NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS March 19, 2026 City of Ashland 206 Claremont Avenue Ashland, OH 44805 419-289-8331 To All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals: On or about, but not before, March 26, 2026, the City of Ashland will submit a request to the State of Ohio for the release of Federal funds under Section 104 (g) of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; Section 288 of Title II of the Cranston Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), as amended; and/or Title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, as amended; to be used for the following project(s): Project Name: Lincoln Park Improvements Source of Federal Funds: Community Development Block Grant Project Description: Installation of playground equipment, benches and trash cans Single Year Project City of Ashland $200,000.00 The activities proposed are categorically excluded under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for the project is on file at Engineering Division, 206 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 AM to 4 PM. The ERR may also be provided upon request electronically via email. Please submit your request by U.S. mail to Engineering Division, 206 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805 or by email to kremser.shane@ashland-ohio.com. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Ashland by U.S. mail or email at the addresses above. All comments received before March 26, 2026 will be considered by the City of Ashland prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Ashland certifies to the State of Ohio that Matt Miller in his capacity as Mayor 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. The State of Ohio's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Ashland to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS The State of Ohio will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Ashland'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 City of Ashland; (b) the City of Ashland 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 the State of Ohio; 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 Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Development at OCD@development.ohio.gov. Potential objectors should contact the State of Ohio to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Matt Miller Mayor, City of Ashland March 19 2026 LWOO0481494