LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- On or about April 27, 2026, the City of LaFollette will submit a request to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for the release of Block Grant Funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as the City of LaFollette Community Infrastructure Project, for the purpose of making improvements to the drainage system along W. Beech Street and S. Tennessee Avenue, at an estimated $913,500, in the City of LaFollette, Campbell County, TN. 

CONCURRENT NOTICE

Notice of finding of no significant impact

and
notice of intent to request release of funds

April 9, 2026

City of LaFollette

207 South Tennessee Avenue

LaFollette, Tennessee 37766

(423) 563-0703

This notice satisfies two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of LaFollette.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about April 27, 2026, the City of LaFollette will submit a request to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for the release of Block Grant Funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to undertake a project known as the City of LaFollette Community Infrastructure Project, for the purpose of making improvements to the drainage system along W. Beech Street and S. Tennessee Avenue, at an estimated $913,500, in the City of LaFollette, Campbell County, TN. 

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City of LaFollette has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) file at City Hall, 207 South Tennessee Avenue, LaFollette, TN 37766 and may be examined or copied on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of LaFollette, 207 South Tennessee Avenue, LaFollette, TN 37766. All comments received by April 24, 2026, will be considered by the City of LaFollette prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of LaFollette certifies to the Tennessee Department Economic and Community Development that Scott Kitts, 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 Tennessee Department of Economic and Community’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of LaFollette to use program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of LaFollette 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 basis: (a)         The certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of LaFollette;  (b) the City of LaFollette 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 Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; 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 the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Community and Rural Development, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 27^th Floor, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1102. Potential objectors should contact Community and Rural Development to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Scott Kitts

Mayor

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 4/9/2026-6AM-PAID)