Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity.

On or about August 28, 2025, Escambia County will authorize Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) funds under Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 1996, Section 11, as amended, to undertake a project known as SHOP Habitat for Humanity Single Family Housing Escambia County for the purpose of constructing new 2-4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, energy efficient single-family homes ranging from 1,050 square feet to 1,440 square feet in size, located throughout Escambia County. The estimated total funding for the project is $3,750,000, with a maximum of $25,000 per project from SHOP funding.

The activities proposed comprise a project for which a Finding of No Significant Impact on the environment was published on August 12, 2025. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Escambia County, 221 Palafox Place, Room 305, Pensacola, FL 32502 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Escambia 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 Escambia County, 221 Palafox Place, Room 305, Pensacola, FL 32502 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Escambia County office. All comments received by August 27, 2025, will be considered by Escambia County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

Escambia County certifies to HUD that Wesley Moreno in his capacity as County Administrator 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 Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to use Program funds.

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Escambia 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 Escambia County; (b) Escambia 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 HUD at Charles East Bennett Federal Building, 400 West Bay Street, Suite 1015, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.