St. Francis House Crisis Center Rehabilitation Project

Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

To:  All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals

On or about March 20, 2023, the City of St. Augustine will submit a request to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant – COVID (CDBG-CV) funds under Title 1, of the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Act of 1974 to undertake a project known as the St. Francis House Crisis Center Rehabilitation project for the purpose of rehabilitation the St. Francis Crisis Center building at 64 Washington Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 to provide additional safe, clean shelter space for 39 people and 9 households and assist individuals experiencing homelessness from contracting or spreading COVID-19. Further renovations include installation of utilities and fiber optic cables and replacement of the HVAC system.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of St. Augustine, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Eric Walters, Grant Administration Coordinator, City of St. Augustine, 75 King Street, St. Augustine FL 32084. All comments received by March 16, 2023, will be considered by the City of St. Augustine prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

 The City of St. Augustine certifies to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that John P. Regan 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.   HUD’s State’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of St. Augustine to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

 FDEO will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of St. Augustine’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 City of St. Augustine; (b) the City of St. Augustine 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 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 Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CDBG Program, MSC-400 107 East Madison Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-6508.  Potential objectors should contact the State to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

John P. Regan

City Manager

Date: March 2, 2023