NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
April 06, 2023
City of Beaufort
1911 Boundary Street,
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 525-7024
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Beaufort.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about April 25, 2023, City of Beaufort will submit a request to the SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division for the release of CDBG funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as City of Beaufort Washington Street Park Improvements Project – (CDBG# 4-SP-22-03) for the purpose of making the park inclusive to all users by constructing a pavilion with walkway, multi-purpose court with wall, new half-court for basketball, installing benches and streetscape to include on-street parking. Sidewalks & street lighting. The park is located at 1911 Boundary Street, Beaufort, Beaufort County, SC.
According to the National Wetlands Inventory map, there are no jurisdictional or non-jurisdictional wetlands located within the project area and according to the USDA Soil Report, the project site has “Wando fine sand” present which is not a hydric soil.
While determining the presence/absence of jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetlands for compliance with EO 11990, HUD Memorandum Policy: 17-01 dated May 3, 2017, states “If the project involves construction or improvements on developed or disturbed areas (i.e paved, filled, graveled areas) and the NWI maps indicate no wetlands in the project area; soil maps indicate no hydric soils are present
in the project area; and photos are taken that document the project area contains no wetlands, no wetland
delineation is necessary”. All documentation is referenced in the Wetlands Protection/EO 11990 compliance factor of the Environmental Review and all supporting documentation is included in the Environmental Review Record.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Beaufort has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. If US Army Corps of Engineers requires a permit it will be obtained. 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 Beaufort City Hall, 1911 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC and Lowcountry Council of Governments, 634 Campground Road, Yemassee, SC where ERR may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M to 5 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Beaufort City Hall,1911 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29921. All comments received by April 24, 2023 will be considered by City of Beaufort prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
City of Beaufort certifies to the SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division that Scott M. Marshall in his capacity as City Manager 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 SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Beaufort to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division will accept objections to its release of funds and City of Beaufort’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 City of Beaufort; (b) City of Beaufort 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 Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division; 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 SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division at 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600, Columbia, SC 29201. Potential objectors should contact SC Department of Commerce/Grants Administration Division to verify the actual last day of the objection period.