Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Intent to Request Release of Funds
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Georgetown.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about August 19, 2024, the City of Georgetown will submit a request to HUD for the release of Economic Development Initiative-Community Project Funding (EDI-CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), as amended, to undertake a project known as FM 971 Expansion Project. The proposed project extends from Gann Street to SH 130 for approximately 1.67 miles in Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. The purpose of the project is to address increasing traffic volumes due to growth in this area of the city. The project will improve mobility, enhance safety, and reduce congestion by reconstructing and widening the existing FM 971 roadway from two undivided lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a raised median, intersection and access improvements to San Gabriel Park, and shared use paths along both sides of the facility for pedestrians and bicycles. Proposed improvements also include noise abatement barriers, illumination along FM 971, traffic signalization at designated intersections, reconstruction of driveways, and curb-and-gutter drainage with storm sewer and cross-culverts. The City will acquire right-of-way and easements as needed to accommodate the proposed roadway facility. The estimated total project cost is $34,000,000. Approximately $4,000,000 of County funds and approximately $26,000,000 of City funds will be applied towards preliminary design engineering, construction, and right-of-way acquisition. Approximately $4,000,000 of EDI-CPF funds under HUD grant B-23-CP-TX-1389 will be utilized for final design engineering and real estate services, including right-of-way acquisition. The City shall carry out all acquisition of needed real property, easements, and/or rights-of-way in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.) and HUD implementing regulations (24 CFR Part 42).
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Georgetown 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 Georgetown Inner Loop Annex, 295 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown, TX 78626 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M. The ERR can be accessed online at https://transportation.georgetown.org/transportation-projects/fm-971/ and https://georgetown.org/.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Georgetown. Comments may also be submitted via email at gloveless@cdandp.com. All comments received by August 16, 2024 will be considered by the City of Georgetown prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Georgetown certifies to HUD that David Morgan 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 approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Georgetown to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Georgetown’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 Georgetown; (b) the City of Georgetown 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 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning and Development San Antonio Field Office at Hipolito Garcia Federal Building, 615 East Houston Street, Suite 347, San Antonio, TX 78205-2001. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
David Morgan, City Manager
