Public Comments - Intent to Request Release of Funds - Castleton Free Library CDBG Grant

Request for Release of Funds
On or about November 18, 2021, the Town of Castleton will submit a
Request for Release of Funds to the Vermont Agency of Commerce and
Community Development (the Agency) to release the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383), the National
Affordable Housing Act, as amended, to undertake a project known as
Castleton Free Library ADA project for the purpose of installing a fullsize
elevator and other minor upgrades. The project is located at 638
Main Street, Castleton, VT. The total estimated cost of the project is
$500,000; approximately $100,000 in CDBG funding.

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 environmental determinations for this project is on file at the
municipal office of the Town of Castleton at 263 Rte. 30 North,
Castleton, VT, and may be examined or copied Monday-Friday from
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Public Comments
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the
ERR to the Town of Castleton, Attn: Michael A. Jones, Town Manager,
263 Rte. 30 North, Castleton, VT. All comments received by November
25, 2021, Close of Comment Period Date, will be considered by the
Town of Castleton prior to authorizing submission of a request for
release of funds.

Environmental Certification
The Town of Castleton is certifying to the Agency that Michael A. Jones,
in his official capacity as town 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 Agency’s approval of the
certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws
and authorities and allows the Town of Castleton to use CDBG funds.

Objections to Release of Funds
The Agency will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town
of Castleton’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, Michael A.
Jones; (b) the Town 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 Agency;
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 the Attn: Environmental Officer, Agency of Commerce and
Community Development, One National Life Drive, Davis Building, 6th
Floor, Montpelier, Vermont 05620. Potential objectors should contact
the Agency to verify the actual last date of the objection period.