Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

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NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Publication: October 18, 2023

City of Ozark
2910 W. Commercial
Ozark, AR 72949
479-667-2238

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities
to be undertaken by the city of Ozark.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or after November 3, 2023, the City of Ozark will submit a request to the Arkansas
Economic Development Commission for the release of ACEDP funds under Title I of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the
following project:

Project Title: Ozark Food Pantry

Purpose: The Ozark-Altus Food Pantry services began over 30 years ago and has been funded
by donations from churches, various individuals, corporations. In the past two years the
volunteers served 3,829 and 3,762 families. The Ozark Food Pantry does not currently have its
own building. The Food Pantry is currently operated out of 2 small rooms at the Ozark United
Methodist Church with food distribution taking place at another location, the Garner Building,
also owned by the Ozark United Methodist Church. They lack the adequate space needed to
expand their program for the growing need in Ozark.
Location: East Commercial Street, Ozark, AR

Project Description: This project proposes a 3,000 square foot building with a walk-in cooler
and freezer as well as dry goods storage and a work area for preparing food for distribution.
The building includes a loading dock for deliveries as well as a covered drive-thru for food
distribution.

Project Issues: None
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any): None
Estimated Project Cost: $531,590.00

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The city of Ozark 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 City of Ozark, 2910
W. Commercial, Ozark, AR 72949, and Western Arkansas Planning and Development
District, 1109 S. 16th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 and may be examined or copied
weekdays 9A.M to 3P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the
Western Arkansas Planning and Development District, 1109 S. 16th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

72901. All comments received by November 3, 2023, will be considered by the city of Ozark
       prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify
       which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Ozark certifies to Arkansas Economic Development Commission that Roxie
Hall, Certifying Officer, in her 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.
Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s approval of the certification satisfies its
responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the city of Ozark
to use ACEDP program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

Arkansas Economic Development Commission will accept objections to its release of fund
and the RE’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 Ozark;
(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 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 Arkansas Economic Development Commission; 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 Grants Management Division,
Arkansas Economic Development Commission, 900 West Capitol, Suite 400, Little Rock,
Arkansas 72201. Potential objectors should contact Arkansas Economic Development
Commission to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Roxie Hall, Mayor, Certifying Officer