FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield on or about Nov. 3 will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds for the purpose of providing approximately 75 affordable housing rental units through acquisition and new construction of one to four units over the next five years within Springfield’s Comprehensive Housing Assistance boundary.
The approximate total cost for the projects is $12 million. These projects will principally benefit low/moderate income persons and families by providing low-interest loans low interest loans for rental housing (1-4 units).
The Tier I environmental review record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for the project area is available to the public for review. If you have questions, please contact Associate Planner David Fraley at 417-864-1190 or [email protected].
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to [email protected]. All comments received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 will be considered by the City of Springfield prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
“All programs that receive federal funding must undergo an environmental review,” Fraley said. “HUD allows the City of Springfield to complete these environmental reviews in relevant groupings, such as home rehabilitation, and in advance of actual funding and HUD approval. This is why the review described covers a five-year time frame and lists anticipated project numbers and amounts. Basically, the ERR certifies that the City will review each project as it relates to the National Environmental Protection Act and other authorities. This certification is a requirement before HUD will issue grant funds to the City.”
Site-specific (Tier II) environmental reviews will be completed for each home rehabilitation project when property addresses become known. Tier II reviews cover:
- airport hazards;
- flood insurance;
- contamination and toxic substances;
- endangered species;
- explosive and flammable hazards;
- floodplain management;
- historic preservation;
- noise abatement and control;
- wetlands protection;
- environmental justice.
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For more information, please contact Associate Planner David Fraley at 417-864-1190. Media are asked to contact Melissa Haase, 417-864-1003 or [email protected].