Route 443 Bridge over Schuylkill River

September 16, 2024

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0

1002 Hamilton Street 

Allentown, PA 18101

610-871-4106

On or about September 27, 2024 the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will authorize the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Project funds under the Explanatory Statement for Division L of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103, approved March 9, 2022) to undertake a project known as Columbia Street Arch Bridge for the purpose of replacement of the SR 0443 bridge over the Schuylkill River in Schuylkill Haven Borough, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania at an estimated cost of $4.3 million.

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0, 1002 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M. is can also be accessed here: https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews   

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0, Attn: Laura Montgomery or via email at c-lmontgom@pa.gov. All comments received by September 27, 2024 will be considered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0 prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0 certifies to HUD that Christopher Kufro, PE in his capacity as District Executive 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 Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0’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 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0; (b) the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0  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, Philadelphia Regional Office, The Strawberry Building, 801 Market Street, 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or  CPDRROFPHI@hud.gov.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Christopher Kufro, PE, District Executive

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Engineering District 5-0​​