North Smithfield Town Hall – Memorial Town Building

North Smithfield Town Hall – Memorial Town Building NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Wednesday, October 28th the Town of North Smithfield will submit a
request to the HUD for the release of Economic Development Initiative, Community
Project Funding, and Miscellaneous Grants funds under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42) and the Explanatory Statement for
Division L of that Act, which was printed in the Senate section of the Congressional
Record on March 5, 2024 (Explanatory Statement) as deemed to be amended by the
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Laws 118-47) to undertake a
project known as 358 Victory Highway (Halliwell Passive Recreation Area) for the
purpose of repurposing a former schoolyard into a passive recreation area. This project
is expected to cost $1M.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Town of North Smithfield 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 Town of North Smithfield Planning Department. 83 Green St. Slatersville RI
02896 from 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday,
and 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Friday.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Town
of North Smithfield Planning Department. RE: Halliwell Recreation Area Environmental
Review. 83 Green St. Slatersville RI 02896. All comments received by Monday,
October 26th will be considered by the Town of North Smithfield prior to authorizing
submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice
they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Town of North Smithfield certifies to HUD that Scott Gibbs in his capacity as Town
Administrator 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. HUDs approval of the certification
satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows
the Town of North Smithfield to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Town of North Smithfields
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 Town of North Smithfield; (b) the Town of North Smithfield 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 HUD Boston Regional Office. 10 Causeway Street. 3rd Floor.
Boston, MA 02222. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day
of the objection period.
Scott Gibbs.
Town Administrator.
Town of North Smithfield, RI.