Date of Notice: October 15, 2024
Name of Responsible Entity (RE): Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Project No. ICDBG 23GC4024380
Estimated Project Costs: $2,335,000
Address: 1601 South Gordon Cooper Dr.
City, State, Zip Code: Shawnee, OK 74801
Telephone Number of Preparer Agency: (405) 275-3121
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about November 1, 2024, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN or Tribe) will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Southern Plains Office of Native American Programs (HUD) for the release of Indian Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the Father Joe Murphy Housing Rehabilitation Project.
The Father Joe Murphy Housing Rehabilitation project will improve 21 housing duplexes located in Shawnee, Oklahoma near CPN’s tribal headquarters. Each duplex is 1,900 square feet, or 950 square feet per unit. The insulation has deteriorated over the years, the original vinyl composite tile flooring is outdated, and the vinyl-framed windows have warped, allowing external elements to infiltrate the homes. Additionally, the current HVAC systems are antiquated and inefficient, contributing to high electricity costs for residents. To address these concerns, the project proposes the following rehabilitation measures: 1) replace deteriorated insulation with modern spray foam insulation; 2) install high-efficiency low-emissivity windows; 3) upgrade to energy-saving LED lighting; 4) replace outdated tile; 5) incorporate ADA-compliant bathroom features; 6) update kitchen countertops and install energy efficient appliances; 7) refresh interiors with new sheetrock, sealant, paint and trim.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
CPN 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, as amended (NEPA), is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record on file at CPN Environmental offices and may be examined or copied at requestor’s expense on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Attn: Micah Isaacs, 1601 South Gordon Cooper, Shawnee, OK 74801. All comments received by November 1, 2024, will be considered by CPN prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify in writing which notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
CPN certifies to HUD that John A. Barrett in his capacity as Tribal 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under the NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows CPN to use program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and CPN’s certification for a period of 15 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 CPN Certifying Officer;(b) CPN 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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 required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development, Southern Plains Office of Native American Programs, 301 N.W. 6th Street, Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
John A. Barrett, Tribal Chairman
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
1601 South Gordon Cooper
Shawnee, OK 74801