NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOIRROF) March 19, 2025 City of Crete 243 East 13th Street Crete, Nebraska 68333 402-826-4312 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Crete, the recipient of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development grant, and also the Responsible Entity (RE). REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or after April 4th, 2025 the City of Crete will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or its State administering agency, Nebraska Department of Economic Development (State), for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1974 (U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), as amended, to undertake a project known as the Crete Street Improvement Project #24PWI004 for the purpose of implementing the activities described below. The City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska (City) is preparing to implement a street improvement project within the municipal limits of the City. The project will improve three (3) street segments: 21st Street from Norman Avenue to Oak Avenue, Oak Avenue from 21st Street to 22nd Street, and Oak Avenue from 20th Street to 21st Street (Project). The Project will include the construction of 7-inch Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) paving, 32 feet in width, with an associated storm sewer system. The total Project area covers these three blocks, focusing on enhancing street durability, improving stormwater management, and increasing pedestrian safety. These streets are currently in need of significant repair to maintain safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians and vehicles. The street improvement Project will include several key activities: Demolition and removal of the existing street surface; Earthwork, grading, and sloping to prepare the sub-base; Installation of new 7-inch PCC paving to ensure long-lasting road surfaces; Construction of a storm sewer system to enhance drainage and reduce flooding risks; Installation of sidewalks with American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant detectable warning panels to improve pedestrian safety. The total Project area covers approximately three blocks, or approximately 1 acre within the FFRMS 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. The streets are owned and maintained by the City of Crete and are surrounded primarily by residential properties. Project impacts may include temporary road closures, noise, and dust during construction. The City will notify businesses, residents, and emergency services of all road closures and provide alternative routes. All construction activities will be scheduled during normal business hours to minimize disruption. Total Project costs are estimated at $688,450, including $480,000 funded by a Nebraska Department of Economic Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds of which $25,000 is allocated for general administration and $5,000 for construction management. A local match of $208,450 will be provided by the City. The matching funds will be sourced from the city's general fund, and are unobligated and readily available. The project will primarily benefit low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents by improving local infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life in the community. No residents, businesses, or farms will be displaced as a result of the project activities. Construction is anticipated to be completed within thirty (30) months. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Crete 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 Crete City Hall 243 East 13th Street, Crete, NE 68333 where the ERR can be examined and may be copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M. The ERR will be made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the address above or by email to Nancy Tellez, City Clerk, nancy.tellez@crete.ne.gov. If the RE chooses to send the ERR to the public for review via U.S. mail, the RE will establish a timeframe for accepting comments with the person requesting the ERR. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Nancy Tellez, City Clerk. All comments received by April 3rd, 2025 will be considered by the City of Crete prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Crete certifies to the State that David Bauer in their 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 Crete to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS The Nebraska Department of Economic Development will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Crete 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 Crete; (b) grant recipient 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 the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; 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) in writing to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, 245 Fallbrook Blvd, Suite 002, Lincoln, NE 68521. Potential objectors should contact the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period. David Bauer Mayor CR — March 19. 2025 ZNEZ
