NEPA – Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds and Finding of No Significant Impact – Sweetwater Springs Water District - Wright Drive Project

Sonoma County Community Development Commission
141 Stony Circle, Suite 210
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

This notice shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Sweetwater Springs Water District. 

Request for Release of Funds

On or about October 30, 2024, the Sonoma County Community Development Commission (SCCDC) will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of $160,450, in Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants, as authorized by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Title I, Part 24, Section 570, Public Law 93.-383, 88 Stat. 633, 42 U.S.C 5301-5321, as amended to undertake a project known as Wright Drive Water Main and Edgehill Booster Replacement Project for the purpose of upgrading water infrastructure in a residential area in Guerneville, Sonoma County. The proposed project involves the replacement of approximately 6,400 linear feet of water main pipes serving approximately 65 lower income households and the replacement of Edgehill Booster Station. The work will occur in two pressure zones: the Wright Drive Upper Pressure Zone and the Wright Drive Main Pressure Zone. New fire hydrants will also be installed approximately every 300 feet within the project boundaries.

Total Project Cost is estimated to be $3,100,000.

Finding of No Significant Impact

The SCCDC has determined 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 SCCDC located at 141 Stony Circle, Suite 210, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 and may be examined or copied weekdays from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. An electronic copy of the report can be obtained via email by sending an email request to: Veronica.Ortiz-DeAnda@sonoma-county.org.

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency may request a copy to review and submit written comments on the environmental review record to:

Veronica Ortiz-De Anda
Sonoma County Community Development Commission
141 Stony Circle, Suite 210
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-565-7520
Email: veronica.ortiz-deanda@sonoma-county.org

All comments received by or before October 29, 2024, will be considered by the SCCDC prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

Environmental Certification

The SCCDC certifies to HUD that Michelle Whitman in their capacity as the Executive Director of the SCCDC 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 Sweetwater Springs Water District to use Program funds.

Objections to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the SCCDC’s certification for a period of fifteen calendar 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 SCCDC; (b) the SCCDC 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/California; 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 mailed to HUD San Francisco Regional Office at One Sansome Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94104 or sent via email to RROFSFRO@hud.gov . Potential objectors should contact HUD via email at RROFSFRO@hud.gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Michelle Whitman, Executive Director
Sonoma County Community Development Commission
Responsible Entity