oulvrr JuocE PAT TINLEY DMMISSIONERS COURT H.A. "BUSTERr BALDWRV, PR. I WILLIAM "BILL" WILLIAMS. PCT. ~ JONATHAN LETZ, PCT. 3 DAVE Nlcxolson, PcT. 4 S~P~ E ~p ~ °~nty ot'F° THE COUNTY COURT of KERB COUNTY, TEXAS 7OO MAIN Kf?RRVILLf. TLXnS 7$O2H TsL.(830)792-2211 FAx:(830)792-2218 E-mna. kerrcocc~.k[ccom August 14, 2003 Ms. Oralia Cardenas, Director Texas Community Development Program Office of Rural Community Affairs PO Box 12877 Austin, Texas 78711 RE: Kerr County TCDP Contract No. 723095 Dear Ms. Cardenas: CLERK JANNETT PIEPER COURT COORDINATOR THEA SOVIL This letter is to advise the Office of Rural Community Affairs that Kerr County has completed an Environmental Assessment of its Community Development Program Project. It has deternuned that the release of funds for the proposed activities is not an action that would significantly affect the quality of the environment and no Environmental Impact Statement is required. The conclusion is the result of observations by the project engineers, the grant consultant, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Department of Health, the EPA and the staff of Kerr County. The consensus opinion is that implementation of this Sewer System Improvements project will correct health and safety problems that have long existed in the local community. This project will not negatively affect existing land use or other environmental concerns. Kerr County's Request for Release of Funds and Certification Form, the published newspaper page containing the Combined Notice of the Finding of No Significant Impact and the Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds, and a Publisher's Affidavit certifying the date of publication have also been enclosed. In addition, Ken County has complied with the regulations concerning the coordination and compliance with this project with all other Federal and State laws and authorities as specified by 24 CFR 58.75 and has documented this compliance in its Environmental Review File. Yours very truly, ~. .__.~ ~__ Pat T~ y County Judge Attachmerns t~ ~• y' , cc: GrantWorks, Inc. 1705 W. Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756-120b OFFICE OF RURAL COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION (Pursuant to Section 104{f} of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 1. Name of Contractor Kerr County 2. Contractor's Address 700 Main Kerrville, Texas 78028 3. TCDP Contract No. 723095 4. Date of Request/Certification 8!30/03 5. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS. The recipient of assistance under the program listed above requests the release of funds for the following Project/Program Activity: Sewer System Improvements. 6. CERTIFICATION. The recipient has fully carried out its responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making and action pertaining to the project named above and it is hereby certified: (Check One) A) that the Contractor has determined that the above project is categorically excluded from environmental review requirements and that the contractor has at least seven (7) days prior to submitting this Request for Release of Funds and Certification published in a newspaper of general circulation in the community affected, a Notice to the public (a copy of which is attached hereto) in accordance with 24 CFR 58.45 & 58.70. X B) that the Contractor has done an Environmental Assessment of the above project and that the Contractor has at least fifteen (15) days prior to submitting this Request for Release of Funds and Certification published in a newspaper of general circulation in the community affected, a Combined Notice to the public (a copy of which is attached hereto) in accordance with 24 CFR 58.43, 58.44, and 58.45(c). That the level of environmental clearance carried out by the Contractor in connection with said project DID NOT require the preparation and dissemination of an Environmental Impact Statement; that the dates upon which all statutory and regulatory time periods for review, comment, or other response or action in regard to this clearance commenced and expired as indicated below; that all such dates which are applicable to this aforesaid clearance are indicated below; and that with the expiration of each of the time periods indicated below, Contractor is in compliance with the requirements of 24 CFR 58: Item Commence Expire Notice of Finding No Significant Impact Publication Date Comment Period n/a xxxxxxxxx Combined Notice: FONSI and Intent to Request Release of Funds Publication Date Comment Period 8113/03 8/14/03 8/30/03 Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds Publication Date Comment Period n/a xxxxxxxxx Other (specify) Request for Release of Funds -Estimate by Recipient State Decision Period 09/01/03 9/18/03 Request for Release of Funds -Actual by State State Decision Period TCDP Contract No. 723095 Request for Release of Funds & Certification Page 2 of 2 That the undersigned officer of the Contractor is authorized to, and does, consent to assume the status of responsible Federal Officer under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 24 CFR 58, insofar as the provisions of said Act regulations apply to the Office of Rural Community Affairs' responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making, and action assumed and carried out by the Contractor; that by so consenting, the undersigned officer of Contractor assumes the responsibilities, where applicable, for the conduct of environmental review, decision-making, and action as to environmental issues, preparation and circulation of draft, final, and supplemental environmental impact statements, and assumption of lead agency responsibilities for preparation of such statements on behalf of Federal agencies other than ORCA when such agencies consent to such assumption; That the undersigned officer of the Contractor is authorized to consent to, and on behalf of the Contractor, accepts the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the enforcement of all these aforesaid responsibilities; and that the undersigned does so consent, on behalf of the Contractor in the official capacity of Certifying Environmental Officer of the Contractor. ertifying Officer) Pat Tinley, County Judge (Title) 700 Main (Address) Kerrville, TX 78028 (City/State/Zip Code) 8/30/03 (Date) Warning -Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and Criminal Procedure shall apply to the foregoing certification. Title 18 provides, among other things, that whoever knowingly and willfully makes or uses a document or writing containing any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Kerr County TEXAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND TCDP CONTRACT NO. 723095 PROJECT IDENTIFICATION Recipient: Kerr County, Kerr County, TX Date: AUGUST 11, 2003 Chief Elected Official: Pat Tinley, County Judge Contract No: 723095 Project Name: Sewer System Improvements Project Narrative: Kerr County has been awarded a Community Development Grant to perform a Sewer System Improvements project. Kerr County proposes to provide 1st-time sewer service, install 2,750 linear feet of 8" line, 3,150 linear feet of 6" line, 9 manholes, 88 4" service laterals, 64 4" yard lines, abandon septic systems, and relocate of 1,040 linear feet water line in the Western portion of the Kerrville South area. Funding for this project is being provided by the Office of Rural Community Affairs in the amount of $500,000.00 with UGRA contributing $70,000.00 as matching funds. All necessary public hearings were held during the application process and all notices were provided in the appropriate newspapers. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2003 and continue two to four months. The County's contract with the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) began on June 10, 2003 and will terminate on June 9, 2005. The work crew that will be hired after a formal bidding process will likely consist of five to ten men. Work will be performed during the weekday during normal business hours using heavy equipment such as a backhoe, heavy bulldozer and possibly a boring machine in the area described above. Although some work may take place along a public roadway, the streets being affected typically have low traffic flow and flagmen will direct traffic when necessary. Particulate dust matter will be increased in the area during construction, but should return to normal after the work is completed. All workers will be paid the rates dictated by the most current Davis-Bacon Wage Rate decision for the area. Kerrville South is a colonia within Kerrville, but outside the city limits. Kerrville is Kerr County's seat. The area of Kerrville South receiving benefits had a population of 268 and the county has a population of about 46,653 during the 2000 census. Kerr County's primary economy is agribusiness and manufacturing. The unemployment level in 2000 was 2.0 percent. The soil in the project area is of the Eckrant-Kerrville-Rock Outcrop which is very shallow to moderately deep, gently undulating to hilly and steep, clayey and loamy, cobly and gravelly soils and Rock outcrop on uplands. This will be addressed by the Engineer in the project design. Kerr County has a mild climate. The county ranges in altitude from 1450 to 2400 feet. The average annual rainfall is 29.8 inches per year. The January mean minimum temperature is 32 degrees and the July mean maximum temperature is 94 degrees. The Texas Historical Commission has been contacted for consultation regarding historical impact. The Commission determined "No Effect". A list of the endangered and threatened species in the area has been consulted. Because the area is already well developed, no habitats are expected to be damaged or altered. The public will be notified of the project through a notice published in a newspaper of local circulation. This notice will allow for a minimum of 15 days for local comments to Kerr County and an additional fifteen days after the Request for Release of Funds has been received by the Office of Rural Community Affairs. Kerr County is providing access to the proposed improvements for each low income project beneficiary claimed. Kerr County shall not levy any assessments, such as tap fees, capital recovery fees, or access fees against the low income project beneficiaries. This environmental assessment has taken into consideration the proposed target are and an area within one mile of the target area. Total Project Beneficiaries: 268 Male Female White Black 132 136 83 23 Comparison with Applicable Plans American/ Asian & Alaskan Pacific Hispanic Native Islander Other 139 7 10 6 Project in compliance: Type of Plan Yes No N/A Local Comprehensive Plans, including Land Use and Growth Management elements X Area and Regional Plans X Local Zoning Ordinances X PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW POTENTIAL IMPACT ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Kerr County, TCDP No. 723095 Major Moderate Minor None Unknown Comments attached: 1. Terrestrial & Aquatic Life and Habitats X REF A-1 2. Water Quality, Quantity and Distribution X REF A-2 3. Geology & Soil Quality, Stability and Moisture X REF A-3 4. Vegetation Cover, Quantity and Quality X REF A-4 5. Aesthetics X REF A-5 6. Air Quality X REF A-6 7. Unique, Endangered, Fragile, or Limited Environmental Resources X REF A-7 8. Demands on Environmental Resources of Land, Water, Air and Energy X REF A-8 9. Historical and Archaeological Sites X REF A-9 10. Farmland X REF A-10 POTENTIAL IMPACT ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT Major Moderate Minor None Unknown Comments attached: 1. Social Structures and Mores X REF B-1 2. Cultural Uniqueness and Diversity X REF B-2 3. Agricultural or Industrial Production X REF B-3 4. Human Health X REF B-4 5. Access to and Quality of Recreational and Wilderness Activities X REF B-5 6. Quality and Distribution of Employment X REF B-6 7. Distribution and Density of Housing X REF B-7 8. Demand for Government Services X REF B-8 9. Industrial and Commercial Activity X REF B-9 10. Demands for Energy X REF B-10 11. Locally Adopted Environmental Plans and Goals X REF B-11 12. Transportation Networks and Traffic Flows X REF B-12 Recommendation Concerning Preparation of EIS: It is the conclusion of this environmental review that no significant impact will result from the implementation of the proposed project and therefore an environmental impact statement is not necessary or required. Prepared by GrantWorks, Inc. Date: AUGUST 11, 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST Kerr County, Sewer System Improvements TCDP N0.723095 MPACT CATEGORIES o Impact Anticipated otentially Beneficial Potentially Adverse- Requires Documentation only Potentially Adverse- Requires More Study eeds Mitigation Resource Project Modification Explanation, ~ References to Documentation, Sources, Notes, Correspondence NATURAL FEATURES ater Features X REF A-2 urface Water X REF A-2 atercourses X REF A-2 Unique Natural Features gricultural Lands X REF B-3 egetation & Wildlife X REF A-4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC Demographic Character hanges X REF B-7 Displacement X None will occur Employment & Income Patterns X REF B-6 OMMUNITY FACILITIES ND SERVICES Educational Facilities X Not Applicable ommercial Facilities X REF B-9 Health Care X Not Applicable ocial Services X Not Applicable olid Waste X REF B-8 astewater X REF B-8 torm water X REF A-2 ater Supply X REF A-2 Police X Not Applicable Fire Protection X Not Applicable Emergency/ Medical X Not Applicable pen Space X REF B-5 ecreation X REF B-5 Explanation, Potentially References to Potentially Adverse- Adverse- Resource Documentation, No Impact Potentially Requires Requires Needs Project Sources, Notes, IMPACT CATEGORIES Anticipated Beneficial Documentation only More Study Mitigation Modification Correspondence COMMUNITY FACILITIES ND SERVICES (CONY) Cultural Facilities X REF B-2 ransportation X REF B-12 LAND DEVELOPMENT onformance with X onforms to omprehensive Plans & xisting plans oning mpatibility & Urban X Refer to all Impact Sections lope Stability X REF A-3 Erosion X REF A-3 oil Suitability X REF A-3 Hazards & Nuisances, X None known including site safety Energy Consumption X REF B-10 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN & HISTORIC ALUES isual Quality- coherence, X REF A-5 iversity, compatible land use and scale Historic, cultural, and X REF A-9 rchaeological resources IR QUALITY Effects of ambient air X REF A-6 uality on project and ontribution to community pollution levels ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST Summary of Environmental Conditions: Local environmental conditions consist of mixed residential, public, semi-public, industrial, and commercial development. There are no known environmentally sensitive areas, prime agricultural lands, historical properties, or other restrictive conditions known which would be impacted by the project. Alternatives Considered: There were three types of alternatives considered. First, the "No Activity" alternative is a determination that no action is necessary to satisfy the stated purpose of the proposed project. In the target area, the lack of adequate water facilities poses a serious community deficiency. Therefore, the no activity alternative is unsatisfactory since it would allow continuation of an undesirable and unwanted condition that would not satisfy the purpose of the project. Second, the "Size Reduction" alternative provides for the reduction of improvements in the project area. The selection of the project activities was based on identified deficiencies of the local public water system. Reducing the scope of the proposed activities is not satisfactory since it would not satisfy the needs of the local community. Third, the "Revised Location" alternative provides for the location of the project to a different area. The area was selected on the basis that the available water facilities are inadequate and also must meet the TCDP beneficiary criteria. Therefore, this alternative is not satisfactory since another location would not satisfy the purpose of the project. Additional Studies Performed: None. Mitigation Measures Needed: Mitigation measures are not required for this project. The negative impacts, stated above, are virtually non-existent while the positive impacts are much more considerable. The short-term problems of construction (e.g., related noise, air pollution, and erosion) will be addressed through proper construction techniques and mitigating measures will be employed if needed. 1. Is project in compliance with applicable laws and regulations? X Yes or _ No 2. Is an EIS required? _ Yes or X No 3. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) can be made. Project will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment X Yes or _ No Basic Reasons Supporting Decision The negative environmental impacts of this project are minimal and of a short-term nature. There will be an increase in local noise, dust, erosion and other minor nuisances during construction but these will cease after construction is completed. The activities will not affect any known historical or archaeological resources of local state, or national significance. There are no known protected or endangered fauna or flora or habitat in the project area. Prepared by GrantWorks, Inc. Date: AUGUST 11, 2003 OTHER LAWS AND AUTHORITIES CHECKLIST This Review Form Is Part Of An Environmental Assessment CONTRACTOR: Kerr County CONTRACT NO: 723095 PROJECT: Sewer System Improvements CERTIFYING OFFICER: Pat Tinley, County Judge DATE: AUGUST 11, 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL REA IA onstruction Required & ompleted Permit Required Obtained Project Consistent /applicable plans/ tandards onditions/Safeg uards/Mitigations Required II Determinations need xplanation, reference to ocument source, notes, r correspondence 1. Historic Preservation X REF A-9 . Flood Hazard Protection X REF A-3-E . Exec Order 11988 X REF A-3-E . NFIP X REF A-3-E . Wetlands Protection X No wetlands in area . Sole Source Aquifers X -2-B . Endangered Species X -7 .Air Quality Protection X REF A-6 . HUD Environmental Standards a. Noise X REF A-11 b. Landfill Hazard X Not Applicable c. Upset Hazards X REF A-5 10. Farmlands Protection X REF A-10 11. Lead-based Paint X Not Applicable COMMENTS A. POTENTIAL IMPACT ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 1. Terrestrial and aquatic life and habitats: The proposed improvements are to be located in areas which are already well developed. Therefore no aquatic or terrestrial habitats are excepted to be damaged or altered. Impact: The proposed improvements should have minor potential impact on wildlife or habitat. 2. Water quality, quantity and distribution: A. Water Aspects (hydrological) -The project may make ancillary drainage improvements, but these shall have little impact on water quality. Impact: The project should have minor to no impact on the drainage in the project area. B. Water Supply -This project shall have little impact on this factor. Although consumption may increase slightly, line replacement will reduce leakage and waste. Failing septic tanks will be replaced and may improve the local water supply. Impact: The project shall have little impact on the community's supply of water for all uses. 3. Geology and soil quality, stability, and moisture: A. Soil -there are no negative impacts to the soils due to the limited nature of the project area. B. Geology and Natural Resources -There is no data available on faults C. Topography -there shall be effectively no change to nor effect from this factor. D. Climate (especially unusual conditions) -the community is located in a moderate rainfall area, approximately 29.8-inches annually. E. Other Conditions - No portion of the project is in a 100-year flood plain, therefore NFIP conditions are not applicable. Impact: There shall be on a minor impact on these factors. 4. Vegetation cover, quantity and quality -the soil found at the project site is covered with a variety of trees and grasses common to the area. Vegetation should only be affected during construction, and efforts will be made to restore the local flora to its original state. Impact: The proposed project will have no permanent impact on the area's vegetation. 5. Aesthetics -The project site is located in an existing urbanized area where underground utilities are normally found. The implementation of the project will only have an aesthetics problem during construction. Impact: The project shall have no impact on the aesthetics of the community. 6. Air Quality -The area is not regularly monitored by the Texas Air Control Board, therefore, data on local conditions are not readily available. Generally, air quality in the area is good and there are no known nearby industrial activities to contribute to air quality deterioration. Impact: Through project construction there will be some increase in ambient dust particulate from machinery and soil disturbances. These will be only temporary in nature and all efforts will be made through proper construction methods to ensure dust control and properly functioning equipment. 7. Unique, endangered, fragile or limited environmental resources - A review has been made of a listing of endangered and/or nongame threatened species provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to determine the potential of certain animals and plants being found within the project area. This review indicated no known animal or plants on the project site, which is already a developed area. Impact: There are no known long-term disturbances of any habitat which might support endangered animal or plant species. 8. Demands on environmental resources of land, water, air and energy -The demand$ placed on existing environmental resources have been discussed through the previous sections. Land resources in the area may experience some additional demand, but since the area is nearly fully developed presently, this shall have only minor impact. Water resources shall not be negatively impacted. The project shall have only minimal additional demand on air and energy resources, mainly during construction. Impact: The demands on environmental resources as a result of this project will be minimal. As previously discussed in their respective sections, known land, water, air and energy resource expenditures will occur primarily during construction activities. 9. Historical and archeological sites - A listing of state and federal register properties has been reviewed and the local Historical Society has been contacted. Impact: No known historic or archaeological resources are known to exist in the area. 10. Farmlands -There is no farmland to be impacted by this project. 11. Noise Pollution -Although noise will be created during construction, the construction period should be brief (under 120 days). Construction will take place during normal business hours on weekdays. Local residents have been notified of the nature and location of the project during a formal hearing process during the application phase of this project. Any complaints will be taken into consideration. Impact: No farmland shall be impacted by this project. B. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 1. Social Structures and Mores -This type of project should not have any application to this category. 2. Cultural Uniqueness and Diversity -Due to the nature of the project no increase or decrease of services shall be noticeable to the general public to interrupt, influence or change the local cultural heritage and diversity. 3. Agricultural or Industrial Production -These factors should remain essentially the same during the short-term period after construction. 4. Human Health -Health conditions shall not be adversely impacted due to the nature of the project. 5. Access to Recreational and Wilderness Activities: Project shall have no impact on this factor. 6. Quality and Distribution of Employment -Since this project involves the rehabilitation of existing facilities, employment opportunities will not be enhanced unless the project spurs further commercial or manufacturing businesses to locate to the area which is unlikely as a direct result of this project. 7. Distribution and Density of Population and Housing -There should be no major changes in these environmental conditions since the work will occur in an existing residential area. 8. Demand for Government Services -Demand for government services will increase due to additional connections but the local sewer plant has the capacity to treat the resultant wastewater. 9. Industrial and Commercial Activity -The nature of the project shall have no little or no impact upon these factors. 10. Demands for Energy -There should be only minor demands for additional energy resources due to construction work or the installation of new facilities. 11. Local Adopted Environmental Plans and Goals -There are none known to exist. 12. Transportation Networks and Traffic Flows -see the project narrative for expected traffic problems and mitigation. '~ Ra~efO G'r ~~~~ • • i ' ~'~ ' • -~Y • 6' •~ 0~ G• or. m. • • • ~ ~ f • • • • ~ • ~ • •'• ~ ~ ~ ~COUnt~,y n Fund 2003 Catania Constru Kerrville gauth Sewef PrO3ect Valley Phase Western Layal _~~ N ,11~ 1 50~ ~~ SGAIE .. _ . _, _.! ~ . Legend Maur Co+nP°nerris ~ Nlanhoie Tye.in io ~jclstlnA tine O proPo~ Sewer line ..+~""' piper Se`Ner Lfnes 4 Targ~ Area ~~ W ,1V COMBINED NOTICE BY KERR COUNTY NOTICE TO PUBLIC OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS TO: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS Seventeen (17) days after this publication, Kerr County, Texas, intends to request the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA) to release Federal funds under the Title I of the Housing and Community Development act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) for project no. 723095. Exempt Activities Administration Planning and Engineering Categorically Excluded Activities None Environmental Assessment Activities provide 1st-time sewer service, install 2,750LF of 8" line, 3,150LF of 6" line, 9 manholes, 88 4" service laterals, 64 4" yard lines, abandon septic systems, relocate 1,040LF water line FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment and, accordingly, Kerr County has decided not to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L_ 91-190). The reason for such decision not to prepare such a Statement is based upon the fact that all environmental concerns could either be minimized or mitigated. An Environmental Assessment respecting the within project has been made by Kerr County which documents the environmental review of the project and more fully sets forth the reasons why such Statement is not required. The Environmental Review Record is on file at the County Judge's office, 700 Main, Kerrville, TX, 78028 and is available for public examination and copying upon request between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON FINDING All interested agencies, groups and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by Kerr County to the address as set forth below. Such written comments must be received at the addressed specified within fifteen (15) days after this publication. Such written comments so received must be considered and Kerr County will not request the release of funds or take any administrative action on the project before the date specified in the preceding sentence. Kerr County will undertake the activities described above with Community Development Block Grant Funds under the Title I from its Program Year 2003 under grant numbered 723095 from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Kerr County is certifying to the ORCA that Pat Tinley in his official capacity as County Judge, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, decision-making and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that, upon its approval, Kerr County may use the Block Grant funds and it will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. ORCA will accept an objection to its approval only on one or more of the bases and procedures described in 24 CFR Part 58.75. Objections are to be addressed to the Office of Rural Community Affairs, PO Box 12877, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711. Objections to the release of funds on basis other than those stated above will not be considered by the ORCA. No objections received later than thirty-five (35) days after this publication will be considered by ORCA. The Honorable Pat Tinley County Judge, Kerr County 700 Main Kerrville, TX 78028 (PLEASE RETYPE or REPRINT ON YOUR LETTERHEAD) (DISK IS PROVIDED) 8/30/03E- (PLEASE MAINTAIN THIS DATE WHEN YOU REPRINT AND ERASE THIS AND THE ABOVE PARENTHETICAL COMMENTS) Ms. Oralia Cardenas, Director Texas Community Development Program Office of Rural Community Affairs PO Box 12877 Austin, Texas 78711 RE: Kerr County TCDP Contract No. 723095 Dear Ms. Cardenas: This letter is to advise the Office of Rural Community Affairs that Kerr County has completed an Environmental Assessment of its Community Development Program Project. It has determined that the release of funds for the proposed activities is not an action that would significantly affect the quality of the environment and no Environmental Impact Statement is required. The conclusion is the result of observations by the project engineers, the grant consultant, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Department of Health, the EPA and the staff of Kerr County. The consensus opinion is that implementation of this Sewer System Improvements project will correct health and safety problems that have long existed in the local community. This project will not negatively affect existing land use or other environmental concerns. Kerr County's Request for Release of Funds and Certification Form, the published newspaper page containing the Combined Notice of the Finding of No Significant Impact and the Request for Release of Funds, and a Publisher's Affidavit certifying the date of publication have also been enclosed. In addition, Kerr County has complied with the regulations concerning the coordination and compliance with this project with all other Federal and State laws and authorities as specified by 24 CFR 58.75 and has documented this compliance in its Environmental Review File. Sincerely, Pat Tinley, County Judge Attachments Cc: GrantWorks, Inc. 1705 W. Koenig Lane, Austin, TX 78756-1206 1705 West Koenig Lane Office (512) 420-0303 Austin, Texas 78756 Fax (512) 420-0302 daveC~grantworks. net Planning, Housing, and Community Development Services for Rural Texas Since 1979 TO: Pat Tinley, County Judge DATE: 8/11/03 Kerr County PROJECT: Sewer System Improvements RE: Environmental Assessment Sewer System Improvements CONTRACT : TCDP 723095 We are sending you the following attached: • Environmental Review for your records • Combined Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds • Request for Release of Funds (to be signed and returned) • Cover Letter to Oralia Cardenas (to be rewritten on your letterhead, signed, and returned) Remarks: The Environmental Review for the City's new TCDP Contract 723095 has been completed. A copy of this Review has been enclosed for your files. The enclosed public notice has already been forwarded to the local newspaper and will be published on 8/13/03. A copy of this notice has been provided for your information and files. The cover letter to Oralia Cardenas at the Texas Community Development Program must be typed or reprinted (disk is included) on your locality's letterhead and signed by the County Judge as indicated. The Request for Release of Funds form must also be signed by the County Judge. Once all three forms are signed they should be returned to GrantWorks as soon as possible for processing. I will then attach the necessary tearsheets and submit the letter on 8/30/03 to ORCA. can be reached at (512) 420-0303 if you have any questions regarding this transmittal. Thank you for your assistance. ---~ Dave Tucker CC: Bill Williams, Commissioner