FRANKLIN, Pa. — On or about March 28, 2017, the City of Franklin will submit a request to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the release of FY-2015 Community Development Block Grant funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the following projects:

Miller-Sibley Pool Bathhouse Barrier Removal ($34,425)

This project, located at 30 Spruce St., Franklin, will include the construction of two handicapped-accessible rooms – one for men, one for women – within the existing building. The rooms will each contain a sink, toilet, shower and dressing area and will provide direct, obstacle-free paths to the pool. The project also includes the enlargement of the doorways and passageways leading to the pool.

Pearl Street Improvements ($16,816)

This project involves the paving of Pearl Street in the City of Franklin.

Street Improvements in Census Tract 2003 ($173,849)

This project includes paving or milling and paving of segments of eight streets in the Third Ward area of the City. The street segments to be milled and paved include the 100 and 200 blocks of Center Street, the 100 and 200 blocks of Orchard Street, and the 200 block of Missouri Street. Street segments to be paved include Spring Street, Dubb Street, Bleakley Avenue, the 400 and 500 blocks of Pacific Street and the 200 block of Norman Street. The project may also include up to five curb cuts.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the Franklin Community Development office, 430 13^th St., Franklin, PA 16323, and may be examined or copied weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Franklin Community Development Department. All comments received by March 27, 2017, will be considered by the City of Franklin prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Franklin certifies to DCED that Douglas A. Baker, 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. DCED’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Franklin to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

DCED will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Franklin’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 the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Franklin; (b) the City of Franklin has omitted a step or failed to make a decision of 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 release of funds by DCED; 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 Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Building, 400 North St., 4^th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg PA 17120-0225. Potential objectors should contact DCED to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Douglas A. Baker, Mayor