Niagara County seeks public comments on a microenterprise project funding request.

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS Niagara County 175 Hawley Street Lockport, NY 14094-0461 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Niagara County. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about February 27, 2026, Niagara County will submit a request to the New York State Office of Community Renewal for the release of CDBG funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a county-wide microenterprise project. The Niagara County Microenterprise Assistance Program will utilize $300,000 in CDBG funds and an additional $30,000 in owner equity to assist and encourage the creation of new small businesses and allow existing businesses to expand and improve. Microenterprise funds will primarily be used for the purchase of equipment, marketing, and working capital-related expenditures. The program proposes to assist 14 microenterprises and create 9 full-time LMI jobs. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT Niagara County 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). The ERR will be made available to the public for review electronically. Please submit your request by email to Susan Barone, Grants Manager at Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, susan.barone@niagaracounty.gov or by phone to (716) 278-8763. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Susan Barone, Grants Manager at NCIDA at susan.barone@niagaracounty.gov and in writing to the NCIDA located at 6311 Inducon Corporate Drive, Suite 1, Sanborn, New York 14132. All comments received by close of business February 26, 2026 will be considered by Niagara County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION Niagara County certifies to the Office of Community Renewal that Michael A. Hill, in his capacity as Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature, 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 Office of Community Renewal's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Niagara County to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS The Office of Community Renewal will accept objections to its release of funds and Niagara County 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 Niagara County; (b) Niagara County 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 Office of Community Renewal; 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 Crystal Loffler, President, Office of Community Renewal at Crystal.Loffler@hcr.ny.gov. Potential objectors should contact OCRINFO@hcr.ny.gov via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period. February 11, 2026 L/N#3592632/11/2026