Kitsap County seeks funds for affordable housing project Finch Green in Bainbridge Island.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about April 14th, 2026, Kitsap County will authorize Community Frameworks to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) funds under The Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996, Section 11 (Public Law 104-120, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 12805 note), to undertake a project known as Finch Green located at Kitsap County Tax Parcels 272502-2-039-2005 and 272502-2-002-2008 both with the address 7968 Finch Road NE, Bainbridge Island, Washington. This new construction project will result in 22 single-family detached homes and provide affordable and sustainable homeownership opportunities for low-income families. A third of the homes are designed for people with disabilities. Estimated funding from the SHOP grants is $550,000 and additional funds are expected from USDA Rural Development (RD).
FINDING OF NO
 SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Kitsap 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) on file at the Dept. of Human Services, Kitsap County Block Grant Program, 614 Division St., MS-23, Port Orchard, WA 98366, and may be examined or copied by emailing btufts@kitsap.gov. The review is also posted at https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Kitsap County, Attn: Bonnie Tufts, Dept. of Human Services, Kitsap County Block Grant Program, 614 Division St., MS-23, Port Orchard, WA 98366, or by email to btufts@kitsap.gov. All comments received by 4:30 pm on April 13th, 2026, will be considered by Kitsap County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Kitsap County certifies to HUD that Oran Root, in his capacity as Commissioner of Kitsap County, 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 Community Frameworks to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Kitsap County'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 Kitsap County; (b) Kitsap 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 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 Seattle HUD CPD Office via email at: seacpdrrof@hud.gov or via U.S. mail at: Seattle HUD CPD Office, 909 1st Avenue, Suite 310, Seattle, WA 98104. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Oran Root, Kitsap County
3/29/2026