REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about Friday March 21, 2025, the City of Austin will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Project Based Vouchers (PBV) funds under Title V of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, as amended, to undertake a project known as Urban Empowerment Zone 1, located at 6314-6400 FM 969 (East Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard), Austin, Travis County, Texas 78721; a project that includes Project Based Vouchers (PBV), demolition of a commercial building, and new construction of an affordable and supportive multifamily development with 80 housing units restricted to households earning 30-50% of the Area Median Income. The project is utilizing 80 PBVs through the Housing Authority of the City of Austin in the amount of $29,721,600 over a 20-year period. The Austin Housing Finance Corporation is contributing $1 million in HOME American Rescue Plan funds and approximately $7.1 million in 2022 GO Bonds. Additionally, Travis County is contributing $11 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The total development cost will be approximately $19.5 million dollars. The development will include one (1) four-story building on approximately 1.62 acres. The development will include a single point secured entry, community room, warming kitchen, community pantry, laundry facilities, computer center, supportive services and staff, centralized courtyard, and small parking lot. The project is designed as a supportive housing facility for the nonprofit organization Austin Area Urban League and emphasize Trauma-Informed Design (TiD). Mitigation efforts will include protecting endangered species and migratory birds by only removing necessary trees and vegetation during months that would not adversely affect the local species.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of Austin 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
1000 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M. The ERR will be also made available to the public for review either electronically or by U.S. mail. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to the Housing Department, ATTN: Environmental Compliance, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 or by email to dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the Housing and Planning Department, ATTN: Environmental Compliance, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767. Please submit your comments by U.S. mail to the Housing Department, ATTN: Environmental Compliance, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 or by email to dawn.perkins@austintexas.gov. All comments received by Thursday March 20, 2025, will be considered by The City of Austin prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Austin certifies to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Mandy DeMayo in her capacity as Interim Director, 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. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Austin to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (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 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD San Antonio Field Office SAFO_Objections@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact the HUD San Antonio Field Office via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

City of Austin
Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director
Housing Department
P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767
(512) 974-3100