NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
January 22, 2025
Village of Downs
211 South Seminary Street
Downs, Illinois 61736
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Village of Downs.
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about February 8, 2025 the Village of Downs will submit a request to HUD for the release of Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Community Project Funding (CPF) funds under Public Law 117-328 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, as amended, to undertake a project known as Downs Streetscape for the purpose of constructing streetscape improvements in the business district in the Village of Downs including improvements to ADA ramps and access, vehicular sight lines and safety, pedestrian crossings and safety, drainage, parking improvements and quantity, multi-modal opportunities, along with aesthetic streetscape surfaces and features. The location of the project is in the Uptown Downs Commercial District: Seminary St., from Main St. to Franklin St. and Franklin St., from Main St. to Seminary St., with estimated funding of $2,218,000.00.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
TheVillage of Downs 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 Downs Village Office located at 211 South Seminary Street where the record may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 12:30 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to
the above address or electronic comments to clerk@villageofdowns.org.All comments received by February 7, 2025; will be considered by the Village of Downs prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The Village of Downs certifies to HUD that Michael James 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. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows theVillage of Downs to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Village of Downs’ 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 Village of Downs; (b) the Village of Downs 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 has committed funds or incurred costs 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 the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Chicago Field Office, Donald. G Kathan, Director, Community Planning and Development at: CPDRROFCHI@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Michael James, Mayor, 211 South Seminary Street, Downs, IL 61736 | 
