jo ann dent environmental officer community development block grant program
TRANSCRIPT
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
[email protected] 573/526-4196