Jo Ann Dent Environmental 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

 Accountability o 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! Jo Ann Dent CDBG Environmental Officer MO Department of Economic Development 573/