Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:              David L. Corliss, City Manager

FROM:            Margene K. Swarts, Assistant Director, Planning and Development Services

CC:                  Scott McCullough, Director, Planning and Development Services

DATE:             November 16, 2010

RE:                  Lawrence Community Shelter Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Grant

The Lawrence Community Shelter (LCS) requested Federal Earmark funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Economic Development Initiative Grant (B-10-SP-KS-0239).  LCS was approved for this $200,000 grant which will be utilized for the purchase of the new shelter site at 3701 Franklin Park Circle.

Through the Community Development Block Grant – Recovery (CDBG-R) allocation the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) had previously recommended funding of $78,789 to LCS, and through a Substantial Amendment the shelter acquisition was defined as the eligible project.  The Mayor was authorized to sign documents pertaining to the CDBG-R program on May 26, 2009.  Under HUD guidelines, the City completed an Environmental Review (ER) to ensure that the project complies with HUD standards.  It was found that an Environmental Assessment (EA) was required.  As the Environmental Review was completed for the CDBG-R project, the Mayor certified the EA document in November. 

This same EA that the Mayor certified is being utilized by LCS for the EDI grant as it is for the same acquisition project.  Under HUD guidelines, the City of Lawrence is responsible for publishing a Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds on behalf of LCS.  There is a 15-day comment period that follows publication.  After this 15 day comment period, the City and LCS will certify to HUD that the environmental compliance has been met through the submission of Request for Release of Funds and Certification document.  The Mayor had been authorized to sign the EA for the CDBG-R funding, however the City Commission will need to extend authorization to the Mayor to sign these two pieces of required documentation for the Federal Earmark grant.

Action Requested:  Authorize the Mayor to sign the Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds and the Request for Release of Funds and Certification on behalf of the City and LCS for Federal Earmark grant B-10-SP-KS-0239.