Public comments requested for downtown rehabilitation project funding release.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDSFebruary 17th, 2026To All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals:On or about, but not before, February 25th, 2026 the Columbiana County Port Authority will submit a request to the State of Ohio for the release of Federal funds under Section 104 (g) of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; Section 288 of Title II of the Cranston Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), as amended; and/or Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, as amended; to be used for the following project(s):EP Train Depot RenovationCDBG – Target of OpportunityColumbiana County will assist the Village of East Palestine and the East Palestine CIC with a private downtown rehabilitation projectMulti-year Project58 West Taggart Street,East Palestine, OH 44413Estimated Cost of Project - $910,482.72The activities proposed are categorically excluded under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for the project is on file at 7860 Lincole Place, Lisbon, OH 44432 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M. The ERR may also be provided upon request electronically via email. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to 7860 Lincole Place, Lisbon, OH 44432 or by email to haedanp@ccpa-ohioriver.com.PUBLIC COMMENTSAny individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Columbiana County Port Authority by U.S. mail or email at the addresses above . All comments received before February 24 th , 2026 will be considered by the Columbiana County Port Authority prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.ENVIRONMENTALCERTIFICATIONThe Columbiana County Commissioners certifies to the State of Ohio that Mike Halleck in his capacity as of the Columbiana County Commissioners 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 State of Ohio's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Columbiana County Commissioners to use Program funds.OBJECTIONS TORELEASE OF FUNDSThe State of Ohio will accept objections to its release of funds and the Columbiana County Port Authority'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 Haedan Panezott; (b) the Columbiana County Port Authority 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 State of Ohio; 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 Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Development at OCD@development.ohio.gov . Potential objectors should contact the State of Ohio to verify the actual last day of the objection period.Mike Halleck, President-CommissionerPublished in the Morning Journal, The Review and Salem newspapers, February 17, 2026