NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Date of Posting: March 23, 2020
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:
The Town of Narrows is preparing to submit a request to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development program funds, in accordance with Chapter 7 of the ARC code, under the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, as amended, to undertake the Wolf Creek Outfitters Project, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) project #18-04A (ARC project ID: VA-19201).
The project area for the Wolf Creek Outfitters Project consists of approximately 1 acre in several contiguous parcels of land, including two existing buildings, located in downtown Narrows between Monroe Street (Route 61) and Wolf Creek, on the north side of the bridge over Mill Creek and the dam at the Duck Pond. The project will construct improvements to public spaces and buildings in the project area in order to improve the appearance and economic vitality of historic downtown Narrows, and create public amenities related to nature and outdoor recreation along Wolf Creek. The project’s components include: purchasing and upgrading a vacant warehouse building and grounds to serve as an outdoor recreation facility and outfitter business, including additional parking and public outdoor space with access to Wolf Creek, and; pedestrian and road enhancements on the surrounding grounds to create a creekside trail, access road, and public space along Wolf Creek in the rear of the buildings along Monroe Street to the north of the project area (paving, lighting, furnishings, signage, etc.).
This notice shall satisfy procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Narrows.
Finding of No Significant Impact
The Town of Narrows 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 Narrows Town Office, 210 Main Street, Narrows VA 24124. The ERR will be made available for review upon request electronically via email or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the Narrows Town Office c/o Susan Kidd at the address above, or by email to skidd@townofnarrows.org
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Town of Narrows Director of Strategic Development. All comments received by April 27, 2020 will be considered by DHCD, who will not release any ARC funds or take any administrative action on the within project prior to April 29, 2020.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Town of Narrows certifies to the State of Virginia that Susan Kidd in her capacity as Director of Strategic Development 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 State of Virginia’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Narrows to use Appalachian Region Commission (ARC) Program funds.
Comments must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76), and may be addressed to:
Town of Narrows
Attn: Susan Kidd, Certifying Officer
Narrows, VA 24124
540-726-2423
Virginia Relay Center 7-1-1