Community News

July 27, 2022 

Michael Bush, Housing Director, Penobscot Indian Nation 

12 Wabanaki Way 

Indian Island, ME 04468 

207-817-7372 

On or about August 5, 2022, Penobscot Indian Nation will submit a request to the HUD Office of Native American Programs for the release of Indian Housing Block Grant funds under Title 1 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996, as amended, (25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.) (NAHASDA) to undertake a project known as Penobscot Indian Nation Indian Housing Block Grant for the purpose of improving Tribal housing stock, supporting emergency repair and modernization of qualified Tribal citizen owned housing, rental assistance, down payment assistance, and community outreach.  The Penobscot Indian Nation will deploy $1,343,683 to make improvements on Indian Island and Tribal citizen properties in Penobscot County, Maine. These funds were recently awarded, and are used to support the Tribe’s annual program to support various housing activities.   

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under 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 this project is on file at Penobscot Nation Housing Department office where the ERR can be examined, reviewed, and/or copied.  The location of the Housing Department office is 1 Nohkomess Street, Indian Island, ME 04468.  Office hours are 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M. Monday to Fridays.  

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Penobscot Nation Housing Department – 1 Nohkomess Street, Indian Island, ME 04468.  All comments received by August 4, 2022; will be considered by Michael Bush, Housing Director, prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION 

The Penobscot Indian Nation certifies to HUD that Michael Bush in his capacity as Housing Director 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 Office of Native American Programs approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Indian Housing Block Grant to use Program funds. 

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS 

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Penobscot Nation’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 Penobscot Nation; (b) the Penobscot Nation 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’s Office of Native American Programs at Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Room 2404, Chicago, IL 60604.  Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. 

Michael Bush, Housing Director