Newsroom

01 May 2017

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians – Environmental Department

206 Greenough St.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

906‑632‑5575

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Housing Authority.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about May 25, 2017, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indian’s Environmental Department will authorize the Sault Tribe Housing Authority to submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of funds under the 2016 Indian Community Development Block Grant, to undertake a project known as Sault Tribe Housing Authority Unit Restoration Project for the purpose of correcting inadequate site drainage, repairing substandard housing units, and improving energy efficiency for the twenty (20) Units located on JK Lumsden Way section of the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Site.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Sault Tribe Environmental Department 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 206 Greenough Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and may be examined or copied weekdays 8A.M to 5P.M.

In addition, a public meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, the 18th of May, at the above offices, at which time Environmental and Sault Tribe Housing staff will be on hand to answer questions about the project and the ERR.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Sault Tribe Environmental Department, 206 Greenough Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. All comments received by 25 May 2017 will be considered by the Sault Tribe Environmental Department prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The Sault Tribe Environmental Department certifies to HUD that Aaron A. Payment, in his capacity as Tribal Chairperson, 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 Sault Tribe Housing Authority to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Sault Tribe Environmental 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 Sault Tribe Environmental Department; (b) the Sault Tribe Environmental Department 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 administration office at 477 Michigan Avenue, Floors 16 & 17 Detroit, MI 48226. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Kathleen Brosemer

Sault Tribe Environmental – Program Manager