Town of Richton issues notice concerning impact of sewer project

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Publication:January 14, 2021 (legal)
Town of Richton, P. O. Box 493, 206 Dogwood Avenue E., Richton, MS 39476
Michael W. Ruffin / (601) 788-6015
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Richton.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about February 2, 2021 the above-named Town will submit a request the Mississippi Development Authority for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as and for the purpose of the following:
FY 2020 CDBG Public Facilities Project, which consists of televising and cleaning approximately 9,200 linear feet of existing gravity sewer lines in order to delineate the most problematic areas. Also, approximately 2,750 linear feet of cured in place piping with four (4) point repairs would be needed to seal off breaks and misaligned joints. The proposed sewer line televising, cured in place piping and related repairs would take place along N. Front Street, Front Street, Dogwood Avenue, and Highway 15. In addition, the town’s primary pump station adjacent to the sewer lagoon on Sycamore Avenue and the pump station on Highway 15, would also need to be upgraded with new pumps, motors, and electrical controls. All the proposed improvements are located within the Town of Richton, Perry County, Mississippi. Estimated total project cost is $449,877, with all funds being provided by the CDBG Program.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The Town of Richton 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 above address and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 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 Town. All comments received by February 1, 2021 will be considered by the Town of Richton prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Town of Richton certifies to the Mississippi Development Authority that Mr. Michael W. Ruffin in his capacity as Mayor 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 Mississippi Development Authority’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Richton to use HUD Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Mississippi Development Authority will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town of Richton’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 Town of Richton; (b) the Town of Richton 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 in 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by the Mississippi Development Authority; 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: Attn: Mr. Antoine Dixon, Community Services Division, Mississippi Development Authority, P. O. Box 849, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0849. Potential objectors should contact the Mississippi Development Authority to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Michael W. Ruffin, Mayor
Town of Richton
41-(748)-Jan.14-1tc

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Town of Richton has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order (11988 or 11990) in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 to determine the potential affect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the environment. The proposed project consists of televising and cleaning approximately 9,200 linear feet of existing gravity sewer lines in order to delineate the most problematic areas. Also, approximately 2,750 linear feet of cured in place piping with four (4) point repairs would be needed to seal off breaks and misaligned joints. The proposed sewer line televising, cured in place piping and related repairs would take place along N. Front Street, Front Street, Dogwood Avenue, and Highway 15. In addition, the town’s primary pump station adjacent to the sewer lagoon on Sycamore Avenue and the pump station on Highway 15, would also need to be upgraded with new pumps, motors, and electrical controls. All the proposed improvements are located within the Town of Richton, Perry County, Mississippi and could potentially affect +/- 1 acre of flood hazard areas.
The Town of Richton has determined that it has no practicable alternative other than locating the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project in a floodplain. This activity will have no significant on the environment for the following reasons:
1. It is not possible to carry out the objectives of the CDBG Program and participate in the growth of the community without participating in projects in the base floodplain;
2. The proposed construction will not displace or redirect flood waters to seriously impact other areas; and,
3. Construction to the extent feasible will be in compliance with the Floodplain Management Plan prepared by the community as a condition of their participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
4. The proposed sewer system improvements should have no adverse impact on the floodplain and are critically needed in order to provide an adequate means of sewage collection and disposal for the area residents.
Written comments must be received by the Town of Richton at the following address on or before February 1, 2021:
Town of Richton
206 Dogwood Avenue E.
P. O. Box 493
Richton, MS 39476
41-(401)-Jan.14-1tc