CONCURRENT NOTICE NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date: April 11, 2024

Name of Responsible Entity: City of Green Cove Springs

Address: 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Contact: Mike Null, Assistant City Manager

Telephone Number: (904) 297-7500

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be under- taken by the City of Green Cove Springs, Florida.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about April 30, 2024, the City of Green Cove Springs will submit a request to the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project to make the following improvements:
Activities:
Service Area #1 - Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center for Citizens Covid Health Services:
The City of Green Cove Springs will utilize the CDBG-CV #22CV-S28 assistance to renovate the approximate 8,000 square foot cafetorium building at the Augusta Savage Arts & Community Center (ASACC), located at 1107 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Green Cove Springs, Florida, to provide a clean, safe and handicap accessible location for residents to receive testing and vaccinations for COVID-19.
The renovation of the building will include the following improvements:
1. Installation of necessary handicap building accessibility,
2. Replacement of the restrooms and ensuring the new restrooms are handicap accessible,
3. New kitchen,
4. Upgrades to the electrical system,
5. Installation of a new HVAC system.
6. Lead Based Paint Remediation,
7. Asbestos Mediation,
8. Electrical System Upgrades to meet current code requirements,
9. A Fire Suppression Alarm System,
10. Rebuild the Stage,
11. New Wall Framing, Insulation, Drywall and Ceilings,
12. New Interior and Exterior Doors,
13. New Windows,
14. New Floor System,
15. Specialized Hardware and Signage
All work will be completed to meet Florida Building Code and ADA access requirements.
The renovated building will provide local essential testing and vaccination services for the residents of the northwest quadrant of the City of Green Cove Springs, the majority of which are low-to moderate income. Additionally, the cafetorium can also serve as a staging and distribution site for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or other items to be distributed to the public. The kitchen can also serve as a food prep site for programs such as meals on wheels and soup kitchens.

Activity: 03E Neighborhood Facilities, CDBG Amount: $1,292,600.00, Local Match: $0.00,

Total CDBG & Local Match: $1,292,600.00,

Activity: 03E Engineering, CDBG Amount: $ 55,000.00, Local Match: $0.00, Total CDBG & Local Match: $55,000.00,

Activity: 21A Administration, CDBG Amount $ 50,000.00, Local Match: $ 0.00, Total CDBG & Local Match: $ 50,000.00,
Total HUD Funds: $1,397,600.00
Total Local Match: $0.00
Total HUD Funds and Local Match: $1,397,600.00
None of the activities in Service Area #1 will be carried out within a floodplain and/or wetland.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Green Cove Springs 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 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043 and may be examined or copied Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Friday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mike Null, Assistant City Manager, City of Green Cove Springs, 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. Comments may also be submitted via email to mnull@greencovesprings.com. All comments must be received by April 29, 2024. Comments will be considered prior to the City of Green Cove Springs requesting a release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Green Cove Springs certifies to FloridaCommerce and HUD that Connie Butler in her capacity as Mayor 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 State’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Green Cove Springs to use the CDBG funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
Florida Department of Commerce will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Green Cove Springs 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 Green Cove Springs; (b) the City of Green Cove Springs 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 has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the State; 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 at 24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76 and shall be addressed to Florida Department of Commerce, CDBG Program, MSC-400, 107 East Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6508. Potential objectors should contact the City of Green Cove Springs to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Connie Butler, Mayor
Environmental Certifying Official
City of Green Cove Springs, Florida
321 Walnut Street
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Telephone Number: (904) 297-7500
Legal 105633 Published 4/11/2024 in Clay County's Clay Today newspaper