Public Notice – Villages at Medowbrook PBV FONSI and RROF

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about December 12, 2024, Augusta-Richmond County Georgia Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) will authorize The Housing Authority of Augusta, Georgia to submit a request to the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development for a total of forty-seven (47) Section 8 Project Based Voucher program funds under Section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended. The Project is known as The Villages at Meadowbrook. This source of funds will help to finance the construction of The Villages at Meadowbrook, a new construction 236 apartment units at Villages at Meadowbrook. These 236 apartment units will consist of 5 buildings, all 3 stories high. The Villages at Meadowbrook is located on a 22.3-acre site, and it will be an affordable housing development that will help revitalize the Deans Bridge Road corridor. Funding information is as follows:

HCV Project-Based Vouchers:
15 One Bedroom Vouchers
23 Two Bedroom Vouchers
9 Three Bedroom Vouchers

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
HCD 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 available, and hard copies can be reviewed at the AHA office located at 1435 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901, and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to AHA for receiving and responding to comments. All comments received by December 11, 2024, will be considered by HCD prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
HCD certifies to HUD that Hawthorne E. Welcher, Jr., in his capacity as Director of HCD and Certifying Officer, 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 approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Housing Authority of Augusta, Georgia and HCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to the release of funds and the certification from HCD for fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date or the actual receipt of the request (whichever is later). Objections will only be considered if they are based on the following grounds: (a) the certification was not executed by the appointed Certifying Officer for this project; (b) the HCD 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 HUD; 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 HUD at 40 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30303. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Hawthorne E. Welcher, Jr.
Director
ARC Housing & Community Development Department