A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
April 27, 2017
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe
412 State Route 37
Akwesasne, NY 13655
(518) 358-2272
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Akwesasne Housing Authority.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about May 15, 2017 the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe will authorize the Akwesasne Housing Authority to submit a request to the HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) for the release of Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended [42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.]; sec. 7(d) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act [42 U.S.C. 3535 (d)]; and Community Development Block Grants for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages, 24 CFR part 1003, to undertake a project known as AHA Go Solar Initiative for the purpose of installing a Community-Scale PV Solar facility at 40 Pathways Road, Hogansburg, NY, and to expand an existing on-site solar facility at the Sunrise Acres Complex, 378 State Route 37, Suite A, Hogansburg, NY for a total production of 1 MW of solar energy. The project purpose is to offset ever increasing energy costs and assist low-to-moderate income tribal members. The total project cost is approximately $3,215,227.72, which also includes funding from the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Indian Energy, Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency project on Indian Land (“DOE Grant”) and from an undetermined tax investor.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe 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:
Akwesasne Housing Authority
Administration Office
378 State Route 37
Hogansburg, NY 13655
and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Retha Herne, either by mail to 378 State Route 37, Suite A, Hogansburg, NY 13655 or by Email to [email protected]. All comments received by May 15, 2017 will be considered by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe certifies to HUD that the Council Chiefs consent 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 Akwesasne Housing Authority to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’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 Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe; (b) the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe 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/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 (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to:
Mr. Mark Butterfield, Administrator
US Department of HUD/Office of Native American Programs
77 West Jackson Boulevard: 24th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Council Chiefs
April 27, 2017
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