NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) August 7, 2025 City of Columbia 1401 Main Street, 4th Floor Columbia, SC 29201 803-545-3373 REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS and FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT On or about August 25, 2025 the City of Columbia will submit a request to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project Funding (CPF), to undertake a project known as the Benedict College Band Facility for the purpose of the construction of a new, stand-alone Band Building located at the site of the existing Benedict College Football Stadium and adjacent to the existing practice field. The property consists of approximately 1.76 acres and is currently owned by Benedict College (no land acquisition is anticipated). The existing football Stadium site is located in Columbia, South Carolina bounded by Two Notch Road, Read Street, and Edgemore Avenue. The new band facility will be located adjacent to the stadium and share access off Read Street for access to the new parking lot and a loading dock. The site is on the upper ridge above the existing practice field, which will be utilized for band practice. The total funding estimate is $3,850,000.00. The activities proposed require a full environmental assessment as well as a determination of environmental impact confirmed by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 50.4, 58.5, 58.6 and 24 CFR 58.40(g)(2);40CFR 1508.27 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. Upon completion of the environmental review, there has been a Finding of No Significant Impact to the surrounding environment and community, based on the type of project construction. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the City of Columbia Community Development Department, 1401 Main Street, 4th Floor Columbia, SC 29201 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9 A.M to 4 P.M. Additionally, a copy of the ERR can be obtained by emailing Dollie Herron, Community Development Administrator at dollie.herron@columbiasc.gov. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Columbia Community Development Department, 1401 Main Street, 4th Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 or by emailing Dollie Herron, Community Development Administrator at dollie.herron@columbiasc.gov. All comments received by August 22, 2025 will be considered by the City of Columbia prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The City of Columbia certifies to HUD that Ms. Teresa Wilson in her capacity as City Manager 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 State's approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Columbia to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of Columbia'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 Columbia; (b) the City of Columbia 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 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. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD Columbia Office at CPD_COVID-19OEE-CSC@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD via email to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager City of Columbia, South Carolina IPL0261018 Aug 7 2025