NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS March 23, 2026 City of Morenci 118 Orchard St Morenci, MI 49256 (517) 458-6828 On or about April 16, 2026, the City of Morenci will request the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to release CDBG funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. Program funds will be used to undertake a project known as the Home Improvement Partnership Program for the purpose of funding the minor rehabilitation of single-family, residential properties, owned and occupied by low and moderate income households within the City of Morenci. The program will be funded by a CDBG grant from MSHDA in the amount of $1,180,000. This program will preserve and enhance the city's existing housing stock by providing critical home rehab assistance to approved applicants with a focus on improving health and safety, addressing code violations, improving curb appeal, and increasing energy efficiency. The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. The Tier I broad assessment of the project area revealed no serious environmental adverse impacts for: Airport Hazards, Coastal Barrier Resources, Flood Insurance, Clean Air, Coastal Zone Management, Endangered Species, Explosive and Flammable Hazards, Farmlands Protection, Floodplain Management, Noise Abatement and Control, Sole Source Aquifers, Wetlands Protection, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Environmental Justic. Tier II site-specific environmental analyses will be conducted as project sites are identified and will include the following factors: Contamination and Toxic Substances and Historic Preservation. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at City of Morenci, 118 Orchard St, Morenci, MI 49256. The record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to City of Morenci, 118 Orchard St, Morenci, MI 49256. All comments received by March 30, 2026 will be considered prior to requesting a release of funds. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Morenci certifies to MSHDA that the City of Morenci and Jeff Bell in his/her capacity as Administrator/Clerk and 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. MSHDA's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Morenci to use HUD Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS MSHDA will accept objections to its release of funds and the Grantee'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 the Grantee; (b) the Certifying Officer 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 has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by MSHDA; 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 can be sent via email to mshda-cdbg@michigan.gov or through the mail, addressed to MSHDA - CDBG, 735 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912. Potential objectors should contact MSHDA to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Jeff Bell, Administrator/Clerk, Certifying Officer Grantee March 23 2026 LPET0478838