Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

Request for Release of Funds

On or about October 28, 2026,  City of Austin, as the Responsible Entity (RE) under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58,  will submit a request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of federal funds appropriated by Congress under the FY2024   Community Project Funding (CPF) program authorized in the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42, enacted March 9, 2024) to undertake the following project, Early Childhood Education Center at Pease Elementary, on behalf of Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD - Grant Number: B-24-CP-TX2093). The project site is located at 1106 Rio Grande Street, Austin TX 78701 on an approximately 2.172-acre tract of land with an approximate 94,606 sq ft building that formerly operated as Pease Elementary for the Austin ISD. The site is located between 11th Street and 12th Street, west of Rio Grande Street and east of West Street. The total project cost is $21,000.000 with a FY2024 CPF amount of $3,000,000. The former Pease Elementary will be converted to an Early Childhood Education Center operated by United Way. Existing structures will be rehabilitated and partially demolished. The proposed project activities include improvements to the main building and converted auxiliary building, installation of walkways, courtyards, driveways and parking areas. The project supports workforce participation; and offers a critical amenity for workers due to real shortage in Austin and allows people to remain in the workforce.  An Environmental Assessment (EA) has been completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and HUD's environmental review procedures at 24 CFR Part 58.   

Mitigation will include abatement of asbestos containing materials prior to rehabilitation, and demolition activities. Appropriate best management practices for containment, handling transportation and disposal shall be followed. Documentation of completed abatement and clearance shall be maintained and recorded. All materials removed from the site will be disposed of and transported in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Materials will be tracked, and manifests completed as required. Upon completion of the transportation and disposal site ticket should be presented to the site owner or inspector technician and included in the ERR. Lead containing material identified do not require abatement unless proposed improvements constitute a lead hazard. Best management practices for containment, dust control, cleanup and waste management shall be implemented to prevent exposure to lead dust or debris. Documentation of compliance shall be maintained and recorded.

Finding of No Significant Impact

The City of Austin Housing Department 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 Austin Housing Department, located at 1000 East 11^th Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78702, where ERR can be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M to 4 P.M. ERR may also be requested via email by contacting dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov.

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to The Austin Housing Department at 1000 East 11^th Street, Suite 200, Austin, TX, 78702, via email by contacting dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov, or via phone by calling 512-974-3100.  All comments received by October 28, 2026 will be considered by the Austin Housing prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.  Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

Environmental Certification

The Austin Housing certifies to HUD that Deletta Dean in her capacity as Certifying 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 Austin ISD to use Program funds.

Objections to Release of Funds

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and The City of Austin’s 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 Austin (b) the City of Austin 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 at the San Antonio Field Office at CPDRROFSAN@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Deletta Dean 
Austin Housing
1000 East 11th Street
Ausint, TX 78702
(512) 974-3100