Jo Ann Dent Environmental Officer Community Development Block Grant Program

Jo Ann DentEnvironmental Officer

Community Development Block Grant Program

Challenges◦ Project timing◦ Busy schedules◦ Perspectives & attitudes◦ Lack of communication◦ Complex projects◦ Multiple parties to a project◦ Multiple funding sources◦ Political pressures

Accountabilityo Assumption Authority • RE - responsibility for environmental review, decision-

making, & action [58.4(a)]• State – Assumes the role of HUD in the approval

process [58.4(a)(2)]

An environmental review is successful if: “Project” is clearly defined Review is concise and organized Review is timely Clear accountability Monitoring occurs throughout the life of the project Compliance w/ applicable laws & authorities clearly

documented No findings

Missouri’s approach:◦ Full-time ER/project development staff person

◦ Up-front monitoring to minimize risk of non-compliance later

◦ Clear, detailed guidance materials

◦ Internal checklists

◦ Forms Tailored to rural REs for meeting Federal, State, & local

requirements Q&A – Takes out the guesswork Created in partnership w/ environmental agencies

Missouri’s approach, continued:◦ Training

Staff, REs, preparers, engineers, architects, non-profits, developers

Annual, regional, 1-on-1, webinars Adapted to needs of preparers – ER database

reports Upfront survey of training interests & needs Focus groups RE (preparer) best practice presentations

Missouri’s approach, continued:◦ Environmental agencies & Tribes

Get to know them Find your go-to person Show respect – Move beyond us vs. them

mentality Relay your pressures Relay the REs’ pressures Understand their pressures Enlist their help Training assistance Set an example for REs

Initial Review◦ Statutory Checklist or Environmental Assessment◦ CDBG funding application◦ Other agency funding applications◦ Preliminary Engineering/Architectural Report◦ Other environmental documents:

ASTM Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments Geotechnical reports Architectural/archaeological surveys Other agency environmental reports Any other relevant documentation

Ongoing Monitoring◦ Conditions for environmental approval◦ Amendments to the ERR◦ Tier II reviews

Attend HUD ER trainings Attend free trainings & webinars by

environmental agencies Attend other State’s environmental trainings Ask colleagues/counterparts for help Ask REs and preparers for their input It’s a work in progress!

Thank you!Thank you!Jo Ann Dent

CDBG Environmental OfficerMO Department of Economic Development

Joann.dent@ded.mo.gov 573/526-4196