Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

February 24, 2011

City of Mount Vernon
109 N Kaufman St
Mount Vernon, Texas 75457
903-537-2252

This Notice shall satisfy the above-cited two separate but related procedural notification requirements.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On, or about, March 14, 2011, the City of Mount Vernon will submit a request to the Texas Department of Rural Affairs for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Section 104(f) of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, TxCDBG contract #710479, to undertake a project known as water improvements.

Contractor shall make improvements to the City’s elevated storage tank located on Kaufman Street and replace old cast-iron water lines causing major breaks and uneven water pressure in the north eastern section of the city.  Construction shall include the installation of approximately 2,200 linear feet of 6-inch PVC water line, 3 fire hydrants, service connections, improvements to the elevated storage tank to include repainting, replacement of roof vent structure, and installation of OSHA fall protection on ladder and all necessary appurtenances.  The project shall take place at the existing water treatment facility on Kaufman Street, as well as water line replacement along Dunlap Street from Grady Street to north of Andrew Street.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon City Hall, 109 N Kaufman St, Mount Vernon, Texas and may be examined, or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination, or wishing to comment on the project, may submit written comments to the City of Mount Vernon.  All comments received by March 11, 2011 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.  Commenters should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing.


RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Mount Vernon certifies to the Texas Department of Rural Affairs that J.D. Baumgardner, in his 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 Department’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of Mount Vernon to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Texas Department of Rural Affairs will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of Mount Vernon’s certification received by March 30, 2011, or a period of fifteen days from its 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 or other officer of the City of Mount Vernon approved by the Department;  (b) the (RE) 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 project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the Department; 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) and shall be addressed to the Texas Department of Rural Affairs at P.O. Box 12877, Austin, Texas 78711. Potential objectors should contact the Department to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

The Honorable J.D. Baumgarder
Mayor