NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

November 14, 2023

Jerry Laffin, Chairman, Mercer County Board of Commissioners

101 N. Main Street, Rm. 102, Celina OH 45822

419-586-4209

To All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals:

On or about, but not before, November 22, 2023, the Mercer County Commissioners will submit a request to the State of Ohio for the release of Federal funds under Section 104 (g) of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; Section 288 of Title II of the Cranston Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), as amended; and/or Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, as amended; to be used for the following project(s):

GHK Enterprise LLC dba Wabash Valley Electric LLC

Economic Development/RLF Program Income

Purchase Property

1012 St. Rt. 219,

Fort Recovery

Single-Year Project

Mercer County

Total Estimated Project Cost $700,000

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for the project(s) is available for review at Mercer County Community Development's office, 101 N. Main Street, Room 102, Celina. The ERR may also be provided upon request electronically via email.  Please submit your request by U.S. mail to 101 N. Main St., Room 102, Celina, OH  45822 or by email to renee.muhlenkamp@econdev.mercercountyohio.gov 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Mercer County Commissioners by U.S. mail or email at the addresses above.  All comments received before November 21, 2023, will be considered by the Mercer County Commissioners prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL

CERTIFICATION

The Mercer County Commissioners certify to the State of Ohio that Jerry Laffin in his capacity as Chairman 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 State of Ohio's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Mercer County to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The State of Ohio will accept objections to its release of funds and the Mercer County'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 Mercer County Commissioners; (b) Mercer County 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 State of Ohio; 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 Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Development at OCD@development.ohio.gov.  Potential objectors should contact the State of Ohio to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Jerry Laffin, Chairman

Mercer County Commissioners.

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