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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2008)
vernonia’s voice community Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Intent to Request Release of Funds This Notice shall satisfy the above-cited two separate but related procedural notification requirements. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS: On or about the date of September 15, 2008, Or- egon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will submit a request to HUD for the release of HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act passed by Congress in October, 1990, and amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, to undertake a project known as the Vernonia Flood Disaster Project, 1772 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon 97064 for the purpose of acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction of replacement housing outside of the floodplain. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: OHCS 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. Ad- ditional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at Oregon Housing and Community Services, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B, Salem, Oregon, and may be examined or copied weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. There is never a charge for examining the ERR. Any copying requested may be subject to charges as specified in OHCS Public Records Request policy #70-010.01. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determi- nation or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to HOME Program Manager, Oregon Housing and Community Services, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite B, Salem, OR, 97301-1271. All comments received by the date of September 15, 2008 will be consid- ered by OHCS 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: OHCS certifies to HUD that Bob Gillespie in his capacity as Certifying Officer 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 the Community Action Team to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS: HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and OHCS’ certification received by the date of October 3, 2008 or a period of fifteen days from its receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer or other officer of OHCS approved by HUD; (b) OHCS has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding re- quired by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) The grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs 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. Objec- tions must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to Attention: Environmental Officer, Department of Housing and Ur- ban Development, 400 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 700, Portland, Oregon, 97204-1632. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. -- Bob Gillespie, Certifying Officer - Open Housing and Community Services Supplies need replenishing? september 2008 15 9-1-1 Operating Fund Renewal On November Ballot No Change in Funding Rate to Continue Essential 9-1-1 Service to All Residents The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District announced it will place a request to renew its Operating Fund on the November 4th, 2008 ballot. The proposed Operating Levy rate will be the same rate it is today, 29 cents, which is two cents less than the 9-1-1 Operat- ing Levy approved by voters in 1998. The 9-1-1 Operating Fund is due for a five-year renewal since the current levy expires next year. In order to maintain continuity and quality of service, the District recognizes that the time to renew the Operating Fund is now. The District’s citizen Board of Directors voted unanimously to place the request on the November ballot. Rob Anderson, a Scappoose area resident and President of the Board for Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District, points out, “We are not requesting new taxes. This is simply a renewal of the Operating Funding that will maintain this essential and reliable service to everyone in Columbia County.” He adds, “The substantial upgrades we committed to are complete, providing a blanket of uninterrupted radio service for all fire, emergency medi- cal and law enforcement agencies throughout the county. And we were fortunate to be able to do that using grant funds from outside the county. The District has been efficient while improving services, and continues to seek alternative funding for needed technical system improvements. As a result, the rate will stay the same, which is slightly less than the amount voters approved in 1998.” The 9-1-1 District has accomplished what it said it would do by improving essential equipment while at the same time increasing reliability and service. The number of calls to the district have almost doubled in the last ten years. Plus, the construction of the county-wide microwave/radio and wireless data system is complete and being used now to enhance the ef- ficiency of first responders. “District 9-1-1 dispatchers handled more than 85,000 phone calls last year, or more than 230 calls a day,” says District Administrator, Sally Jones. “We success- fully connect 16 different emergency service agencies with people who need their help. 9-1-1 is a vital link for the safety and livability that our neighbors deserve, and receive.” Since the 9-1-1 District board approved the proposed measure on July 30th, individuals, public safety, other organizations and local governments have begun endorsing the five-year Operating Fund renewal. In May 2004, the 9-1-1 operating levy measure garnered over 70% voter approval. A separate campaign committee called the “Renew Columbia 9-1-1 Com- mittee” has been formed for the November 2008 election, with Anderson serving as Chair. The Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Operating Fund supports all ongoing functions of the 9-1-1 call center, including 24-hour staffing, training and coordination with local and state emergency operations. The five-year renewal will maintain the level of ser- vice citizens throughout Columbia County now receive. For more information on the Operating Fund renewal or the Columbia 9-1-1 Com- munications District contact Sally Jones, District Administrator at 503/397-7255, ext. 2223, sjones@columbia911.com, go to www.columbia911.com, or contact your local member of the Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors. Birkenfeld Store and Café I nsurance for all your precious possessions. Home of the 1/3lb. hand-pressed burger! Now Open Friday and Saturday Nights! Grocer y and Liquor Store hours: Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 5pm Café open daily f rom 9am - 4pm 11139 Highway 202 - Birkenfeld (503) 755-2722 James Dias Insurance Agency 2504 Sykes Road, P.O. Box 1077 St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-4259 Fax: 503-397-5557 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH April 12th Saturday HUNTING. CAMPING. FISHING. New & Used, Buy, Sell, Trade & Consignment (Lucky for you, SPORTY’S is just a short drive away!) SPORTY’S 275 West Columbia River Hwy Clastkanie, OR • 503-728-2712 Texas Hold 'Em Tournament AT the Buckhorn Restaurant Registration Tournamant play play starts starts at at 6pm 6pm Registration at at 5:30pm, 5:30pm, Tournamant 50% Local Charities. Charities. 50% of of fees go to Local $20 Re-buy In Available. Player Limit - Sign-up Now! Cash Card 35 Prize Payouts! To register register or or for more information To information contact: contact: George Tice Tice 429-3751 429-3751 or George or Aaron Aaron Miller Miller 429-6049. 429-6049. Presented by the Vernonia Lions Club