessment conducted consisted of an initial review of the overall activities with activity specific reviews for all finalized activities. As other activities are finalized over the course of the project, the environmental assessment will be updated with activity specific evaluations.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Chattanooga 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 City of Chattanooga, Department of Economic Development, 101 E 11th Street, Suite 200, City Hall, Chattanooga, TN 37402 and on the City’s website at Latest News and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M and at https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews reference HEROS number 900000010315804.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Regina Partap, City of Chattanooga, Department of Economic Development, 101 E 11th Street, Suite 200, Chattanooga, TN 37402 or emailed to environmentals@chattanooga.gov. All comments received by February 4th, will be considered by the City of Chattanooga prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Chattanooga certifies to HUD that Richard J. Beeland in his capacity as Certifying Officer Designee 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 City of Chattanooga to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Chattanooga’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 Chattanooga; (b) the City of Chattanooga 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 both contacts below:
William Biggs, Director, Tennessee Office of Public and Indian Housing,
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
701 Broadway, Suite 130
Nashville, TN 37203
Erik Hoglund, Director, Community Planning and Development
U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
John J. Duncan Federal Building,
710 Locust Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Richard J. Beeland
Certifying Officer Designee
Westside Evolves Environmental Asssessment