FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT VETERAN AND SENIOR SUPPORT HOUSING ST. REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE

AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs

ACTION: Finding of No Significant Impact

SUMMARY: The St. Regis Band of Mohawk Tribe’s (Tribe) Akwesasne Housing Authority (AHA) is currently evaluating a large construction project to support veterans and elders in Akwesasne, New York. The Tribe has identified the need for additional housing and support services for elders and veterans. The Veterans Supportive Housing (8,091 sq. ft.) and the Senior Supportive Housing (17,919 sq. ft.) projects will both be located on Lot #229 within the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. The Veterans Supportive Housing project will be a 6 unit apartment complex with on-site supportive services and facilities for veterans within the Administration building. The Senior Supportive Housing Complex will provide supportive services, facilities and communal spaces for the senior residents and their families. The proposed site is located on the south portion of Lot #229. Both projects will share infrastructure which will include 62 parking spaces, 800 feet of sidewalk, and 1000 feet of roadway. To move forward with the project the Tribe will need lease approvals from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Due to the need for federal approvals, this project was reviewed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.

The BIA has reviewed and adopted the Environmental Assessments (EAs), titled Veterans Supportive Housing and Senior Supportive Housing, prepared by the St. Regis Mohawk’s Environmental Division to determine the environmental impacts associated with the projects in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.

DETERMINATION: Based on review and analysis of the EAs and supporting documentation, it has been determined that the proposed federal action is not a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of NEPA. Therefore, according to Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA an Environmental Impact Statement is not required and the BIA is issuing this Finding of No Impact (FONSI). This FONSI considered direct, indirect and cumulative impacts from both projects since they will occur on the same lot.

This finding is based on the following factors:

A. There will be less than significant impacts to land resources. See EA, Section II.

B. There will be less than significant impacts to water resources. See EA, Section VI.

C. There will be less than significant impacts to air quality. See EA, Section X.

D. There will be less than significant impacts to threatened and endangered species. See EA, Sections III and VII.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT

Since the project site is located within the range of the Northern-Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), the removal of trees is prohibited from June1-July31 to protect this species during a critical stage in its lifecycle. Trees can only be cleared during this period if further investigation is conducted to ensure that the site and surrounding area are void of hibernacula or occupied maternity roost.

E. There will be no impacts to cultural resources. See EA, Sections XVI and XVII and correspondence from Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT

The project will have no adverse effects on historic properties for the purpose of 36 CFR 800.9 (b). However, should undiscovered archeological remains be encountered during the project, work will stop in the area of discovery and the stipulations in 36 CFR 800.11 will be followed.

F. The proposed action would improve Public Health and Safety by providing safe housing and support services for tribal members.