Congress Street Improvement Project

Project Summary:

The City of Belfast is proposing a comprehensive infrastructure improvement project for the section of the City of Belfast's Congress Street Right-of-Way from Grove Street to US Route 1, and for the section of the City of Belfast's Salmond Street Right-of-Way from Congress Street to Northport Avenue.

The primary project construction activities currently anticipated for the section of the City of Belfast’s Congress Street Right-of-Way include: 1) reconstruction and repaving of the existing roadway and driveways (approximately 2,800 linear feet); 2) installation of a closed storm drainage system (consisting of approximately 3,400 linear feet of 12” to 24” storm drainage and 28 4’Ø precast catch basins); 3) installation of sanitary sewer line where none currently exists (approximately 1,000 linear feet); 4) installation of a multi-use path (for pedestrians and bicyclists) or installation of a pedestrian sidewalk and bicycle lanes (approximately 2,800 linear feet); 5) installation of concrete curbing (approximately 4,320 linear feet); 6) extension (and possibly also increasing capacity) of an existing culvert; and 7) installation of pedestrian crossings (approximately 2, with speed tables and signage).

The primary project construction activities currently anticipated for the section of the City of Belfast’s Salmond Street Right-of-Way include: 1) installation of a multi-use path (for pedestrians and bicyclists) or installation of a pedestrian sidewalk and bicycle lanes (approximately 1,700 linear feet); 2) installation of concrete curbing (approximately 1,300 linear feet); 3) adjustments/modifications of the existing storm drainage system to accommodate the multi-use path/pedestrian sidewalk and bicycle lanes, and concrete curbing; and 4) limited reconstruction and repaving of the existing roadway and driveways to accommodate the multi-use path (or pedestrian sidewalk and bicycle lanes) and concrete curbing.

The current estimated cost for this proposed project is $4,143,669. Project costs are anticipated to be covered by a combination of $1,000,000 already awarded by the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program, $990,000 already awarded by the Community Development Block Grant Public Infrastructure Program, and revenues generated by the 115 Congress Street Affordable Housing Development and Tax Increment Financing Distrct.

Project-Related Reviews:

Notice of Availability

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) has independently reviewed the following Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), completed on December 12, 2024: Environmental Assessment for the City of Belfast Public Infrastructure Improvements Project (hereinafter “the 2024 EA”). NBRC has determined that the proposed action analyzed under the 2024 EA adequately covers the Proposed Action under consideration by NBRC, and the information and analysis presented in the 2024 EA are still accurate and sufficient. NBRC has chosen to adopt the 2024 EA prepared by HUD for the Proposed Action. The adoption of another agency’s final EA is permissible under 40 CFR 1506.3 to eliminate duplication.

Application #: NBRC23GBME10

Applicant: City of Belfast

Project Title: Infrastructure Improvements Project

Location: Belfast, Maine

Project Description:

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to implement infrastructure improvements in Belfast, Maine, to address deficiencies in stormwater management, wastewater services, and pedestrian safety. The project includes upgrading the stormwater system by replacing open swales with a closed system, extending wastewater services to underserved areas, and constructing a multi-use pedestrian path to improve safety and connectivity. These improvements will mitigate flooding, provide reliable wastewater services, enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, and improve the overall quality of life for the community.

Findings and Adoption of EA:

Based on the analysis presented in the 2024 EA, NBRC has determined that funding the infrastructure improvements in Belfast, Maine, would not have a significant impact on the human or natural environment. The determination of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is consistent with what is presented in the 2024 EA and HUD’s determination. An environmental impact statement will not be prepared.

Document Request:

The 2024 EA and NBRC’s FONSI are available upon request. Please send an email request to nepa@nbrc.gov for this documentation. The 2024 EA and FONSI will be provided in electronic format unless a hard copy is specifically requested.

Maine Community Development Block Grant Program

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

Date: December 12, 2024

Grantee: City of Belfast

Address: 131 Church Street, Belfast, Maine 04915

Telephone: (207) 338-3370, extension 116 (Economic Development Director)

On or about December 30, 2024, the City of Belfast will submit a request to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for the release of CDBG funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake the project described as infrastructure improvements to the section of the City of Belfast’s Congress Street Right-of-Way from Grove Street to United States Route 1, and infrastructure improvements to the section of the City of Belfast’s Salmond Street Right-of-Way from Congress Street to Northport Avenue.

Total estimated funding is $4,143,669.

Finding of No Significant Impact

The City of Belfast has made an environmental assessment for this project and 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 is not required. Additional project information is in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at:

Grantee: City of Belfast

Address: 131 Church Street (top floor, Department of Planning and Codes), Belfast, Maine 04915

Telephone: (207) 338-3370, extension 116 (Economic Development Director)

The ERR may be examined and/or copied Monday through Thursday (with the exception of December 25, 2024), from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The ERR may also be downloaded at https://www.cityofbelfast.org/congressstreet

Public Comments

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Belfast at:

City of Belfast, Attn: Thomas Kittredge, Economic Development Director, 131 Church Street, Belfast, Maine 04915

Or via e-mail at: economicdevelopment@cityofbelfast.org

All comments received prior to or on December 29, 2024 will be considered by the City of Belfast prior to submission of a request for release of funds.

Release of Grant Funds

The City of Belfast certifies to DECD that City Manager Erin Herbig in her official capacity 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. DECD’s acceptance of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and allows the City of Belfast to use Program funds.

Objections to Release of Funds

DECD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the City Manager of the City of Belfast; (b) the ERR indicates omission of a required step, decision or finding; (c) the grant recipient has incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by DECD; 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 DECD at 59 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0059. Potential objectors should contact DECD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Chief Executive Officer: Erin Herbig, City Manager Address: 131 Church Street, Belfast, Maine 04915

Project-Related Meetings:

An advertised and documented public hearing to allow for comments must be held prior to acceptance of a Community Development Block Grant award, such as the City's Community Development Block Grant Public Infrastructure Grant. The following public hearing notice was published in the Thursday, December 5th, 2024 print edition of the Midcoast Villager:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

THE CITY OF BELFAST

The City of Belfast will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, as part of its regularly scheduled City Council meeting, which begins at 7:00 pm on that date, in Council Chambers at Belfast City Hall, 131 Church Street, Belfast, Maine, to discuss the acceptance of a $990,000 CDBG Public Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this CDBG Public Infrastructure Grant is to make infrastructure improvements to the entirety of Salmond Street and to a section of Congress located between Grove Street and U.S. Route 1. Public comments will be solicited at this Hearing and will be submitted as part of the Project Development Phase. All persons wishing to make comments or ask questions about the acceptance of these funds are invited to attend this Public Hearing.

Comments may be submitted in writing to: Thomas Kittredge, Economic Development Director for the City of Belfast, Belfast City Hall, 131 Church Street, Belfast Maine, 04915; or via email to: economicdevelopment@cityofbelfast.org at any time prior to the Public Hearing. TDD/TTY users may call 711. If you are physically unable to access any of the City of Belfast’s programs or services, please contact Thomas Kittredge at (207) 338-3370, extension 116, so that accommodations can be made.

City of Belfast, Maine

131 Church Street

Belfast, Maine 04915-6503

(207) 338-3370

Project Comments or Questions:

If one has comments or questions regarding this infrastructure project, please contact City of Belfast Economic Development Director Thomas Kittredge via mail at: City of Belfast, Belfast City Hall, 131 Church Street, Belfast, Maine 04915, via email at: economicdevelopment@cityofbelfast.org, or via phone at (207) 338-3370, extension 116.