Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) 49 CFR Part 24

March 2005 A - 2 For Additional Information Contact an FHWA Division Realty Officer at -or- Mamie Smith-Fisher, HQ Contact for the new rule at URA resources

March 2005 A - 3 Training Objectives Identify what changed. Understand why the changes were made. Know how the changes affect operations.

March 2005 A - 4 Key Topics Purpose of the URA. Purpose and scope of the revision. Modifications or additions to provisions. Identification of opportunities. Implications of benefits.

March 2005 A - 5 Training Organization Introduction  Background.  Subpart A – General, § 24.2 Definitions.  Appendices A and B.  Scope of revision. Subpart B - Real Property Acquisition:  Valuation, appraisal, & appraisal review.  Acquisition.

March 2005 A - 6 Subpart C -- General Relocation. Subpart D – Moving Cost. Subpart E – Replacement Housing. Subpart F -- Mobile Homes. Summation. Training Organization (cont.)

March 2005 A - 7 URA - Purpose For acquisition:  Treat owners fairly and consistently.  Encourage acquisition by agreement.  Minimize litigation.  Promote confidence.

March 2005 A - 8 URA – Purpose (cont.) For displaced persons:  Treat individuals fairly, equitably, consistently.  Do not cause disproportionate injury. For Agencies:  Act efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.

March 2005 A - 9 URA Regulation Timeline The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 Pub. L Law Signed Federal Agencies issued their own rule Interim Rule Unified Rule Amended Amended Rule Updated Symposium

March 2005 A - 10 Current Update th Anniversary Symposium. Federal Interagency Task Force – 5 listening sessions NPRM on December 17:  775 Comments received to the docket.  2004 – 3 public meetings Final rule on January 4.

March 2005 A - 11 Effective Date Final rule published -- January 4, Rule effective -- February 3, State laws, regulations, guidance updated.

March 2005 A - 12 Intent of Rule Revisions Advance national program uniformity. Meet contemporary needs. Improve service to individuals and businesses. Reduce administrative burden. Make rule easier to understand.

March 2005 A - 13 Subpart A Changes General Updated references. Main changes were in § 24.2 – Definitions:  New title.  New numeric format. Acronyms added.

March 2005 A - 14 Subpart A Changes § 24.2(a) Definitions (11) Dwelling site. (14) Household income. (17) Mobile home. (33) Waiver Valuation.

March 2005 A - 15 Subpart A Changes § 24.2(a) Definitions (6) Comparable replacement dwelling. (8) Decent, safe, and sanitary. (15) Initiation of negotiation (ION). (23) Salvage value. (29) Unlawful occupant. (30) Utility costs.

March 2005 A - 16 Eligibility Conditions § 24.2(a)(9)(ii) Persons not displaced:  (D) Temporary relocation: In Appendix A, defined as less than 12 months. If more than 12 months, eligible displacees.  (K) Unlawful occupant: Advisory assistance can be provided.  (M) American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI).

March 2005 A - 17 Eligibility Conditions (Cont.) § Eviction for cause:  Language added in Appendix A.  Protects displaced persons legally evicted for project advancement.  Displaced persons still eligible for benefits.

March 2005 A - 18 Subpart B Changes Real Property Acquisition Waiver of appraisal. Appraisal requirements. Appraiser and review appraiser qualifications. Review appraiser responsibilities. Agency responsibilities:  Appraisal assignments.  Written offers.

March 2005 A - 19 Subpart C Changes General Relocation Requirements Relocation planning. Business interviews. Procedures. Relocated material. Language revisions.

March 2005 A - 20 Subpart D Changes Moving Cost & Related Expenses Material reorganized. List of eligible expenses expanded. Dwelling self move administration. Searching expense increased.

March 2005 A - 21 Subpart E Changes Replacement Housing Payments Low income calculation. Owner rental option. Comparable replacement housing. Less than 90-day tenants.

March 2005 A - 22 Subpart F Changes Mobile Homes New Definition. Reorganized. Eligibility Determination emphasized. Benefit options.

March 2005 A - 23 Subpart G Certification No substantive changes.

March 2005 A - 24 Appendices An extension of the rule. Appendix A:  New material.  Examples.  Revised for clarity. Appendix B:  Reporting form simplified.