NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
August 20, 2025
Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer
robyn.stanicki@bangormaine.gov
73 Harlow Street Bangor, ME 04401
207-992-4200
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness, or WPHW.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about September 5, 2025 the City of Bangor will authorize the Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (the WPHW) to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Economic Development Initiative/Community Project Funding (EDI/CPF) funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (P.L. 117-103), to undertake construction of a project known as the Wabanaki Community Connections Center. The Proposed Action includes modifications to the organization’s headquarters at 16 Central Street in Bangor, Maine. The Proposed Action will include renovations to walls, floors, and fixtures to house a new facility which will support community learning, child enrichment, and a drop-in function space.
At the time of this request and approval, the project cost was estimated to be $1,200,000. Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness has secured federal EDI/CPF funding ($1,200,000) which will be used for demolition, structural renovations, plumbing, utilities, HVAC retrofits, and kitchen facilities.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Bangor 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 Bangor City Hall at 73 Harlow Street in Bangor and may be examined or copied during City Hall open hours, except holidays.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer for the City of Bangor. All comments received by September 04, 2025, will be considered by the City of Bangor prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The City of Bangor certifies to HUD that Robyn Stanicki, in her capacity as Community Development Officer, 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 WPHW to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Bangor certification for a period of fifteen 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 City of Bangor; (b) the City of Bangor 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; 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 HUD Region 1 Field Office at the Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, Room 535, Boston, MA 02222 or to email address CPDRROFBOS@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Robyn Stanicki, Community Development Officer