The Town Offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th in observance of Columbus Day holiday.

October 2, 2019

Town of Rich Creek 140 Spruce Street Rich Creek, VA 24147 540-726-3260

This Notice shall satisfy the above-cited two separate but related procedural notification requirements.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about October 21st, 2019 the Town of Rich Creek may submit a request to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as the Rich Creek Business District Revitalization Project. The activity is funded by the HUD Community Development Block Grant program, under Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development project #18-20.

The Town of Rich Creek requests the release of funds for the purpose of a proposed downtown revitalization economic development project. The proposed project area consists of approximately three blocks of the downtown commercial district of the Town of Rich Creek, including the blocks of buildings and land along Old Virginia Avenue between Woodland Road and Federal Street, and to the south of Island Street between Old Virginia Avenue and US 460 along Rich Creek. The project area encompasses approximately 7 acres, most of which lies within the 100-year floodplain zone of Rich Creek, which runs through the northern portion of the project area.

The project will construct improvements to public spaces and buildings in the project area in order to improve the appearance and economic vitality of this central area of the historic downtown commercial area, and create public amenities related to outdoor recreation along Rich Creek. The project includes several components: enhancements to Town-owned parcel on Island Street to create parking lot, sidewalks and driveways along Island St./Old Virginia Ave., and path to overlook along Rich Creek; streetscaping and alleyway improvements along Old Virginia Avenue; improvements to parking lot at corner of Old Virginia Ave. and Knob St.; gateway signage and directional signage along entry corridors (US 219 and US 460), and; improvements and repairs to the facades and exterior elements of the commercial buildings along Old Virginia Avenue.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Town of Rich Creek 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 Town of Rich Creek Town Office, 140 Spruce Street, Rich Creek, VA 24147( Attn: Roger Jones), and at the New River Valley Regional Commission office, 6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 124, Radford, VA 24141, (Attn: Patrick O’Brien) and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to Roger Jones, Town Manager, Town of Rich Creek, 140 Spruce Street, Rich Creek, VA 24147, (or rjones@wvva.net). All comments received by October 20th, 2019 will be considered by the Town of Rich Creek prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Commentors should specify which part of this Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Town of Rich Creek certifies to DHCD that Roger Jones in his capacity as Town Manager for the Town of Rich Creek 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. DHCD’S approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the Town of Rich Creek to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

DHCD will consider objections to its release of funds and the Town of Rich Creek certification received by November 6th, 2019 or a period of fifteen days from its 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 or other officer of the Town of Rich Creek approved by DHCD; (b) the Town of Rich Creek 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 project have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DHCD; 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) and shall be addressed to DHCD at:

Director

Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development

Attn: Program Administration and Assistance Office

Main Street Centre 600 E. Main St., Suite 300

Richmond, Virginia 23219 2430

(804) 371-7061 [TTP 371-7089 / FAX 371-7093]

Potential objectors should contact DHCD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Roger Jones, Town Manager

The Town of Rich Creek is preparing to carry out Rich Creek Business District Revitalization Project through the use of Virginia Community Development Block Grant Funds. In the implementation of this project the following job types may be available:

In carrying out this project the Town of Rich Creek, its contractors and subcontractors will, to the greatest extent feasible, utilize qualified persons who permanently reside within Giles County for employment and training positions.

All job openings will be listed with the local office of the Virginia Employment Commission.

Giles Workforce Center

Additionally, the following contracts and procurements will/may be made:

1. Engineering and design services
2. General construction contractors
3. Building renovation contractors
4. General construction materials (concrete, asphalt, paint, drywall, lumber, bricks, siding, trees and plantings, lighting, outdoor furnishings, etc.)

The Town of Rich Creek will, to the greatest extent feasible, use businesses located in and owned by persons residing in Giles County.

Any person residing or firm located in the above named localities may request to participate in procurement opportunities associated with this project by contacting the following person within ten (10) days of this notice:

Roger Jones, Town Manager

140 Spruce Street

Rich Creek, VA 24147

540-726-3260 (Virginia Relay: 711)

540-726-3047

Written requests should include the name, address, product or service and phone number.

All above-referenced procurements will be made on a competitive basis. The names of businesses who respond to this notice will be included on procurement lists for this project. Names of job seekers will be given to contractors.

The New River Community Action Head Start, of Giles County, is currently enrolling 4 year old children for the Rich Creek location, located at 109 Old Virginia Avenue.

Give your child a head start, by enrolling them in this school readiness program.

If interested, please call 540-921-2355.

An Annual Drinking Water Quality Report is designed to inform you about your drinking water quality. Our goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water, and we want you to understand the efforts we make to protect your water supply. The quality of your drinking water must meet state and federal requirements administered by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Click HERE to view the report.

A copy may also be picked up at the Town Office.