TOWN OF WEBSTER

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST THE RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI/RROF)

January 5, 2026

Town of Webster

350 Main Street

Webster, Massachusetts 01570

Telephone: (508) 949-3800

This notice shall satisfy the procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Webster.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

To all interested agencies, groups and persons:

On or about January 16, 2026, the Town of Webster will submit a request to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383), as amended, to undertake a project known as: FY 2025 Webster Mini-Entitlement Grant – Aldrich Street Reconstruction Phase 1:

Aldrich Street Reconstruction

Webster proposes to use the funds from its prospective FY 2025 Mini-Entitlement Plan grant for a single public improvements project: the first of a two-phase reconstruction of Aldrich Street. The Phase 1 project will entail the full-depth reconstruction of Aldrich Street, construction of sidewalks on one side, installation of granite curbing on both sides, and selective replacement of obsolete water services. Phase 2, planned for construction in 2027 via FY 2026 CDBG grant funds, will be of similar scope, but will also include the replacement of approximately 560 linear feet of water main. The total length of the street is approximately 1,630 feet; Phase 1 will reconstruct approximate 1,070 linear feet of the total. Each phase can stand alone; Phase 1 is not dependent on completing Phase 2. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to occur in 2026.

Total Estimated Grant: $850,000 from CDBG funds

Location: Webster, Worcester County, Massachusetts

FINDING: CATEGORICALY EXCLUDED

The Town of Webster has determined that the activity is a categorically excluded activity under HD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.

The Environmental Review Record that documents the environmental determination for this project is on file at the offices of the grantee, Town of Webster, Town Administrator’s Office,

350 Main Street, Webster, Massachusetts 01570 and is available for public examination and copying upon request at this office or the Office of Community Development (same address) in Webster during regular business hours which are Monday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Richard LaFond, Environmental Certifying Officer, Town of Webster. All comments received by January 16, 2026, will be considered by the Town of Webster prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Town of Webster will undertake the project described above with Block Grant Funds from EOHLC under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Town of Webster certifies to EOHLC that the Town of Webster and Richard LaFond, in his official capacity as Environmental Certifying Officer for the Town of Webster, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process, decision making and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The State’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Webster to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

EOHLC will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town of Webster’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 Town of Webster; (b) The Town of Webster 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; (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.

The only bases upon which EOHLC will disapprove the RROF and certification are set forth above. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76), and shall be addressed to the EOHLC, Division of Community Services, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114. Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by EOHLC. Potential objectors should contact EOHLC to verify the actual last day of the objection period. No objections received after fifteen days from receipt of the community’s Request for Release of Funds and Certification will be considered by EOHLC.

Richard LaFond, Town Administrator

Environmental Certifying Officer

Town of Webster, Massachusetts