NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

February 23, 2023

City of Baker, LA

3325 Groom Road (P. O. Box 707) Baker, LA 70714 (70704-0707)

225-778-0300

On or about March 6, 2023, the City of Baker (CITY) will submit a request to the Louisiana Division of Administration – Office of Community Development (DOA-OCD) for the release of FY2021 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) – CV-HVAC funds under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, to undertake a project known as FY2021 LCDBG – CV-HVAC for the purpose of replacing the HVAC system in the auditorium of the Municipal Center/City Hall. This project is estimated to cost $934,111.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 48 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determination for this project is on file at the CITY located at 3325 Groom Road in Baker, LA and may be examined or copied Monday through Thursday from 7:30AM to 5:30PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the CITY – Attn: Finance/HVAC. All comments received by March 5, 2023, will be considered by the CITY prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The CITY certifies to DOA – OCD that Darnell Waites, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Baker 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. DOA-OCD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the CITY to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

DOA – OCD will accept objections to its release of funds and the CITY’s certification for a period of fifteen (15) days following the anticipated submission date of 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 (Mayor) of the CITY; (b) the CITY has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding require by HUD regulations at 24 CRF 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 CRF Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DOA – OCD; 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 La. Division of Administration – Office of Community Development at P O Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095. Potential objectors should contact DOA – OCD to verify the actual day of the objection period which is anticipated to begin March 9th and end March 23rd.

The Honorable Darnell Waites, Mayor

Certifying Officer