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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: S S FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: Donated Historical Materials Collection/Office of Origin: Frieden, Lex, Collection Series: Printed Materials Subseries: Reference Materials OA/ID Number: 52142 Folder ID Number: 52142-010 Folder Title: Grant Possibilities [1978-1979] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: CITY COUNCILMEN LARRY MCKASKLE City of JUDSON ROBINSON, JR. LOUIS MACEY HOMER L. FORD FRANK O. MANCUSO HOUSTON JIM WESTMORELAND FRANK E. MANN JOHNNY GOYEN JIM McCONN, MAYOR CONTROLLER HOUSTON, TEXAS 77001 KATHRYN J. WHITMIRE EDWIN R. BECNEL, Director Community Development Lex Frieden September 11, 1979 9667 Meadowvale Houston, TX 77063 Dear Lex: Attached is a copy of two pages from the 1978 Catalog of Domestic Assistance describing a program that may be of help to the Center for the Handicapped. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me. I hope your trip to Washington, D.C., is a successful one. Jim Echert, CD Planner Jim Community Development Ectit Division 1125 Brazos, Fourth Floor Houston, TX 77002 coolition for barrier free living post office box 20803 houston, texas 77025 cbl November 2, 1979 MEMO TO: Edwin Becnel FROM: Lex Frieden I would like to reiterate the report from our planning committee which I gave you over the telephone on October 11, 1979. 1. The Committee has agreed to endorse, with the following contingencies, the expenditure of CD funds reserved for Center activities to purchase approximately 6.2 acres of land near downtown Houston known as the Parke-estate. 2. Based on information provided by architects at Rice University, the Committee feels it is necessary to insure that at least 2.5 - 3 acres of this site be reserved for construction of the Center. 3. The Committee believes that this reservation should be clearly stated in the land purchase agreement and associated ordinances or documents. 4. The Committee desires assurance and documentation via written communication and public announcement that the City is committed to building the Center and promises to provide at least $2 million (in addition to that already allocated) within the next twelve months for actual construction of the facility. telephone: 526 - 1651 d n d City hopes land 45 e e buy will save Allen Parkway d federal funds Genesee Saulnier Louisiana S. Helena (From Page 1) IC ne a four-step process to acquire the land, with the first being council's Thursday vote to serve notice to property owners. Helena II- During the meeting next week, Houston West Gray st will give HUD "down to the penny figures Is and present any contingency plans or mitigating circumstances" why it should Bagby S- t- not forfeit any money, Alexander said. He said Houston had talked about the Main Bush Library Photocopy r Fourth Ward land acquisition on several N Preservation e occasions, terming it a contingency d project. The city hadn't intended to begin work Chronicle Newsgr aphic 1 on the acquisition until late next summer, f he continued, and if the purchase goes The city of Houston is planning h through, "it will be remarkably quick to purchase 6.8 acres just west implementation. However, construction would not likely of downtown at Bagby and Hele- S begin for quite some time, Alexander na for a park and handicapped said. center. e Under guidelines set earlier this year, e an action HUD took in light of the city's n slow community development progress and its approximate $95 million credit, l Houston was told to spend $8.7 million d every four months SO this year's appropri- ation of $26 million would not end up sit- 0 ting in accounts as in previous years. All community development money is m to be spent within 23 targeted areas in the city. ) Alexander said some city officials now are asking HUD to disregard the Nov. 28 deadline and go "double or nothing" when the March deadline rolls around. They are saying several multimillion- dollar contracts will be let by spring and U.S. funds "substantial sum" as Mayor Jim McConn There is "no possibility" his office will construction begun for drainage, water recommend that Houston keep any money remaining after the purchase, Alexander emphasized. Only HUD Secretary Moon Landrieu could overrule Alexander's of- An environmental impact statement on the proposed park site in the Fourth Ward has already been completed, and the re- quired 15-day public notice period has and sewer improvements, therefore show- is hinting. passed, Alexander said. Now. he said, the city must go through ing large expenditures of the necessary (See CITY, Page 8) $17.4 million for the two separate four- fice. month judging periods, Alexander ex- plained. Of the $3.3 million left unspent by the Nov. 28 deadline, $3.1 million remained for capital improvements, $104,000 for housing rehabilitation loans and $175,000 for rehabilitation grants. Instead of spending about $2.2 million monthly to meet its expenditure quotas, Houston has spent only about $1,371,000 monthly, Alexander said. Houston's poor performance has not just been noticed by HUD officials. Citizen commissioners elected to help "It's a moral outrage," Dale Gorc- zynski, city councilman-elect and com- the Heights, said. "It's heartbreaking to City plans fast land purchase to save der said, the department could consider it a legitimate expenditure and consequent- ly reduce the amount of money threat- Under the deadline mandate, he said, the planned acquisition does not legally qualify but an exception could be made. "We (at HUD) do not idly impose condi- plan community development improve- tions unless we plan to effectuate them," he said. "We've given the city four years" to make progress in its community devel- opment program, progress not quickly forthcoming even this year, he added. Alexander expects the land purchase to cost $1 million to $2 million and not such a ments have reactly harshly. ened. munity development commissioner from be returning money when the needs of the community are SO great." But, he said, "I'm not surprised. The city's community development staff has demonstrated a lack of urgency during my association with the program. 'They' been very slow in implement- ing neighborhood improvements and have resisted repeated suggestions from the neighborhood people and the elected com- missioners." Larry Ybarra, the commissioner from City officials say the purchase could the Magnolia subdivision, said there is run very close to the approximate $3.3 million remaining from about $8.7 million in federal money the city was to have spent by Wednesday. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, which administers the community development program, had imposed the Wednesday cut-off date, but Jim Alexander, a regional HUD official, said Thursday the planned land acquisi- tion still could qualify for the deadline. If city officials convince HUD at a meeting next week that the purchase can be completed by mid-December, Alexan- bad planning and management within the city's community development office and in its cooperation efforts with other city departments. "There's no problem in coming out with projects or ideas on how to spend the money, he said, "The problem is getting the structure (city officials) to take the money and get the projects done." J.S. Gray, commissioner for the Stude- n wood area, said he once had "high hopes" and "a lot faith," but that now he's con- fused and unable to understand the problems in spending the community st development money. of "We ve had very little done in our com- er munity,' he said, "and it's SO badly need- ed." BY SUSAN LEVINE Chronicle Staff The city of Houston is planning a rapid multimillion-dollar land acquisition for a park and handicapped center just west of downtown in hopes of salvaging about $3.3 million in federal community develop- City Council on Thursday authorized the city Real Estate Department to pur- chase about 6 acres at Bagby and Helena within a few weeks. The property current- ly is an unimproved vacant tract with on ment funds. some trees on it. / whites - 2yr. made plan for plog got drowings for Sity Jes, M mil. for Ct, got land (priate funds want grant us City of mgg ) (speds flex) need to demon support of psw fector of & capability of org. need full time Imp. to: & plan of Coor. service program weg add funds Little Roch nov 26-28 Ansti "24- 30 CBFL - Coalition for Barrier Free Living P.O. Box 20803 Houston, Texas 77025 713-654-1207 MEMO TO: Edwin Bechnel, Director Community Development Program FROM: Lex Frieden, Chairman LF Handicapped Center Planning Committee DATE: December 4, 1979 SUBJ: Acquisition of Land for the Center for the Handicapped Please be advised that it is and always has been the intent and understanding of the Center planning committee that a portion of the Community Development fund appropriated for the Center for the Handicapped might be used to acquire land for the Center. Both the original proposal and the updated fact sheet on the Center refer to land space require- ments. It is true that some consideration has been given to the possibility that either the City or some private organization might donate land to be used for the Center. However, there has been no such offer to date and research by our site plan- ning committee done earlier this year indicated that none should be expected. Thus, it would seem necessary to expend a portion of the funds allocated for the Center to purchase land on which to build it. Obviously, the Committee would prefer to spend as small amount of money as possible on the acquisition of land for the Center in order to conserve as much money as possible for construction of the facility itself. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide further infor- mation related to work done by our committee. Carter Decisions 1) agree to use 3 mil On Fasker Parts ($12/2) and have Center there + 2 mil neft year for bldg. P ? request purchase of Rams Chil @ $ 60Q000 of rest of block (20,000 4g 8'@70) plus perhaps the other blocks 42,000 + @7.50. $750,000 +$ 315,000 3 hold out for other possibilities Risks W w # 1 : may werer get the other Z mil. W #2: : may not Pass Comical soon enough may not be repearable W#3: may ignore us of do / anyway LEGEND RECREATIONAL FEATURES FEATURE EXISTING PROPOSED DAVID D. TERRY LAKE ROADS PAVED POOL EL. 231 GRAVEL EXISTING GRAVEL :0 BE PAVED --Courlesy Pier Public Launching Area EXISTING DIRT 10 BC GRAVELED REST ROOMS VAULT TYPE. MASONRY FLOW 230 REST POOMS.TO BE CONVERTED TO WATER BORNE ARKANSAS RIVER REST ROOMS VAULT TYPE. WOODEN REST ROOMS WATER BORNE TRAILER MARINE SANITARY STATION + WELL Sand Deposit BASIN WELL WITH SHELTER $ WATER HYDRANT Farking|Area 230 Courtesy Pier Parking Area DRINKING FOUNTAIN Parking,Area Public Launching Area. Sand Deposit DRINKING FOUNTAIN WITH SHELTER $ S 3 BOAT RAMP 12' PICNIC SHELTER or PS CHANGE HOUSE CH CM 12 Ficnic Lasts CAMPERS WASH HOUSE CWM CW4 OTHER BUILDINGS NAMED PG PICNIC SPACE a WB 23 Units ABLE FIREPLACE OR CHARCOAL UNIT REFUSE CAN with TABLE SHELTER $ ELECTRICAL BIKE TRAIL SUBSTATION (PRIVATE) ACTIVITY COURSE EXISTING ACTIVITY STATIONS * BICYLE TRAIL LEASE LIMITS ARKANSAS RIVER WATERSHED ARKANSAS RIVER. ARKANSAS Murray Park UPDATED MASTER RECREATION PLAN ARKANSAS RIVER MURRAY DAM SITE PARK Barrier- 0 Free Activity Course SHEET 2 OF 2 SCALE OF FEET 200 0 200 400 U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, LITTLE ROCK LITTLE ROCK. ARKANSAS. DECEMBER 1975 DESIGNED BY: DON. CHAMBERS, MEHLBURGER ENGINEERS, INC. OCTOBER 1979 PI ATF 25A Lex Frieden WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 PART III ARCHIVES OF THE NATIONAL THE STATES UNITED 1934 Relavant DEPARTMENT OF sections HOUSING / starred AND URBAN 570.204 DEVELOPMENT 570.201 (3) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS Eligible Activities AL MAYS 8434 RULES AND REGULATIONS [4210-01] this subpart and other specific re- Paragraph (f)(2) establishes a gener Title 24-Housing and Urban Development quirements for each type of applicant al rule that no special assessments contained in Subparts D. E. F. or G may be levied which would recover CHAPTER V-OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SEC- are met. The paragraph is not intend- RETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ed to replace or modify those require- any costs of a public improvement pro- DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ments, but to direct attention to the vided with block grant funds. Charg- AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT fact that there are other requirements ing low- and moderate-income persons that must also be met. for improvements provided with block [Docket No. R-78-471] grant funds is contrary to the basic URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACTION GRANT purposes of the program. PART 570-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The eligibility of activities under the The paragraph does provide that BLOCK GRANTS Urban Development Action Grant HUD may grant applicants exceptions Subpart C-Ellgible Activities (UDAG) program has been changed in to the general rule to permit special AGENCY: Department of Housing paragraph (b) of 570.200 in accor- assessments to be levied against prop- and Urban Development. dance with several comments. First, It erties as a means of leveraging private ACTION: Final rulemaking. has been made clear that UDAG funds investment to implement strategies for may be used for new housing construc- economic development or neighbor. SUMMARY: HUD is issuing final rules tion. Secondly, the rules governing in- hood revitalization so long as no spe- on Subpart C of the regulations gov- eligible activities set forth in § 570.207 cial assessments are levied against erning eligible activities for the com- do apply to the UDAG program. When properties owned and occupied by low- munity development block grant pro- HUD exercises the special authority and moderate-income persons and any gram under Title I of the Housing and set forth in § 570.453 which permits a block grant funds which are recovered Community Development Act of 1974, finding that activities are consistent are treated as program income. as amended. Rules governing the eligi- with the statutory objectives for Paragraph (f)(3) indicates that bility of activities have been revised UDAG, this special authority is not where eligible public improvements for clarity and to incorporate new ac- limited by 570.207 and activities are provided from local revenue tivities authorized by Title I of the which might normally be deemed in- sources which will be reimbursed Housing and Community Development eligible for block grant funding may through special assessments, block Act of 1977. nonetheless be authorized by HUD. grant funds may be used to pay the EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 1978. special assessments in behalf of low- MODEL CITIES ACTIVITIES and moderate-income property FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: In response to several questions owners. In order for special assess- raised by the comments, paragraph (c) ments to be paid with block grant William Hammer, Program Stan- of § 570.200 has been revised to Indi- funds, the public improvements must dards Division, Office of Community cate that once the special authority be identified in the Community Devel- Planning and Development, Depart- for previous model cities activities has opment Program, and have been initi- ment of Housing and Urban Devel- expired, old model cities activities ated on or after the effective date of opment, Washington, D.C. 20410, must then meet the regular eligibility these regulations. Applicants which 202-755-6304. requirements of Subpart C in order to propose to pay special assessments SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: be eligible to continue to receive block with block grant funds must carry out On October 25, 1977 (42 FR 56540) grant funds. the appropriate environmental reviews proposed revisions to Subpart C were and clearances for the public improve- ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF AN APPLICANT'S published in the FEDERAL REGISTER for ment under 24 CFR Part 58. BOUNDARIES public comment. Interested parties were given until November 25, 1977, to Several comments requested clarifi- CONSULTANT ACTIVITIES submit written comments. All com- cation of the provisions governing the Paragraph (g) of § 570.200 regarding ments received with respect to the use of block grant funds outside of an consultant fees received a great deal of proposed rules governing eligible ac- applicant's boundaries. The general comment. The limitation on consul- tivities in Subpart C were given due rule is that the undertaking of an ac- tant fees was prescribed by statute in consideration. As a result of the com- tivity by an applicant outside of its section 409 of Department of Housing ments received, the following changes boundaries is permissible so long as it and Urban Development Independent were made: is not plainly inappropriate to meeting Agencies Appropriation Act, 1978 the applicant's identified needs or in- GENERAL POLICIES (Pub. 95-119). Therefore, there is no consistent with State or local law. alternative to the GS-18 limitation on Based upon several suggestions con- SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS compensation of consultants which is tained in comments on the proposed required by statute. The current rate regulations, a number of changes were There were a number of comments of compensation under Federal law for made to the general policies governing directed at the issue of special assess- a GS-18 is $47,500 per year, with a eligible activities. ments under the block grant program. daily rate calculated to be $182.68. Paragraph (a) of § 570.200 was re- Section 570.206(h) of the proposed Any contract with a consultant shall vised to indicate that activities must regulations has been deleted and a provide that each person acting as a comply. with the general purposes of new paragraph (f) of I 570.200 has consultant or employed by a consult- the block grant program and program been added regarding special assess- ing firm shall not be compensated at requirements as they apply specifical- ments. more than a reasonable rate which ly for entitlement applicants in Sub- A new paragraph (f)(1) contains a may not exceed the statutory maxi- part D, applicants under the Secre- definition of "special assessments" mum. Further, contracts for such ser- tary's Fund in Subpart E, Small City which makes clear that the term is di- applicants in Subpart F. or Urban De- vices shall specify that the amounts of rected toward fees charged for the velopment Action Grant applicants in compensation and payments to a con- capital cost of installation of public Subpart G. The principal purpose of sultant shall be subject to adjustment Improvements and is not related to this paragraph is to serve as a remind- where monitoring reviews or audits in- property taxation or determination of er that activities may be funded only dicate that personal services were com- property values for the purposes of where the eligibility requirements of pensated at greater than a reasonable taxation. rate. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8435 TRANSITION POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR purposes which is acquisition of land are also eligible for block grant fund- 1978 for development of low- and moderate- Ing. A number of activities contained in income housing. Solid waste disposal facilities must Subpart C contain. as a part of their There were a number of comments serve areas where activities included in requirements for eligibility, a relation- regarding the example contained in the Community Development Pro- ship to the strategy statements. Other paragraph (a)(5). This example was in- gram are being carried out, such as activities are to be located in or serve a tended as only one among many legiti- neighborhood strategy areas. Para- Neighborhood Strategy Area (NSA), mate public purposes for which block graph (c)(5)(i) implements this re- which is the term now used instead of grant funds may be used and HUD has quirement. The reference to being lo- Comprehensive Neighborhood Revital- decided to retain the example. Central cated in such an area should not be ization Area described in Subpart D of cities might decide to acquire existing taken as encouragement for the loca- the proposed regulations. housing within their jurisdictions or tion of solid waste facilities In residen- Since many applications will be re- outside at their own discretion, pursu- tial neighborhoods. ceived prior to the effective date of ant to State and local law, as means to that subpart, paragraph (h)(1) of implement strategies for spatial decon- FIRE PROTECTION AND PARKING 570.200 sets forth an interim policy centration. This example was cited for FACILITIES to enable applicants to undertake illustrative purposes in response to Paragraphs (c) (6) and (7) of these activities prior to the submission questions about such undertakings 570.201 have been changed pursuant of the three year strategy statements. which have arisen several times in the to comments to provide that such fa- Applicants desiring to carry out past. HUD wished to clarify that funds cilities must be located in or serve these activities during fiscal year 1978 may be used in this manner. Appli- areas where activities listed in the shall submit a brief narrative interim cants have full discretion to decide policy description. This will include Community Development Program are whether to employ such a mechanism for each proposed activity requiring a being carried out, such as Neighbor- and to formulate appropriate means relationship to a strategy statement, a hood Strategy Areas. for such an undertaking with adjoin- brief description of the activity, the ing jurisdictions. STREET IMPROVEMENTS needs and conditions that the activity is designed to address, and how the ac- NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES Several comments suggested that tivity will impact on those needs and curbs, gutters, and sidewalks be men- conditions. Paragraph (c)(4) has been revised as tioned specifically. Paragraph (c)(9) of Paragraph (h)(2) sets forth provi- a result of comments to delete the ref- § 570.201 has been changed according- sions for designation of interim NSA's. erence to a specific 51 percent require- ly. HUD agreed with the comments that ment. The 51 percent rule was per- the definition of Comprehensive celved to imply that some form of RECREATION FACILITIES Neighborhood Revitalization Area quantitative measurement would be necessary. This was not Intended and Several comments questioned contained In the proposed rules was the requirement has been deleted. whether any spectator facilities could too stringently defined and will use Neighborhood facilities shall be pri- be provided as an incidental part of re- the term "Neighborhood Strategy creation facilities authorized by para- Area (NSA)" in lieu of Comprehensive marily designed to meet the needs of Neighborhood Revitalization Area. neighborhood residents. This does not graph (c)(2) of § 570.201, which is sub- NSA is more broadly defined than the preclude Incidental use of neighbor- stantially identical to the rule in effect previous term. For example, the three hood facilities by non-residents. for the past three years. It would cer- Paragraph (c)(4)(1) has been tainly be permissible to provide limit- to five year limit on substantially meeting the needs of the area is no changed to indicate that a neighbor- ed seating space for spectators at rec- longer used. As it is now defined, the hood facility may serve an area locally reational facilities. For example, some term also provides greater flexibility designated as a neighborhood. limited seating facilities at a softball and is applicable to varied local condi- Paragraph (c)(4)(ii) has been revised field which are incidental to the pri- tions. If the applicant concentrates to include small cities of 25,000 popu- mary use for persons to participate physical development activities in a lation or under as the equivalent of a would be permissible, whereas a facili- given area in a manner consistent with neighborhood. The increase from ty with seating accommodations for the statutory requirements for public 10,000 to 25,000 population has corre- several hundred or more persons to services described in § 570.201(e), the spondingly been revised in watch competitive sports such as high area should meet the revised defini- 570.207(a)(2)(i). school football is more properly con- tion for an NSA. Upon the issuance of sidered an ineligible spectator facility. final regulations governing Subpart D, SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND the preamble will further describe There were a number of comments IMPROVEMENTS these changes. regarding solid waste disposal facili- The paragraph further describes the ties. The facilities eligible for assis- Paragraph (c)(14) of § 570.201 pro- interim NSA designation that may be tance quite simply do not include the vides that public facilities and im- used during fiscal year 1978 prior to use of block grant funds for the Initial provements other than those listed in the adoption of final rules governing collection of solid waste. Items such as $ 570.201(c) may be assisted where Subpart D. The interim NSA's are des- garbage collection trucks and trash they are necessary and appropriate to ignated by the applicant. A brief nar- collection receptacles are not eligible. implement an applicant's strategy for rative description of the applicant's Similarly, using block grant funds to neighborhood revitalization or hous- plans for activities in the NSA should provide solid waste collection services ing. General municipal buildings be included. under this paragraph is not eligible. which are described as ineligible in ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY Paragraph (c)(5)(ii) accordingly re- 570.207(a)(1) will not be authorized. flects that initial collection of solid Applicants must submit to HUD a de- In response to one comment, para- waste is not eligible. scription of the proposed facility or graph (a) of 570.201 has been Sites, fixtures, and equipment used improvement and its relationship to changed to make clear that rights-of- after the final collection process are the applicant's strategy. In authoriz- way and easements may be purchased eligible. This may include incinerators ing activities under this provision with block grant funds. or sanitary land fills and their appur- HUD will consider the amount of Paragraph (a)(5) includes a second tenances. Similarly, intermediate benefit to low- and moderate-income example of acquisition for other public transfer sites, fixtures, and equipment persons which results, the degree of FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8436 RULES AND REGULATIONS impact on the identified needs of the vided in an area for four years when applicant. and the availability of other Paragraph (f)(1) describes these ac- the required concentration of block Federal funds for the activity. tivities. These include the collection of grant assisted physical development PUBLIC SERVICES activities was present and be contin- garbage. trash, and debris as part of ued for three more years after the neighborhood clean up compaigns. Quite a number of comments were physical development activities were However, the regular collection of gar- received regarding public services. The complete. bage or trash in an area at curb side Paragraph (e)(2) has been revised to would be considered a normal munici- statutory requirements governing ser- vices are very specific and HUD is delete the requirement that two-thirds pal service and is not eligible for assis- tance. limited by those requirements. Para- of the persons receiving a public ser- graph (e) of § 570.201 has been revised vice be neighborhood residents. This Paragraph (f)(2) discusses the pursuant to comments as follows: requirement was confused with the second type of interim assistance ac- First, the introductory paragraph in- proposals In Subpart D as proposed re- tivity which is directed toward the al- dicates that a service must meet five lating to program benefit and could re- leviation of imminent threats to public criteria to be eligible for funding. quire quantitative measurement not health and safety. The chief executive Paragraph (e)(1) has been changed contemplated by the statute. Services officer of an applicant may determine to delete the word "must" which con- must be designed to serve area resi- that an Imminent threat to public veyed the impression that services are dents, but may also serve other resi- health and safety exists in an area and required to be provided. Rather, the dents on an incidental basis. shall inform the appropriate HUD provision of eligible services is at the Some of the comments demonstrat- Area Office within seven days of the option of the applicant, but can be ed confusion regarding the relation- determination. Imminent threats to provided in a Neighborhood Strategy ships to State, local and Federal fund- the public health and safety are de- Area where there is the required con- ing sources. Paragraph (e)(3) has been scribed in greater detail in Subpart F. centration of block grant funded com- revised to refer to local revenue Three types of activities may be un- munity development activities. sources. A service must be a quantifi- dertaken as interim assistance in areas The proposed rule stated-that public able increase over the level of service where an imminent threat is present. services must be provided for residents provided in the previous twelve These include the repair of private of Comprehensive Neighborhood Revi- months from the revenue sources of property, the repair of public facilities talization or similar areas. Analysis of the applicant or from State funding and improvements, and the removal of the comments showed two major areas sources. The statute did not include trash, debris, and unsafe structures. of concern. Many comments indicated Federal sources and neither does this REMOVAL OF ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS that public services should be permit- regulation. Rather, Federal sources ted anywhere in the locality so long as must be determined not to be available Several comments requested further the services benefitted low- and mod- at the time of funding pursuant to clarification of the term "privately erate-income persons. Others felt the paragraph (e)(4). An otherwise eligible owned" as it relates in paragraph (k) definition of Comprehensive Neigh- service provided from block grant of § 570.201 to the removal of architec- borhood Revitalization Areas was too funds may also be continued at the tural barriers. The term is quite literal restrictive and expressed concern that same level in subsequent years since in Its use and means any privately the definition would limit activities to Federal funds are not measured. owned building, facility, or improve- areas which were very small or in rela- In paragraph (e)(5), an example has ment. This includes residential struc- tively good condition, thus preventing been cited of an activity necessary and tures and non-residental structures. applicants from undertaking compre- appropriate to support physical devel- For example, architectural barriers to hensive programs in areas of greatest opment activities. Several comments privately owned apartment buildings need or designating areas large suggested that applicants be required or supermarkets could be removed enough for public services to be pro- to submit all determinations for with block grant funds pursuant to vided in an economical and effective review by HUD. Such a process was paragraph (k). manner. tried in prior years and was ineffec- Applicants undertaking barrier re- The final rule permits public ser- tive. The process of a local determina- moval activities to be carried out with vices to be provided only in Neighbor- tion of appropriateness to be made by block grant funds are encouraged to hood Strategy Areas which is the term applicants will be retained with provi- follow the standards prescribed by the used in place of Comprehensive Neigh- sion for HUD oversight in those more American National Standards Insti- borhood Revitalization Area. The stat- extreme cases where the required link- tute, Incorporated in publication ute permits public services only in ages are obscure. ANSI.A117.1-1961 (R1971). those areas where block grant funded Finally, the only physical develop- physical development activities are ment activities which are able to satis- ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE UTILITIES being carried out in a concentrated fy the requirements of paragraph (e) Paragraph (1) of $ 570.201 authorizes manner. The limitation of public ser- are those funded from the block grant the use of block grant assistance to vices to NSA's most closely conforms program. This requirement is statu- to this statutory requirement and is privately owned, publicly regulated tory and cannot be modified as several intended to eliminate the confusion utilities for activities including the comments have suggested. placing of distribution facilities under- regarding the eligibility of public ser- vices. Notwithstanding the worthiness INTERIM ASSISTANCE ground. Such activities must be neces- of many services or the desire ex. sary and appropriate to implement an As a result of a number of com- applicant's strategy for neighborhood pressed in some comments for greater ments, parągraph (f) of § 570.201 has flexibility to fund services, the statute revitalization, or housing in order for been revised. Interim assistance may does not provide for block grant assis- assistance to be provided for this type take place in two situations. First, in tance for citywide public services. of commercial real property improve- areas designated for physical develop- ment. Finally, the paragraph has been ment activities to take place during changed to indicate that during each the three year period of the Communi- REHABILITATION OF RESIDENTIAL year the required concentration of ac- ty Development Program, certain in- STRUCTURES BY PUBLIC BODIES tivities is present, public services may terim activities may be undertaken as be provided, and services may aslo be As a result of several comments, a prelude to the carrying out of more continued for up to three years after- paragraph (a) of § 570.202 has been comprehensive treatment and to hold ward. Hence, a service might be pro- changed to clarify the term "public the area from further deterioration. residential structures." Block grant FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8437 funds may be used to rehabilitate activities to assist low- and moderate- pose of supporting economic develop- properties owned or acquired by a income persons to maintain rehabill- ment. For example, 570.201(d) pro- public body which are either to remain tated units in order to continue the vides sufficient authority for the use in public ownership or to be sold. This stabilization of an area once more of block grant for clearance and demo- includes single and multifamily perma- comprehensive treatment is complet- lition activities for economic develop- nent dwelling units and residential fa- ed. Such activities must meet the ment purposes. It would be redundant cilities, including group homes, half- public services provisions of to provide for clearance and demoli- way houses and emergency shelters. 570.201(e). tion activities in § 570.203 when suffi- REHABILITATION BY PRIVATE ENTITIES Paragraph (c)(3) provides that block cient authority for these activities is grant funds may be used to purchase available elsewhere. A number of comments were re- materials for the rehabilitation of There was some concern expressed ceived regarding paragraph (c)(1) of properties. Applicants should make in the comments regarding the appar- 570.202 which have resulted in a adequate provision to ensure that ar- ent open ended nature of activities au- number of revisions. rangements are made to provide the thorized by this section particularly Private entities, including both those labor necessary to utilize the materials the authority in paragraph (b) for oth- which are nonprofit and profit in rehabilitation efforts. In some in- erwise ineligible public facilities and making. may use block grant funds to stances the property owner or tenant improvements. The paragraph has acquire structures for rehabilitation to may be able to donate the labor, or been revised to exclude general gov- be used as housing. This includes both other arrangements, such as the use of ernment facilities listed in permanent single and multifamily CETA grant funds, might be devel- § 570.207(a)(1) from gaining eligibility dwelling units which may be retained oped by the applicant. under this paragraph. Activities un- by the private entity or resold, and dertaken pursuant to § 570.203 must also residential facilities such as group CODE ENFORCEMENT be necessary and appropriate to imple- homes, halfway houses, and emergen- Several comments indicated that ment an applicant's economic develop- cy shelters. Upon completion of the re- code enforcement activities should be ment strategy. habilitation activities the housing permitted on a citywide or spot basis. In order for an otherwise ineligible units must meet the basic health and The statutory authority for this activ- facility or improvement to be funded safety standards of the Section 8 Ex- ity does not provide for the use of under paragraph (b), specific prior au- isting Housing Program. block grant funds In such a manner. thorization must be obtained from OTHER REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE Rather code enforcement must be un- HUD. In authorizing activities, HUD dertaken as part of a more comprehen- will determine the necessity or appro- Block grant funds may be used in a sive treatment of a deteriorated or de- priateness of an activity by taking into number of ways to assist in the reha- teriorating area. This activity should account several factors, such as the bilitation of privately owned proper- be designed to supplement, but not re- amount of long-term employment the ties. Paragraph (d) of § 570.202 indi- place an applicant's routine enforce- facility or improvement will generate cates that block grant funds may be ment activities. for low- and moderate-income persons, used for temporary relocation ex- Paragraph (e) of $ 570.202 has been the necessity of the activity for stimu- penses for those displaced temporarily modified to Indicate that block grant lating private investment, the degree by rehabilitation activities being car- of impact on the economic conditions assisted code enforcement activities ried out with block grant assistance. may only take place in areas where'ac- of the applicant, and the availability In response to several comments tivities listed in the Community Devel- of other Federal funds for the activity. paragraph (c)(2) states that rehabilita- Applicants must also request deter- opment Program are being carried out, tion financing may be provided either minations for paragraphs (a) and (c). such as Neighborhood Strategy Area. in areas where activities listed in the By implementing the statutory pròvi- community development program are HISTORIC PRESERVATION sions in this manner for activities being carried out or on a citywide spot which are not normally a part of the basis for low- and moderate-income Paragraph (f) of § 570.202 had been block grant program, HUD will ensure changed to include properties listed on persons. the flexibility for applicants and that, Paragraph (c)(2)(iii) makes clear local registers of historic places among where such special activities are to that both heating and cooling equip- those properties defined as historic by take place under 570.203, they occur ment may be converted, modified, or this paragraph. within the framework of the basic ob- replaced and states explicity that solar A number of comments addressed jectives of the block grant program. energy equipment may be used. Al- the program benefit criteria set forth Several comments suggest that an though applicants may carry out a in § 570.302 as they relate to historic authority similar to that provided in program of rehabilitation assistance preservation activities. These require- 570.204(c) also be provided directly designed solely to weatherize units ments are set forth in other subparts for applicants in § 570.203. Special au- and increase their energy efficiency, of these regulations depending upon thority was provided in the statute for such program should not ignore seri- the nature of the applicant. For exam- neighborhood based nonprofit organi- ous deficiencies in units being weath- ple, entitlement applicants should zations, Small Business Investment erized which render the units unsafe. refer to the appropriate requirements Companies, and local development cor- Paragraph (c)(2)(v) has been added of Subpart D to determine whether porations. The statute does not pro- in response to several comments. The historic preservation activities, or any vide a similar authority for applicants, paragraph permits the use of block other activities, comply with the crite- so such a provision cannot be included grant funds to pay Initial homeowner ria regarding program benefit. in § 570.203. warranty premiums at the time of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES loan or grant settlement to protect the ACTIVITIES BY PRIVATE NONPROFIT EN- quality of workmanship of the reha- A large number of comments were TITIES, NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED NoN- bilitated unit. received regarding the economic devel- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, SMALL BUSI- Several comments requested that opment activities described in NESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES, AND HUD permit activities to be carried on 570.203. Several comments suggested LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS a longer-term basis as a means of sup- that activities listed in other sections A number of comments were re- porting neighborhood stabilization ef- of the subpart also be listed here. Ac- ceived requesting clarification of forts once physical rehabilitation of tivities listed in §§ 570.201 and 570.202 § 570.204. paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii) the structures is completed, including may also be undertaken for the pur- of Section 570.204 have been revised to FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8438 RULES AND REGULATIONS distinguish between private nonprofit termined by HUD to be necessary or entities and neighborhood based non- a part of the broader environmental appropriate to meeting the needs and profit organizations. Certain activities objectives of its community develop- assessment and clearance of block ac- may be undertaken by only neighbor- tivities are eligible for assistance. ment plan. It is recognized that com- hood-based nonprofit organizations, prehensive planning activities carried INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES and not other private nonprofit enti- out with block grant funds may relate ties. under paragraph (c) of this sec- to elements beyond the scope of activi- Paragraph (a) of $ 570.207 has been tion. A nonprofit organization which is ties eligible for assistance under changed to clarify several points re- neighborhood-based is defined in para- §§ 570.201 and 570.202. sulting from requests contained in the graph (a)(2)(ii) as one having a major- comments. The basic rule is that Items ity of its membership, clientele, or gov- ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS set forth as ineligible in this section erning body residing in the neighbor- hood where the activities are to be car- A number of comments were re- generally may not receive block grant ried out. celved regarding general administra- assistance. There are several specific Paragraph (a)(2)(i) describes the tive costs which are now set forth sep- exceptions. If a facility or improve- other private nonprofit entities which arately In I 570.206. Several comments ment is authorized under the special suggested that HUD place a percent- authority to permit other public facili- do not qualify as neighborhood based. age limitation upon the amount of ties and improvements necessary for Although these entities may use block block grant funds that an applicant strategy implementation pursuant to grant funds are eligible activities §§ 570.201(c)(14) or 570.203(b), respec- under paragraph (b), they are ex- may spend on administration. Because cluded from the authority to under- of the variety of grant sizes, types of tively, this authorization is deemed to take certain other special activities applicants, and activities being under- supersede the limitations of this para- listed in paragraph (c). taken which vary in complexity, HUD graph. Further, the removal of archi- has determined that there is no single tectural barriers and historic preserva- Paragraph (a)(2)(III) has been re- vised to refer to Small Business Invest- limitation that could be imposed tion activities authorized by ment Companies (SBICs) organized which would be equitable in all situa- §§ 570.201(k) and 570.202(g), respec- pursuant to 8 301(d) of the Small Busi- tions. Rather, the term "reasonable" is tively, may be carried out on facilities the key term in the statute and in the and improvements listed as a part of ness Investment Act of 1958, as paragraph. HUD will continue to mon- § 570.207(a) which would otherwise be amended, which include profitmaking entities. SBICs which are organized on itor administrative costs, particularly ineligible for block grant assistance. a profitmaking basis are fully eligible where applicants incur administrative Paragraph (a)(2)(v) has been revised to use block grant assistance. costs significantly higher than those to clarify the nature of devices which Paragraph (a)(2)(iv) now Includes of other applicants with similar grant are included as ineligible sewage treat- sizes and activities. ment facilities. These include the State development corporations eligi- actual treatment works, intercepting ble under § 501 of the Small Business OTHER BLOCK GRANT ADMINISTRATIVE sewers, outfall sewers, pumping sta- Investment Act of 1958, as amended, COSTS tions and other equipment. Block among the entities defined as local de- As a result of comments, several re- grant funds may be used to construct velopment corporations for the pur- poses of the block grant program. visions have been made to the general sewage collection lines, but not facili- program activities, which, for the ties for sewage treatment. Interceptor Paragraph (c)(4) has been changed to exclude assistance for general munici- block grant program, are considered to sewers are considered a part of the be administrative costs. sewage treatment system and are ex- pal buildings ineligible under Paragraph (f) of 570.206 permits cluded from eligibility. & 570.207(a)(1) and political activities ineligible under 570.207(e) from the use of block grant funds to pre- PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT those activities which may be carried pare applications for other Federal out under the special authority of this programs when the activities to be car- Paragraph (b) of § 570.207 sets forth paragraph. ried out are necessary and appropriate the policies relating to the ineligibility Paragraph (b) has been revised to to implement the applicant's commu- of purchasing equipment with block clarify that entities eligible to carry nity development strategy. There are grant funds. The general rule is that out activities with block grant assis- special rules governing the reimburse- block grant funds cannot be used to tance under $ 570.204 may use block ment of cost for small cities set forth purchase equipment and items of per- grant funds to acquire title to facili- in Subpart F. Applicants may use sonalty. There are several exceptions. ties. These facilities must be open to block grant funds, other than UDAG Block grant funds may be used to pur- the general public during those hours funds, for the preparation of applica- chase construction equipment which is of normal operation, and excessive tions for the UDAG program. as part of a solid waste disposal system fees for the use of the facility which Paragraph (c) has been revised to described in § 570.201(c)(5). Funds may would exclude low- and moderate- refer to housing counseling and other also be used by applicants and sub- income persons shall not be charged. activities undertaken by applicants to grantees to purchase furnishings and affirmatively further fair housing and personal property used to administer a PLANNING ACTIVITIES provide a greater choice of housing op- block grant program or a part of a portunities laws. Other forms of hous- As a result of several comments, public service pursuant to § 570.201(e). ing couseling are eligible for block paragraph (a)(4) of § 570.205 has been Paragraph (b)(2) also authorizes the changed to indicate that planning ac- grant funding where the requirements use of block grant funds to purchase of § 570.201(e) are met. tivities may include surveys of historic certain motor vehicles used in pro- Paragraph (d) has been revised to in- properties, and surveys and plans for gram administration or as a part of a clude both performance and payment public service. removal of architectural barriers to the handicapped and elderly. bonding for contractors carrying out Paragraph (c) has been modified to block grant activities. The paragraph MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR makes clear that this may be accom- permit § 701 type comprehensive plan- Maintenance and repair activities re- plished by using block grant funds to ning activities to be carried out by all lated to the general upkeep of public pay bonding premiums as well as other applicants and not be restricted to facilities and improvements are the re- arrangements appropriate to this ac- metropolitan cities and urban counties tivity. sponsibillity of units of general local as originally proposed. Further, activi- Paragraph (h) makes clear that his- government. Block grant funds may ties under this paragraph must be de- not be used for general maintenance toric preservation clearances that are and repairs, except for the special pro- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8439 visions for interim assistance under 5. Excluding the construction of 570.205 Eligible planning and urban design 570.201(f). swimming pools as recreational facill- costs. Paragraph (c) of § 570.207 has been ties; 570.206 Eligible administrative costs. revised to provide several examples of 6. Excluding the construction of bike 570.207 Ineligible activities. the types of maintenance and repair paths, pedestrian mails, and other AUTHORITY: Title I, Housing and Commu- items that are excluded. In some cases, public works authorized by the stat- nity Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. a fine line must be drawn between ute; and 5301, et seq.): Title I. Housing and Commu- maintenance and repair, and rehabili- 7. Permitting the use of block grant nity Development Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95- tation of facilities and improvements to administer activities other than sec- 128): and sec. 7(d), Department of Housing which are eligible for assistance. Ac- tion 312 rehabilitation loans and sec- and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(d)). cordingly, several examples are cited; tion 810 Urban Homesteading, which filling potholes in a street, which is are not funded by the block grant pro- II. Subpart C, Eligible Activities is repair, is ineligible, whereas resurfac- gram: revised to read as follows: ing a street is considered for the pur- A number of comments addressed poses of the block grant program to be departmental relocation policies. Subpart C-Eligible Activities eligible as reconstruction or rehabilita- These comments were generally rel- § 570.200 General policies. tion. Similarly, mowing grass in re- evant to other subparts of the regula- creation areas is maintenance and is tions and de not relate to the provi- (a) Determinations of eligibility. ineligible, but using block grant funds sions of this subpart on the basic eligi- This subpart sets forth the variety of to add new equipment in a recreation bility of payments and assistance. eligible activities that may be under- area would be & permitted activity. Several comments suggested that taken with assistance under this Part school districts, local housing authori- (block grant funds) to meet communi- INDUSTRIAL PARKS ties, and other public bodies be added ty development and housing needs and Paragraph (1) of § 570.207 of the pro- to the list of entities under § 570.204. priorities principally for low- and mod- posed regulations has been deleted as This could not be accommodated be- erate-income persons or for the pre- vention or elimination of slums and a result of comments. Although HUD cause the statutory authority is limit- ed to private entities. blight. The listing of certain eligible is deleting this paragraph because the Several comments were concerned types of activities in this subpart does test of firm commitments seems overly about the coordination of block grant not by itself, however, render specific burdensome, applicants. nonetheless activities, proposed to be conducted by should exercise judgement in using funded economic development activi- individual applicants, eligible for block block grant funds for activities to de- ties with the programs of other Feder- grant assistance. There are other re- velop an industrial park where firm al agencies. HUD certainly encourages quirements that must also be met to commitments are not available. While applicants to coordinate their activi- qualify a specific activity for assis- HUD does not wish to deter those un- ties in such a manner as to best utilize tance. An activity may be assisted only dertakings with the potential for suc- all available resources, but does not in those instances where it complies cess, HUD will use the monitoring pro- feel that the imposition of certain spe- with the eligibility criteria of this sub- cess to watch for situations where ac- cific requirements of other programs part, with all other applicable require- tivities are undertaken without com- would be of benefit to either the block ments of this Part as they may apply mitments from potential users and are grant program, or other programs. to applicants under Subparts D, E, F, not attracted within a reasonable period of time. OTHER INFORMATION: A Finding or G, such as those relating to equal of Inapplicability with regard to Envi- opportunity, and the basic statutory COMMENTS NOT ACTED UPON ronmental Impact has been prepared objectives of the block grant program. in accordance with HUD Handbook In particular, activities conducted by The description of the changes to 1390.1, and a Finding of Inapplicabil- entitlement recipients under Subpart Subpart C discussed a number of com- ity with regard to economic and infla- D must comply with the requirements ments which HUD was unable to act tionary impact has been prepared in set forth in § 570.302 regarding benefit. upon. In many cases, comments pro- accordance with Executive Order to low- and moderate-income persons posed the inclusion or modification of 11821 for Subpart C. Copies of the or elimination of slums and blight, and activities not authorized by the statute Findings are available for inspection small city discretionary recipients or the exclusion of activities which and copying during business hours in must comply with similar require- were specifically authorized. Other the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk, ments set forth in Subpart F. Further, comments proposed alternative direc- Room 5216, Department of Housing there must be compliance with all ap- tions on matters of Departmental and Urban Development, 451 Seventh plicable environmental review and policy which after due consideration, clearance procedures set forth in 24 Street SW., Washington, D.C. 20410. were not accepted. CFR Part 58. Accordingly, 24 CFR Part 570 is The following are some of the com- (b) Urban Development action ments already discussed which HUD amended by revising the Table of Con- tents for Subpart C and by revising grants. Grant assistance may be pro- did not agree to act upon for the rea- vided with Urban Development Action sons set forth above: Subpart C as set forth below. Grants pursuant to Subpart G for: I. The Table of Contents to 24 CFR 1. Permiting the use of block grant (1) Activities eligible for assistance funds to construct new housing for the Part 570, Subpart C, is revised to read pursuant to this Subpart; and as follows: handicapped; (2) Such other activities, including 2. Requiring the concurrence of at new housing construction, as the Sec- least 60 percent of the residents of an Subport C-Eligible Activities retary may determine to be consistent area before initiating the acquisition Sec. with the statutory objectives of the of land; 570.200 General policies. Urban Development Action Grant 3. Deleting or imposing additional 570.201 Basic eligible activities. (UDAG) program as provided for in requirements on the use of block 570.202 Eligible rehabilitation and preser- 570.453. The provisions of § 570.207 grants for purchase of existing hous- vation activities. regarding ineligible activities apply to ing outside of an applicant's bound- 570.203 Eligible economic development a.c- the UDAG program, except where an tivities. aries; 570.204 Eligible activities by private non- activity is determined to be consistent 4. Requiring mandatory set asides of profit entitles, neighborhood-based non- with the statutory objectives of the a certain percentage of block grant profit organizations, local development UDAG program pursuant to § 570.453, funds for a variety of individual activi- corporations, and Small Business Invest- the limitations set forth in $ 570.207 ties, such as public services; ment Companies. do not apply. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8440 RULES AND REGULATIONS In making determinations of eligibility where, although It is to be located on a with regard to Urban Development properties owned and occupied by low- site controlled by a school district, Action Grants. for the purposes of and moderate-income persons. Block school board or similar body responsi- 570.201-207, the term "Community grant funds recovered through special ble for public education, the facility Development Program" as used in this assessments authorized by HUD will will only be used by any adjacent subpart shall also mean the "Urban be considered program income pursu- school or educational facility on an In- ant to § 570.506. Development Action Program." cidental basis. In order to determine (c) Model cities activities. Notwith- (3) Special assessments paid with whether the facility is to be used on standing anything to the contrary in block grant funds. Block grant funds an incidental basis, the applicant shall this subpart, any ongoing model cities may be used to pay special assess. at a minimum demonstrate that: activity being carried out in a model ments levied against properties owned (1) After school hours and on week- and occupied by low- and moderate- cities program shall be eligible for ends, the facility shall be available for funding under this Part from that por- income persons for the capital costs of use by the general public to the same tion of the hold-harmless amount at- eligible public facilities and Improve- extent as similar facilities operating ments financed from local revenue tributable to such model cities pro- within the applicant's Jurisdiction; and gram until the applicant has received sources, other than block grant funds, (11) During school hours, the facility five years of funding for such activi- which (1) are described in the Commu- is not used for school purposes for ties as calculated pursuant to nity Development Program; (ii) are more than four hours each day. initiated after the effective date of § 570.103(c)(2)(iii). For the purpose of (e) Activities outside an applicant's this paragraph, the term "ongoing ac, this provision; and (iii) represent the boundaries. Applicants may conduct tivity" means any model cities activity pro rata share of the capital cost of activities which are otherwise eligible underway as of January 1, 1975, that the eligible facility or improvement to for block grant assistance outside of was approved and funded by HUD on the benefitting property. their boundaries which are not incon- or before June 30, 1974. Upon expira- (g) Consultant Activities. Applicants sistent with State or local law and tion of the eligibility of activities may employ consultants to provide which are not plainly inappropriate to under this paragraph, applicants professional assistance in program meet identified needs of the applicant. should refer to the other requirements planning, application preparation, and This may include an urban county car- of this subpart which must be satisfied other general professional guidance rying out otherwise eligible activities relating to program execution. The in order for block grant assistance to within a metropolitan-city with block continue to be provided for model use of consultants is governed by the grant assistance where the activities following: cities activities. are not plainly inappropriate to meet- (d) Special policies governing facili- (1) Program requirements, including ing identified needs of the urban the requirements of this Part, Federal ties. The following special policies county. apply to: (1) Facilities containing both Management Circular 74-4, OMB Cir- (f) Special assessments under the eligible and ineligible uses. Where a cular A-102, and applicable Federal, block grant program. The following facility, otherwise eligible for assis- State, and local laws; policies relate to the use of special as- tance under the block grant program (2) Written agreements shall be ex- sessment under the block grant pro- is to be provided as a part of a multi. ecuted between the parties which gram: ple-use building and/or facility that detail the responsibilities, standards; (1) Definition of special assessment. and fees; also contains otherwise Ineligible uses, The term "special assessment" means the portion of the costs attributed to (3) Compensation for consultants. a fee or-charge levied or filed as a lien the eligible facility may be assisted No person employed as a consultant, against a parcel of real estate as a with block grant funds where; or by a firm providing consultant ser- direct result of benefit derived from (1) The facility, which is otherwise vices, shall receive more than a reason- the installation of a public improve- eligible and proposed for assistance, able rate of compensation for personal ment, such as streets, curbs, and gut- will occupy a designated and discrete services paid with block grant funds ters. The amount of the fee represents area within the larger facility; and which, on a daily basis, shall not the pro rata share of the capital costs (ii) The applicant can determine the exceed the maximum daily rate of of the public improvement levied costs attributable to the facility pro- compensation for a GS-18 as estab- posed for assistance as separate and against the benefitting properties. lished by Federal law; and distinct from the overall costs of the This term does not relate to taxes, or (4) Adjustments of rates of compen- the establishment of the value of real multiple-use building and/or facility. sation and payments under consultant estate for the purpose of levying real contracts may be made where audit For example, a senior center, which is estate, property, or ad valorem taxes. and monitoring reviews indicate that to occupy space within a building that (2) Special assessments to recover the rates of compensation were not is otherwise used for the conduct of block grant funds. The general rule is reasonable, or exceeded the maximum general governmental business, may that special assessments shall not be daily rate for a GS-18. be assisted when it exclusively occu- used to recover any of the capital costs (h) Transition policy for fiscal year pies a separate and designated area of a public improvement provided with 1978. A number of activities set forth within the building (i.e, the senior block grant funds. Where both block in Subpart C contain, as a part of the center does not "float" to different lo- grant and local funds are used to pro- criteria for eligibility for block grant cations within the building that vide public Improvements, any special assistance, requirements that activities happen to be available on a less than assessment shall be prorated In pro- be necessary and appropriate to the permanent basis) and the applicant portion to the investment of each. Ap. implementation of certain strategies can determine the cost associated with plicants may request an exception to for community development and hous- providing the senior center as distinct this rule where the use of special as- ing described in Subpart D, or that ac- from those costs associated with all re- sessments as a means to leverage pri- tivities take place within Neighbor- maining ineligible portions of the vate investment Is necessary and ap- hood Strategy Areas (NSA). building. propriate to Implement the applicant's (1) Interim strategy statement. For (2) Facilities located on school prop- strategy for economic development or those applications submitted during erty. Any facility eligible for assistance neighborhood revitalization. Excep- fiscal year 1978 prior to the effective pursuant to $ 570.201(c), which is de- tions will not be granted by HUD for date for the submission of strategies, signed primarily for a public purpose any special assessment which will re- applicants may submit a brief narra- other than education is not considered cover costs of public Improvements tive Interim strategy statement for ac- to be a school or educational facility provided with block grant funds from tivities subject to this requirement. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8441 The interim strategy statement shall grant funds to purchase houses in a government (but not the entire juris- include: non-impacted suburban jurisdiction in diction) designated in comprehensive (1) a brief description of the activity; order to provide a wider choice of plans, ordinances or other local docu- (ii) a brief description of the needs housing opportunities for central city ments as a neighborhood or, in a new and conditions the activity is designed lower-income residents. community as defined in $ 570.403(a), to address; and (b) Disposition. Disposition, through a neighborhood, village or similar geo- (iii) a brief description of how the sale, lease, donation, or otherwise, of graphical designation: or activity will impact upon the needs any real property acquired with block (ii) An entire unit of general local and conditions which it is designed to grant funds or its retention for public government or a new community as address. purposes, provided that the proceeds defined in 570.403(a) which is under (2) Interim NSA designation. For from any such disposition shall be pro- 25,000 population, with the exception those applications submitted during gram Income subject to the require- of a facility which is designed solely as fiscal year 1978, applicants may desig- ments set forth in 570.506. Further a communitywide facility in a new nate interim NSA's for activities sub- information regarding disposition is community with a currently projected ject to this requirement. An interim set forth In & 570.613. population in excess of 25,000. NSA is selected by the applicant and (c) Public facilities and Improve- (5) Solid waste disposal facilities, designated in the Community Devel- ments. Acquisition, construction, re- which are defined as those physical opment Program. In determining the construction, rehabilitation, or instal- parts of solid waste management sys- size of the NSA, the applicant shall lation of certain publicly owned facili- tems commencing at and including the take into account the severity of its ties and improvements. This may in- site or sites at which publicly or pri- problems and the amount of resources clude the execution of architectural vately owned collection vehicles dis- to be provided to address those prob- design features, and similar treat- charge municipal solid wastes, lems. For each area designated as an ments intended to enhance the esthet- through the point of ultimate disposal NSA, the applicant shall include a ic quality of facilities and improve- including necessary site improvements brief narrative description of its plan ments receiving block grant assistance, and conveying systems, including ap- for stabilizing and upgrading the area such as decorative pavements, railings, propriate fixed and movable equip- which: sculpture, pools of water and foun- ment including vehicular containers (1) provides for a combination of tains, and other works of art. Public used after the first stage of disposal at physical improvements, necessary facilities and improvements eligible transfer stations, but not including public facilities and services, private for assistance under this paragraph in- the final collections. (1) Such facilities investment and citizen self-help activi- clude: or equipment must be located in or ties appropriate to the needs of the (1) Senior centers, but excluding any serve areas where other activities in- area; and facility whose primary function is to cluded in the Community Develop- (ii) coordinates public and private in- provide residential accommodations or ment Program are being carried out, vestment efforts. care on a 24-hour day basis (such as a such as a NSA. (ii) Equipment and ap. group home). purtenances used in the initial collec- $ 570.201 Basic eligible activities. tion of solid waste are not included (2) Parks, playgrounds and other rec- reational facilities which are designed among those solid waste disposal fa- Grant assistance may be used for cilities eligible for assistance under the following activities: for participation, but not spectator fa- this Part. (a) Acquisition. Acquistion in whole cilities such as stadiums. (6) Fire protection facilities and or in part by a public agency, by pur- (3) Centers for the handicapped. The equipment. Such facilities and equip- chase, lease, donation or otherwise, of term "center for the handicapped" ment must be located in or serve areas real property (Including air rights, means any single or multipurpose fa- where other activities included in the water rights, rights-of-way, easements, cility which seeks to assist persons Community Development Program are and other interests therein) which is: with physical, mental, developmental being carried out, such as a NSA. (1) Blighted, deteriorated, deterio- and/or emotional impairments to (i) Fire protection facilities are de- rating, undeveloped or inappropriately become more functional members of fined as the land and necessary im- developed from the standpoint of the community by providing programs provements thereto which are neces- sound community development and or services which may include, but are sary for properly housing and storing growth, as determined by the recipient not limited to, recreation, education, fire protection equipment and person- pursuant to State and local laws; health care, social development, inde- nel by a fire protection organization, (2) Appropriate for rehabilitation or pendent living, physical rehabilitation but not including fire fighting schools conservation activities; and vocational rehabilitation; but ex- and their appurtenances. (3) Appropriate for the preservation cluding any facility whose primary (ii) Fire protection equipment is de- or restoration of historic sites, the function is to provide residential care fined as the appropriate equipment beautification of urban land, the con- on a 24-hour a day basis (such as a and apparatus which a fire protection servation of open spaces, natural re- group home or halfway house). For organization requires for carrying out sources and scenic areas, the provision example, a sheltered workshop would a program for protecting property and of recreational opportunities or the be a single purpose center for the maintaining the safety and welfare of guidance of urban development; handicapped, and a facility providing the public, including emergency medi- (4) To be used for the provision of several services for the handicapped cal aid, from the dangers of fire. public works, facilities and improve- would be a multipurpose center for (7) Parking facilities. Such facilities ments eligible for assistance under the handicapped, both of which are must be located in or serve areas this subpart; or eligible for assistance. where other activities included in the (5) To be used for other public pur- (4) Neighborhood facilities. Such fa- Community Development Program are poses, including the conversion of land cilities may be of either a single pur- being carried out, such as a NSA. to other uses where necessary or ap- pose or multipurpose nature and be (8) Public utilities, other than water propriate to the community develop- designed to provide health, social, rec- and sewer, which include: ment program. Examples include an reational or similiar community ser- (1) Facilities necessary for distribu- applicant purchasing land to be used vices primarily for residents of the tion of the utility (but not production for the development of housing for neighborhood service area which is or generation, such as electrical gen- low- and moderate-income persons, either: eration plants); and an applicant which is a central (1) A geographic location within the (ii) Buildings and improvements that city of a metropolitan area using block jurisdiction of a unit of general local are an integral part of the utility and FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8442 RULES AND REGULATIONS are of such a nature that the utility units may be undertaken only with will not function without them: and have been applied for and denied or the prior approval of HUD. I (iii) The placing underground of ex- not made available pursuant to the (e) Public services. Provision of isting or new distribution facilities. provisions of 570.607. public services (including labor, sup- Further information regarding the ell- (5) Public services must be deter- plies and materials) which are directed gibility of assistance to privately mined by the applicant to be necessary toward improving the community's owned utilities is set forth in or appropriate to support the physical public services and facilities, including 570.201(1). development activities to be carried those concerned with employment, (9) Street improvements. Streets, out within Neighborhood Strategy crime prevention, child care, health. street lights, traffic signals, signs, Areas. For example, the provision of drug abuse, education. welfare or rec- street furniture, trees, bridges, cul- job training for area residerits working reational needs, and which are direct- verts causeways, curbs, gutters, on neighborhood revitalization pro- ed toward coordinating public and pri- sidewalks, and other normal appurte- jects would be appropriate to support vate development programs. Such ser- nances to streets and structures facill- a concentration of block grant assisted vices may be provided by State or local tating the passage on. or usage of. physical development activities being governments, quasi-public, private or streets. but excluding expressways and carried out in the area. (1) The specific nenprofit agencies, including, but not other limited access ways and their ap- determination of support for each pro- limited to, HUD-approved counseling purtenances. posed public service is not required to agencies, selected by the applicant for (10) Water and sewer facilities, in- be included in the application, but the funds provided under this Part. In cluding storm sewers, except for applicant must briefly describe the re- order to be eligible for block grant as- lationship of the public service to the sewage treatment works and intercep- sistance. public services must meet tor sewers which are described as in physical development activities. (ii) each of the following criteria: HUD will accept the applicant's deter- 570.206(a)(6). The term "storm (1) Public services are to be provided mination that a public service is neces- sewers" means sewers or other con- for residents of neighborhood strategy sary and appropriate to support the duits, open or closed, or their appurte- areas in which block grant assisted physical development activities unless nances which collect, transport and physical development activities are there is substantial evidence to the dispose of storm waters, surface water, being carried out in a concentrated contrary, in which case additional in- street wash, other wash and ground manner. Such public services may be formation or assurances may be re- water or drainage into an existing supported with block grant funds quested from the applicant prior to a water course, but excluding domestic during the period which block grant determination of eligibility. waste water and commercial and In- assisted physical development activi- (f) Interim assistance. Interim assis- dustrial wastes. ties are being carried out in a concen- tance to alleviate harmful conditions (11) Foundations and platforms for trated manner, and may be continued where immediate public action is de. air rights sites. for no more than three years after the termined by the applicant to be neces- (12) Pedestrian malls and walkways. completion of such physical develop- sary. (13) Flood and drainage facilities, in ment activities. For the purpose of (1) The following activities may be cases where assistance for such facill- this paragraph: undertaken as a prelude to more com- ties has been determined to be un- (1) Physical development activities prehensive treatment In areas where available under other Federal laws or Include only those described in activities included in the Community programs pursuant to the provisions § 570.201 (a) through (d), (f) through Development Program are to be car- of 570.607. The term "flood and (h), and (k), and 570.202 through ried out, such as an NSA, in order to drainage facilities" means those un- § 570.203. hold the area from further deteriora- dertakings designed to influence or (11) The phrase "concentrated tion during the interim period: affect the flow in a natural water manner" shall mean that the block (1) The repairing of streets, course (such as a river, stream, lake, grant assisted physical development sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, publicly estuary, bay, ocean or intermittent activities are being carried out within owned utilities and public buildings; stream) and excludes storm sewers. an area in a coordinated manner to (ii) The improvement of private (14) Other public facilities and im- serve a common objective or purpose properties to the extent necessary to provements, not listed in this para- pursuant to a locally developed plan or eliminate immediate dangers to public graph. except those described in strategy. health, safety or welfare; 570.207 (a)(I) and (f), which are nec- (2) Such services must be directed (iii) The establishment of temporary essary and appropriate to the imple- toward meeting the needs of residents public playgrounds on vacant land; mentation of the applicant's strategy and of such areas. Block grant assistance for neighborhood revitalization or may incidentally be provided for such (iv) The execution of special gar- housing. services only for those who are not bage, trash, and debris removal, in- (i) The applicant shall provide HUD residents of areas of concentrated cluding neighborhood clean up cam- with a description of the proposed fa- physical development. paigns, but not the regular curbside cility or improvement and the rela- (3) A public service must be either (i) collection of garbage or trash in an tionship to applicant's strategy for area, a new service, or (II) a quantifiable in- neighborhood revitalization or hous- crease in the level of a service above (2) The following activities may be ing. that which has been provided by or in undertaken to the extent necessary to (ii) Among the factors HUD will take behalf of the applicant from local rev- alleviate emergency conditions threat- into account in authorizing assistance enue sources or State funds received ening the public health and safety in under this paragraph are the amount by the applicant in the twelve calen- areas where the chief executive officer of benefit to low- and moderate- dar months prior to submission of the of the applicant determines that an income persons, the degree of impact block grant application. (An exception imminent threat to the public health on the identified needs of the appli- and safety exists requiring immediate to this requirement with regard to cant, and the availability of other Fed- resolution of emergency conditions: State-funded services may be made if eral funds for the activity. HUD determines that the decrease in (1) the improvement of private prop- erties; (d) Clearance activities. Clearance, the level of a service was the result of demolition and removal of buildings (ii) the repair of streets, sidewalks, events not within the control of the and improvements, including move- utilities, and other public facilities and applicant.) ment of structures to other sites. De- improvements; and (4) Federal assistance in providing or molition of HUD assisted housing (iii) the removal of trash and debris, securing such public services must unsafe structures, clearance of streets FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8443 including snow removal. and other (III) The availability of other Federal may be used directly to finance reha- similar activities. funds for the activity. bilitation, including settlement costs, The chief executive officer. or his through the direct use of block grant designee, shall notify the appropriate § 570.202 Eligible rehabilitation and pres- funds in the provision of assistance, HUD Area Office within seven days of ervation activities. such as grants, loans, loan guarantees determining that a situation exists Grant assistance may be used for and interest supplements, for: which poses an imminent threat to the the following activities for the reha- (i) Costs of rehabilitation of proper- public health and safety and that bilitation of buildings and Improve- ties, including. repair directed toward block grant funds will be used to alle- ments: cure of an accumulation of Items of viate the emergency conditions. (a) Rehabilitation of public residen- deferred maintenance, replacement of (g) Payment of the non-Federal share tial structures. Rehabilitation of pub- principal fixtures and components of required in connection with a Federal licly owned or acquired properties for existing structures, and renovation grant-in-aid program undertaken as use or resale In the provision of hous- through alteration, additions to, or en- part of the block grant activities, Pro- Ing. Including: hancement of existing structures, vided, That such payment shall be (1) Permanent housing units, both which may be undertaken singly, or in limited to activities otherwise eligible single family and multifamily, for combination; under this subpart. rental or sale; and (ii) Refinancing existing indebted- (h) Urban renewal completion. Pay- (2) Residential facilities, including ness secured by a property being reha- ment of the cost of completing an group homes, halfway houses, and bilitated if such refinancing is neces- urban renewal project funded under emergency shelters. For example, a sary or appropriate to the execution of Title I of the Housing Act of 1949 as group home for the handicapped or a a Community Development Program; amended. Further information regard- temporary shelter for battered women (iii) Measures to increase the effi- ing the eligibility of such costs is set may be provided through acquisition cient use of energy in structures forth in § 570.801. and rehabilitation of properties for through such means as installation of (1) Relocation. Relocation payments those purposes. storm windows and doors, siding. wall and assistance for individuals, families, (b) Public housing modernization. and attic insulation, and conversion, businesses, nonprofit organizations, Modernization and modernization modification or replacement of heat- and farm operations displaced by ac- planning of publicly-owned low-income ing and cooling equipment, including tivities assisted under this Part. Fur- housing (excluding, the new construc- the use of solar energy equipment; ther information regarding the eligi- tion of office facilities for such public (lv) Financing of costs associated bility of relocation costs is set forth in housing). with the connection of residential § 570.602. (j) Loss of rental income. Payments (N.B. block grant funds may also be pro- structures to water distribution lines to housing owners for losses of rental vided by an applicant to a public housing or local sewer collection lines; or agency to be used for otherwise eligible ac- (v) Costs of initial homeowner war- income incurred in holding for tempo- tivities, e.g., public services such as security ranty premiums for rehabilitation car- rary periods housing units to be uti- and day care meeting the requirements of ried out with block grant assistance. lized for the relocation of individuals 570.201(e) and planning and policy-plan- (3) Materials. Block grant funds may and families displaced by program ac- ning-management activities under 570.205 be used to provide materials, including tivities assisted under this Part. related to public housing Improvements.) tools, for use in the rehabilitation of (k) Removal of architectural bar- (c) Rehabilitation of private proper- properties either by the property riers. Special projects directed to the ties. Block grant assistance may be owner or tenant, or where arrange- removal of material and architectural used for the rehabilitation of privately ments have been made for the provi- barriers which restrict the mobility owned properties. Assistance may con- sion of labor, such as through a CETA and accessibility of elderly or handi- sist of: grant. capped persons to publicly owned and (1) Acquisition for the purpose of re- (d) Temporary relocation assistance. privately owned buildings, facilities, habilitation. Block grant funds may Block grant funds may be used for and improvements. Further informa- be used to assist private entities, in- temporary relocation payments and tion regarding the removal of architec- cluding those organized for profit and assistance to individuals, families, tural barriers is available in publica- on a not-for-profit basis to acquire, for businesses, non-profit organizations, tion ANSI A117.1-1961 (R. 1971) of the the purpose of rehabilitation, and re- and farm operations displaced tempo- American National Standards Insti- habilitate properties for use or resale rarily by rehabilitation activities as- tute, Inc. in the provision of housing which, sisted under this part. Further infor- (1) Privately owned utilities. Acquisi- upon completion of rehabilitation, at a mation regarding the eligibility of re- tion, construction, reconstruction, re- minimum will meet the Section 8 Ex- location costs is set forth in $ 570.602. habilitiation, or installation of distri- isting Housing Quality Standards set (e) Code enforcement. Code enforce- bution facilities and lines of privately forth in 24 CFR § 882.109, including: ment in areas where activities included owned utilities where necessary and (i) Permanent housing units, both in the Community Development Pro- appropriate to implement the appli- single family and multifamily, for gram are being carried out, such as an cant's strategy for neighborhood revi- rental or sale; and NSA, which is deteriorating or deterio- talization or housing. Activities may (ii) Residential facilities, including rated in which such enforcement to- include the placing underground of group homes, halfway houses, and gether with public improvements, re- new or existing distribution facilities. emergency shelters; habilitation assistance, and services to (1) The applicant shall provide HUD (2) Rehabilitation financing. Block be provided, may be expected to arrest with a description of the proposed ac- grant funds may be used to finance the decline of the area. tivity and the relationship to the ap- the rehabilitation of privately owned (f) Historic preservation. Rehabilita- plicant's strategy for neighborhood re- residential, non-residential (excluding tion, preservation, restoration and ac- vitalization or housing. industrial properties), and mixed use quisition of historic properties, either (2) Among the factors HUD will take properties either within areas where publicly or privately owned, which are into account in authorizing such ac- activities included in the Community those sites or structures that are tivities are: Development Program are being car- either listed in cr eligible to be listed (i) The degree of benefit to low- and ried out, such as a NSA, or on a spot in the National Register of Historic moderate-income persons; basis throughout the jurisdiction of Places, listed in a State or local Inven- (ii) The degree of impact on the in- the applicant for low- and moderate- tory of Historic Places, or designated dentified needs of the applicant; and income persons. Block grant funds as a State or local land mark or histor- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8444 RULES AND REGULATIONS ic district by appropriate law or ordi- (c) Commercial and industrial facili- nance. organized pursuant to section 301(d) ties. Acquisition, construction, recon- of the Small Business Investment Act Publicly owned historic properties struction, rehabilitation or installation of: of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681(d)), including may be assisted, including those prop- those which are profit making; and erties which are otherwise ineligible (1) Commercial or Industrial build- (iv) A local development corporation for assistance under this subpart. ings and structures, including: which is an entity organized pursuant However, eligibility is limited only to (1) Purchase of equipment and flx- to Title VII of the Headstart, Econom- those costs necessary for rehabilita- tures which are part of the real estate, ic Opportunity. and Community Part- tion. preservation or restoration of the but not personal property: and nership Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2981); property and not for conversion or ex- (II) Energy conservation improve- an entity eligible for assistance under pansion of the property for any inell- ments designed to encourage the effi- section 502 of the Small Business In- gible use. For example, a city museum cient use of energy resources (includ- vestment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696), a serving low- and moderate-income per- ing renewable energy resources or al- State development entity eligible for sons, and listed in the National Regis- ternative energy resources); assistance under section 501 of the ter may be restored, but the addition (2) Commercial or industrial real Small Business Investment Act of 1958 of a new wing on the museum could property improvements (including rail- (15 U.S.C. 695), or other similar entity not normally be assisted, unless it road spurs or similar extensions). incorporated pursuant to Federal, were otherwise eligible for assistance State, or local law. pursuant to § 570.203(b). $ 570.204 Eligible activities by private (b) Activities eligible under nonprofit entities, neighborhood-based 570.201-570.203, and 8 570.205 and § 570.203 Eligible economic development * nonprofit organizations, local develop- § 570.206. Grant assistance may be pro- activities. ment corporations, or small business vided by an applicant to be utilized by Grant assistance may be provided Investment companies. private nonprofit entities, neighbor- for the following development activi- (a) General Grant assistance may be hood-based nonprofit organizations, ties which are not otherwise eligible used by applicants to provide block SBIC's, or local development corpora- for block grant assistance, which are grant funds for activities designed to tions for activities otherwise eligible directed toward the alleviation of implement the applicant's strategies for block grant assistance pursuant to physical and economic distress, or the for economic development and neigh- 570.201-570.203, § 570.205, and economic development of a new com- borhood revitalization set forth in this 570.206. Where such entities use munity as described in § 570.403(a) section to be carried out by a private block grant funds to acquire title to fa- through stimulation of private invest- nonproft entity, a neighborhood-based cilities, including those described in ment community revitalization, and nonprofit organization, local develop- 570.201(c) or 570.203(b), they shall expansion of economic opportunities ment corporation, or Small Business be operated so as to be open for use by for low- and moderate-income persons, Investment Company (SBIC). (1) Ap- the general public during all normal and handicapped persons, and which plicant Responsibilities. Applicants hours of operation. Reasonable fees are necessary and appropriate to Im- are nonetheless responsible for ensur- may be charged for the use of facili- plement the applicant's strategy for ing that block grant funds are utilized ties acquired by such entities, but economic development. by such entities In a manner consis- charges, such as excessive membership The applicant shall provide HUD tent with the requirements of this fees, which will have the effect of pre- with a description of the activity, and Part and other applicable Federal, cluding low. and moderate-income per- of the relationship to the applicant's State, or local law. Specific require- sons from using the facilities are not strategy for economic development. In ments governing the administration of permitted. authorizing activities, HUD will take the use of block grant funds by such (c) Community economic develop- into account the amount of long-term entities are set forth in 570.612. Ap- ment or neighborhood revitalization employment to be generated by the plicants will also be responsible for the activities. Grant assistance may be activity accessible to low- and moder- carrying out of applicable environmen- provided by an applicant to be used by ate-income persons, the necessity of tal-review and clearance responsibil- neighborhood-based nonprofit organi- the activity to stimulate private in- ities. zations, SBIC's or local development vestment, the degree of impact on the (2) Eligible Entities. Entities eligible corporations, but not private nonprofit economic conditions of the applicant, to receive block grant funds under this entities as defined in 570.204(a)(2)(1), and the availability of other Federal section are: (i) A private non-profit for community economic development funds. entity which is any organization, cor- or neighborhood revitalization activi- (a) Acquisition. Acquisition of real poration, or association, duly orga- ties which- are not otherwise eligible property for economic development nized to promote and undertake com- for assistance under this subpart and munity development activities on a which are determined by the applicant purposes; (b) Public facilities and improve- not-for-profit basis, including new to be necessary or appropriate to the ments. Acquisition, construction, re- community associations as defined in accomplishment of its Community De- construction, rehabilitation, or instal- 570.403(b); velopment Program. Such activities lation of public facilities and improve- (ii) A neighborhood-based nonprofit may include the provision of block ments not otherwise eligible for assis- organization which is an association or grant assistance for use by neighbor- tance, except buildings and facilities hood-based nonprofit organizations, corporation, duly organized to pro- for the general conduct of government mote and undertake community devel- SBIC, or local development corpora- tions for: which are excluded by § 570.207(a)(1). opment activities on a not-for-profit For example, in an area with an un- basis within a neighborhood as de- (1) Assistance through grants, loans, employment rate in excess of the na- fined pursuant to 570.201(c)(4). An guarantees, interest supplements, or tional rate, a manpower training organization is considered to be neigh- technical assistance to new or existing center which is designed to prepare for small businesses, minority businesses borhood-based if the majority of the work force low- and moderate- and neighborhood nonprofit business- either its membership, clientele, or es for income persons who are unemployed governing body are residents of the or underemployed, may be assisted (i) Working capital or operational neighborhood where activities assisted funds; and where it is determined by the appli- with block grant funds are to be car- cant that such a facility is necessary ried out; (ii) Capital for land, structures, and appropriate to support its eco- property improvements, and fixtures; (iii) A Small Business Investment nomic development strategy. (2) Capitalization of a SBIC or local Company (SBIC) which is an entity development corporation required to FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8445 qualify for assistance under other Fed- specifies both short- and long-term ob- munity development activities fi- eral programs; jectives to guide the applicant's Com- nanced, in whole or in part. with funds (3) Assistance to minority contrac- munity Development Program: provided under this Part and housing tors to obtain performance bonding: or (4) Related planning and urban en- activities covered in the applicant's (4) Other activities, excluding those vironmental design acitivities includ- Housing Assistance Plan (HAP). Costs described as ineligible for block grant ing the preparation of communitywide incurred in carrying out the program. assistance in 570.207(a)(1) and (e), plans for land use, housing. open whether charged to the program on a appropriate for community economic space, recreation, utilities, historic direct or an indirect basis, must be in development or neighborhood revital- preservation, including surveys of his- conformance with the requirements of ization. Where an applicant proposes toric properties, economic develop- Federal Management Circular (FMC) to fund such entities to undertake ac- ment, neighborhood preservation, re- 74-4, "Cost Principles Applicable to tivities pursuant to this paragraph, moval of architectural barriers to the Grants and Contracts with State and the applicant shall: elderly and handicapped, and environ- Local Governments." All Items of cost (1) Provide HUD with a complete de- mental assessment; listed in Attachment B, Section C of scription of the proposed activity; (5) Collection of detailed data, prep- that Circular (except Item 6, preagree. (ii) Provide HUD with a description aration of analyses, engineering and ment cost, which are eligible only to of the relationship of the proposed ac- design of facilities eligible for assis- the extent authorized in § 570:301(c) tivity to the applicant's strategy for tance which can be constructed with are allowable without prior approval neighborhood revitalization or econ- block grant funds; and to the extent they constitute reason- mic development; and (6) Development of codes, ordinances able costs and are otherwise eligible (III) Receive specific authorization and regulations, necessary for the im- under this subpart. from HUD to undertake the activity. plementation of the plan, including (a) Eligible program administration local fair housing ordinances. costs. Reasonable administrative costs 8 570.205 Eligible planning, and urban en- (b) Development of a policy-plan- and staff expenses include necessary vironmental design costs. ning-management capacity so that the expenditures for the following: Grant assistance may be used for applicant may: (1) Salaries, wages and related costs the following planning, design, and en- (1) Set long-term and short-term ob- of the applicant's staff and the staff of vironmental costs: jectives related to the community de- local public agencies engaged in carry- (a) Development of a Comprehensive velopment and housing needs of its ju- ing out the program; Community Development Plan. For risdiction; (2) Travel costs incurred for official the purpose of this section, the term (2) Devise programs and activities to business in carrying out the program; "Comprehensive Community Develop- meet these goals and objectives; (3) Administrative services per- ment Plan" means a statement or (3) Establish an urban environmen- formed under third-party contracts or statements (in words, maps, illustra- tal design administrative capacity to agreements, including such services as tions or other methods of communica- use a systematic, Interdisciplinary ap- general legal services, accounting ser- tion) which identify the present condi- proach to the integrated use of natu- vices and audit services; tions, needs and major problems of the ral and social sciences and environ- (4) Other costs for goods and ser- mental design arts in planning and de- vices required for administration of applicant's jurisdiction relating to the specific objectives of the Community cision making; the program, including such goods and- (4) Evaluate the progress of such services as rental and maintenance of Development Program as set forth in § 570.2(a) and set forth objectives, poll- programs and activites and the extent office space, Insurance, utilities, office cies and standards to guide the devel- to which the goals and objectives have supplies and rental or purchase of opment and implementation of such been accomplished; and office equipment; Community Development Program. (5) Carry out the management, co- (5) Costs associated with the admin- Activities necessary to develop a Com- ordination and monitoring of the ac- istration of individual program activi- ties; and prehensive Community Development tivities and programs that are a part (6) Reasonable administrative costs Plan may include: of the applicant's Community Devel- relating to the provision of rehabilita- (1) Data gathering and studies nec- opment Program. tion loans under Section 312 of the essary for the development of the (c) Comprehensive planning activi- Housing Act of 1964, as amended, and, Plan or its components, including the ties. In addition to the planning activi- where appropriate, administration of production of base mapping and aerial ties otherwise eligible for assistance an urban homesteading program pur- photography in coordination with the under this section, assistance may be suant to section 810 of the Housing U.S. Geological Survey, and gathering also provided for comprehensive plan- and Community Development Act of information from citizens, but exclud- ning activities eligible for assistance 1974, as amended, in accordance with ing the gathering of detailed data and under the section 701 planning assis- the Community Development Pro- preparing of analyses necessary for tance program pursuant to 24 CFR gram or housing assistance plan. the engineering and design of facilities Part 600 provided that such additional (b) The provision of information or activities ineligible for block grant planning activities are necessary or ap- and other resources to residents and assistance pursuant to § 570.207; propriate to meeting the needs and ob- citizen organizations participating in (2) Development of statements of ob- jectives of the applicants' Community the planning, implementation, or as- jectives, policies and standards regard- Development Program. The applicant sessment of activities being carried out ing proposed or forseeable changes in shall submit a description of the activ- with block grant funds. This may in- the present conditions or problems af- ity to HUD. Among the factors HUD clude assistance to neighborhood orga- fecting the applicant's jurisdiction will take into account in authorizing nizations in areas of concentrated ac- that are to be addressed by the Com- activities will be the Impact of the ac- tivities or to city-wide organizations munity Development Program, includ- tivity on the needs and objectives iden- conducting training or other activities ing policies which will affirmatively tified by the applicant, and the avail- designed to increase the capability of further fair housing; ability of other Federal funds. low- and moderate-income persons to (3) Development of a three-year Com- be involved effectively in the develop- munity Development Plan which iden- § 570.206 Eligible Administrative ment and planning and design of a tifies the community development, Costs. community development program con- housing, and economic conditions and Payment of reasonable administra- sistent with the applicable citizen par- needs, demonstrates a comprehensive tive costs and carrying charges related ticipation requirements set forth in strategy for meeting those needs and to the planning and execution of com- this Part. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8446 RULES AND REGULATIONS (c) Provision of fair housing counsel- The new construction or direct 11- ing services and other activities de- nancing of new construction of hous- the governing body of the recipient signed to further the fair housing pro- ing is not eligible for assistance under meets regularly and which are pre- visions of § 570.307(k) and the housing objective of promoting greater choice this Part, except as described in dominantly used for municipal pur- § 570.207(f). poses, courthouses. police stations and of housing opportunities and avoiding (h) Environmental Studies. The rear other municipal office buildings; undue concentrations of assisted per- sons in areas containing a high propor- sonable costs of environmental studies. (2) Other facilities and improve- tion of lower-income persons. For ex- including historic preservation clear- ments, which may not be provided with block grant funds unless they are ample, activities may include inform- ances, necessary to comply with 24 CFR Part 58, including project specific determined by HUD to be necessary ing members of minority groups, and environmental assessments and clear- and appropriate to the implementa- the handicapped, of housing opportu- ances for activities eligible for assis- tion of an applicant's strategy for com- nities in non-traditional neighbor- tance under this Part. munity development and housing in hoods and providing information accordance with 570.201(c)(14) or about such areas, and assisting mem- $ 570.207 Ineligible activities. 570.203(b), include: bers of minority groups, and the (1) Facilities used for exhibitions, handicapped, through provision of The following is a list of activities spectator events and cultural pur- escort services to brokers offices in which are ineligible for block grant as- poses, including stadiums, sports non-traditional neighborhoods. sistance under most circumstances and arenas, auditoriums, concert halls, cul- (d) Provision of assistance to facili- serves as a general guide regarding in- tural and art centers, convention cen- tate performance and payment bond- eligible activities. There are several ters and exhibition halls, museums, ing necessary for contractors carrying authorities set forth in Subpart C central libraries, and similar facilities. out activities assisted with block grant which would permit activities cited in For the purpose of this paragraph, 11- funds including, payment of bond pre- this section to be undertaken with braries (including central libraries in miums in behalf of contractors. block grant funds. When an activity units of general local government (e) Property management. Reason- used as an example in this section under 25,000 population where the cri- able costs of managing properties ac- meets the requirements for eligibility teria set forth in § 570.201(c)(4)(ii) are quired with block grant funds. pursuant to Subpart C, such an activ- satisfied), cultural, art and museum fa- (f) Applications for Federal prò- ity may be assisted with block grant cilities which meet the requirements grams, including the block grant pro- funds even though it is used as an ex- for neighborhood facilities set forth in gram and UDAG program, may be pre- ample of an Ineligible activity. The list pared with block grant funds where of examples of ineligible activities is § 570.201(c)(4) are considered neigh- borhood facilities and are therefore necessary and appropriate to imple- merely illustrative and does not consti- eligible for assistance. ment the applicant's comprehensive tute a list of all ineligible activities: (II) Schools and educational facili- strategy for community development. (a) Public works, facilities and site or other improvements. The general ties, (including elementary, secondary. Special provisions regarding letter to college, and university facilities). For proceed for small city applicants are rule is that public works, facilities and the purpose of this paragraph. contained in Subpart F. site or other improvements are Ineligi- ble to be acquired, constructed, recon- A neighborhood facility, senior (g) Activities to facilitate the imple- mentation of a housing assistance structed, rehabilitated or installed center or center for the handicapped unless they are eligible pursuant to in which classes in practical and voca- plan for necessary expenses, prior to construction, in planning and obtain- § 570.201(c) or 570.203(b), or were tional activities (such as first aid, ho- ing financing for the new construction previously eligible under any of the memaking, crafts, independent living. or substantial rehabilitation of hous- etc.) are among the services provided programs consolidated by the Act ing for lower-income persons. Activi- (except the public facilities loan pro- is not considered as a school or educa- tional facility; ties may include: gram, the model cities program, and as (1) The costs of conducting prelimi- an urban renewal local grant-in-aid eli- (iii) Airports, subways, trolley lines, gible under section 110(d)(3) of Hous- bus or other transit terminals, or sta- nary surveys and analyses of market needs; ing Act of 1949) and cited in § 570.1(b). tions, and other transportation facili- (2) Site and utility plans, narrative Activities undertaken to make facili- ties, (excluding railroad spurs assisted descriptions of the proposed construc- pursuant to § 570.203(c)). ties and improvements otherwise ineli- tion, preliminary cost estimates, urban gible for development with block grant (iv) Hospitals, nursing homes and design documentation, and "sketch assistance accessible to the elderly and other medical facilities. For the pur- drawings," but excluding architectur- handicapped through removal of ar- pose of this paragraph, a neighbor- al, engineering. and other details ordi- chitectural barriers, or for the pur- hood facility, senior center, center for narily required for construction pur- poses of historic preservation pursuant the handicapped, which provide gener- poses, such as structural, electrical, to §§ 570.201(k) and 570.202(f), respec- al health services is not considered to plumbing, and mechanical details; be a medical facility. tively, are eligible for assistance with (3) Reasonable costs associated with block grant funds and are not pre- (v) Treatment works for sewage or development of applications for mort- cluded by this section. Where acquisi- industrial wastes of a liquid nature, gage and insured loan commitments, tion of real property Includes an exist- consisting of the various-devices used including commitment fees, and of ap- ing improvement which is to be uti- in the treatment of sewage and com- plications and proposals under the lized in the provision of an Ineligible mercial and industrial wastes of a Section 8 housing assistance payments public facility, the portion of the ac- liquid nature, including the necessary program pursuant to 24 CFR Parts quisition cost attributable to such Im- interceptor sewers, outfall sewers, 880-883; and provement, as well as the cost of any actual treatment facilities, pumping (4) Fees associated with processing rehabilitation or conversion undertak- stations, power and other equipment, of applications for mortgage and in- en to adapt or make the property suit- and their appurtenances. The term sured loan commitments under pro- able for such use, shall be ineligible. "interceptor sewer" means a line grams including those administered by Examples include the following: which has as its primary purpose the HUD, Farmers Home Administration (1) Buildings and facilities for the diversion or transmission of sewage (FmHA). Federal National Mortgage general conduct of government, cannot from a collection system to a treat- Association (FNMA), and the Govern- be provided with block grant assis- ment facility, and applies to the fol- ment National Mortgage Association lowing: tance, such as city halls and other (GNMA). headquarters of government where (A) In those situations where raw or inadequately treated sewage is being FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8447 discharged from an existing public public service within the facility, in- or any other purpose. Examples of in- sewer, those sewer lines. whether grav- cluding costs of rent, utilities and eligible income payments include the ity or force, and any pumping stations maintenance. following: payments for income main- or other appurtenances thereto which Examples of activities which are not tenance, housing allowances, down are necessary to prevent or eliminate eligible for block grant assistance are: payments and mortgage subsidies. the discharge into any waterway of (1) Maintenance and repair of III. Conforming changes are made to raw or inadequately treated sewage streets, parks, playgrounds, water and part 570 as follows: from an existing point or points of dis- sewer facilities, neighborhood facill- charge in a public system are not eligi- ties, senior centers, centers for the § 570.403 [Amended] ble. This includes any necessary pump- handicapped, parking and similar 1. In § 570.403(h), the reference to ing stations, force mains or other ap- public facilities. Examples of mainte- 570.200(a)" is changed to purtenances thereto; and nance and repair activities for which 570.201(c)(4)." (B) In all other situations, the line block grant funds may not be used in- or lines which divert the flow to the clude the filling of pot holes in streets, § 570.405 [Amended] treatment facility from the point of repairing of cracks in sidewalks, the 2. In § 570.405(b), the reference to natural discharge of a collection mowing of recreational areas, and the 570.200" is changed to "Subpart C." system, where no treatment to be pro- replacement of expended street light bulbs. § 570.407 [Amended] vided, including any necessary pump- ing stations, force mains or other ap- (2) Payment of salaries for staff, 3. In § 570.407(d), the reference to purtenances are not eligible. utility costs and similar expenses nec- 570.200" is changed to "Subpart C." (b) Purchase of equipment. The pur- essary for the operation of public chase of equipment with block grant works and facilities; and § 570.512 [Amended] funds is generally ineligible. (3) Expenses associated with provi- 4. In § 570.512(e), the reference to (1) Construction equipment. The sion of any public service which is not 570.200" is changed to "Subpart C." purchase of construction equipment is eligible for assistance pursuant to ineligible, but compensation for the § 570.201(e). § 570.601 [Amended] use of such equipment through leas- (d) General government expenses. 5. In § 570.601(b)(4)(iii), the refer- ing. depreciation or use allowances Expenses required to carry out the ence to 570.200" is changed to "Sub- pursuant to Attachment B of OMB regular responsibilities of the unit of part C." Circular A-102 for an otherwise eligi- general local government are not eligi- ble activity is an eligible use of block ble for assistance under this part. Ex- § 570.607 [Amended] grant funds. An exception is the pur- amples include all ordinary general 6. In 570.607, the references to chase of construction equipment government expenditures not related to the Community Development Pro- 507.200(a)(8)," 570.200(b)," and which is used as a part of a solid waste disposal facility which is eligible for gram and not related to activities eligi- 570.200(a)(2)" are changed to block grant assistance pursuant to ble under this subpart. 570.201(e)," 570.200(c)," and 570.201(c)(13)," respectively. § 570.201(c)(5), such as a bulldozer (e) Political activities. No expendi- used at a sanitary landfill. ture may be made for the use of equip- § 570.801 [Amended] (2) Furnishings and personal proper- ment or premises for political pur- tv. The purchase of equipment, fix- poses, sponsoring or conducting candi- 7. In 570.801(b)(1)(Ii), the refer- dates' meetings, engaging In voter reg- ences to "$570.200" are changed to tures, motor vehicles, or furnishings or istration activity or voter transporta- "Subpart C." other personalty not an integral struc- tion or other partisan political activi- tural fixture is ineligible, except when § 570.907 [Amended] ties. necessary for use by a recipient or its subgrantees in the administration of (f) New housing construction. Assis- 8. In § 570.907(h), the references to its Community Development Program tance may not be used for the con- 570.200(a)(8)" and "§ 570.200(a)(2)" pursuant to § 570.205(d), or as a part struction of new permanent residen- are changed to 570.201(e)" and of a public service pursuant to tial structures or for any program to "§ 570.201(c)(13)," respectively. subsidize or finance such new con- § 570.201(e). struction, except as provided under § 570.909 [Amended] (c) Operating and maintenance ex- the last resort housing provisions set 9. In 570.909(f)(1)(i), the reference penses. The general rule is that any forth in 24 CFR Part 43, or pursuant to 570.200" is changed to "Subpart expense associated with operating, to § 570.204(c)(4). For the purpose of C.". maintaining or repairing public facili- this paragraph, activities in support of ties and works or any expense associat- the development of low- or moderate- (Title I, Housing and Community Develop- ed with providing public services not ment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); income housing in accordance with an Title I, Housing and Community Develop- assisted with block grant funds is ineli- approved Housing Assistance Plan in- ment Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-128); and sec. gible for assistance. However, operat- cluding clearance, site assemblage, 7(d), Department of Housing and Urban De- ing and maintenance expenses associ- provision of site and provision of velopment Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(d)).) ated with providing public services or public improvements and certain hous- ing preconstruction costs set forth in Issued at Washington, D.C., Febru- interim assistance otherwise eligible § 570.205(d)(7), are not considered as ary 21, 1978. for assistance under this Part may be assisted. For example, the cost of a programs to subsidize or finance new ROBERT C. EMBRY, Jr., public service being operated with residential construction. Assistant Secretary for Commu- block grant funds in a neighborhood (g) Income payments. The general nity Planning and Develop- facility may include reasonable ex- rule is that assistance shall not be ment. penses associated with operating the used for income payments for housing [FR Doc. 78-5179 Filed 2-23-78; 2:24 pml FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 PART IV ARCHIVES OF THE MATIONAL THE SHIPS UNITED 1934 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM Entitlement Grants 8450 RULES AND REGULATIONS [4210-01] final effect. The following summarizes related HUD programs which may be the significant recurrent comments undertaken where community devel- Title 24-Housing and Urban Development and the changes that were made. opment activities are being carried out CHAPTER V-OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SEC- PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS in a concentrated manner and encour- RETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ages localities to designate appropriate DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING Public comments tended to support areas for concentrated action. AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT the general approach of encouraging Paragraph (c) is headed "Neighbor- comprehensive planning and use of hood Strategy Area" which is the term [Docket No. R-78-471] block grant funds in a concentrated being adopted to refer to areas where PART 570-COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT manner, but criticized the specific pro- concentrated programs are being car- visions for being too restrictive. Com- BLOCK GRANTS ried out. This is more flexibly defined ments by local officials and public In- than the "Comprehensive Neighbor- Subpart D-Entitiement Grants terest groups tended to be in agree- hood Revitalization Area" term which ment in both areas. Cities which liked it replaces. It eliminates the three to AGENCY: Department of Housing the approach felt that it would facill- and Urban Development. five year time limit. Rather, it pro- tate longer range planning and make vides that the size of the area should ACTION: Final rulemaking. for more effective programming. Com- take into account the conditions and SUMMARY: HUD is issuing final rules ments from public interest groups the extent of resources to be provided stated their expectation that these on Subpart D of the regulations for so that substantial long-term improve- provisions would result in more funds the Community Development Block ments can be accomplished within a being targeted to lower-income neigh- Grant Program governing applications reasonable time. The size and condi- borhoods. for entitlement grants. These rules tion of the areas to be selected are at The specific criticisms that were have been revised to: the discretion of the applicant so long made were as follows. Many com- (1) Ensure that community develop- as the resources provided are suffi- menters felt that the rules were too ment programs carried out with block cient to truly constitute a concentrat- prescriptive in that they appeared to grant funds meet statutory objectives, ed approach to meeting the needs of particularly the objective of providing make comprehensive neighborhood re- designated areas. decent housing, a suitable living envi- vitalization programs mandatory. There was considerable favorable They concluded that all block grant ronment, and expanded economic op- comment on the multiyear program- recipients had to use funds in a con- portunities principally for persons of ming provisions which have been re- centrated manner, and that scattered low- and moderate-income; tained. There were no other signifi- programs were not permitted even cant comments. (2) Enhance the opportunity for citi- where they were appropriate for the zens to participate in planning, imple- particular community and benefited PROGRAM BENEFIT TO Low- AND menting. and assessing the program; (3) Provide for improved planning low- and moderate-income persons. MODERATE-INCOME PERSONS which coordinates housing assistance The definition of comprehensive These provisions received extensive neighborhood revitalization areas was and community development pro- comment from a wide range of local grams and encourages a comprehen- criticized by both local government of- governments, public Interest groups, sive approach to dealing with urban ficials and public interest groups. The and individuals. In general, local gov- problems; and commenters objected particularly to ernment officials objected to the rule. (4) Rationalize the application pro- the requirement that such areas be of While most agreed that the principal cess by reducing the frequency of sub- manageable size and condition and to benefit of the block grant program mission of the Community Develop- the three to five year time limit for should be for low- and moderate- ment and Housing Assistance Plans to substantially meeting the housing and income persons, they felt that the rule once in three years, making them community development needs of the as proposed was too restrictive, that it more substantive documents, and sim- area. They stated that this would pre- would limit local initiative and flexibil- plifying the annual application. vent localities from undertaking com- ity, and would create paperwork and prehensive programs in the worst administrative burdens. These commu- EFFECTIVE DATE: Unless otherwise areas and that it would require desig- nities objected both to the overall per- indicated in the regulations, these re- nating areas that were to small too centage requirement for the use of quirements are effective for all appli- permit effective citizen participation funds for the benefit of low- and mod- cations received in HUD on or after or delivery of services. erate-income persons, and to many of May 1, 1978. Other recurrent comments were: the detailed provisions such as the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (1) That comprehensive programs definition of low- and moderate- CONTACT: should not be limited to residential income service areas and the limita- areas-this comment was made by nu- tions on the kinds of projects which Harriet L Frank, Beverly M. merous localities that did not meet the Harvey. or David J. Pollack, Pro- could be carried out as exceptions to UDAG distress criteria; and the low- and moderate-income benefit grams Standards Division Communi- (2) That this appeared to require an provisions. ty Planning and Development, De- additional plan and the relationship of partment of Housing and Urban De- On the other hand, many groups en- that to the three-year community de-- velopment, 451 Seventh Street SW., dorsed the rule. These commenters velopment plan was not clear. Washington, D.C. 20410, 202-755- felt that a higher proportion of funds 6304-755-6306. This section has been substantially should be used for the benefit of low- revised in response to the comments. and moderate-income persons, and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 570.301(a) is now headed that some of the detailed provisions On October 25, 1977, proposed revi- "Comprehensive Strategies." It states should be tightened to prevent abuse. sions to Subpart D were published in the basic planning efforts required of The final rule continues the empha- the FEDERAL REGISTER (42 FR 56450) all applicants for block grants and ex- sis on principally benefitting low- and for public comment. Interested parties plicitly recognizes that each applicant moderate-income persons. The rule were given until November 25, 1977, to has discretion to develop strategies ap- provides that an application shall be submit written comments. A total of propriate to local needs and condi- presumed to benefit low- and moder- 1,327 letters of comment were re- tions. Paragraph (b) is headed "Co- ate-income persons where the appli- ceived. All comments were considered ordination of Programs" and describes cant proposes that not less than 75 carefully in revising these rules for the block grant funded activities and percent of the program funds be used FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8451 for projects and activities which bene- Paragraph 570.302(b)(2) states that that neighborhoods or other geo- fit low- and moderate-income persons the program as a whole shall princi- graphic areas to be served by particu- as defined in the rule. Such a pre- pally benefit low- and moderate- lar projects are generally not cotermi- sumption, while not determinative, income persons. Paragraph nous with census tract boundaries; and shall relieve the applicant, in the ab- 570.302(b)(3) contains the provision that the effort to qualify areas for as- sence of substantial evidence to the that programs in which at least 75 per- sistance could lead to gerrymandering contrary, from any examination by cent of the funds are budgeted for pro- and deflect attention from the quality HUD prior to funding to determine jects defined as principally benefitting of programming. In response, this new whether or not the program as a lower-Income persons shall be pre- provision states that the applicant's. whole principally benefits low- and sumed to meet this requirement, determinations that projects principal- moderate-income persons. All other absent substantial evidence to the con- ly benefit low- and moderate-income applications shall be subject to exami- trary. persons may be based on a variety of nation by HUD prior to funding to de- Numerous commenters who objected data including 701 planning studies, termine whether they principally to the percentage requirement also local surveys, etc.; and that the appli- benefit low- and moderate-income per- questioned the legal basis for this rule. cant shall maintain such documenta- sons. In making this determination, These commenters noted that the tion in its files. Where at least 75 per- HUD will consider the information in statute does not have any quantitative cent of program funds are budgeted the applicant's community develop- standard for benefits to low- and mod- for projects which principally benefit ment plan, the specific needs of lower- erate-income persons and simply re- low- and moderate-income persons, income persons in the applicant's ju- quires that applicants give maximum HUD will accept the applicant's deter- risdiction, and past expenditure pat- feasible priority to activities which minations; otherwise, HUD will exam- terns in areas having concentrations of benefit low- and moderate-income per- ine the proposed activities to ensure lower-income persons. All programs, sons or prevent or eliminate slums and that the programs as a whole princi- whether entitled to the presumption blight. They therefore questioned pally benefits lower-income persons. or not, shall be subject to monitoring HUD's authority to give greater HUD will monitor the applicant's per- by HUD to ensure that low- and mod- weight to one category of project. formance to assure that the projects erate-income persons are principally While this view has been fully consid- being carried out with block grant benefitted by the program as a whole. ered, it was concluded that the re- funds principally benefit low- and The reasons for adopting this rule quirement is statutorily permissible in moderate-income persons. Our inten- are as follows. It was decided that it terms of the specific programmatic re- tion is to carry out the statutory ob- was necessary to require in the regula- quirements and the stated primary ob- jective of benefitting low- and moder- tions for the first time that the block jective of the Act. grant program should principally ate-income persons in a strong and Subparagraph 570.302(b)(3) also pro- benefit low- and moderate-income per- committed fashion. At the same time, vides that the determination of the sons, and to provide clearer and more we intend to be practical and flexible amount of funds benefitting low- and specific rules and review standards to regarding documentation. Applicants moderate-income persons will be based assure that this occurred. None of the need to know the income characteris- on the amount of program funds to be alternative approaches suggested ap- tics of areas within their jurisdictions peared workable; they did not provide available during the three year period in order to design programs to meet a standard which could be adminis- covered by the applicant's Community statutory requirements, and documen- tered in a fair and consistent fashion. Development and Housing Plan. This tation reflecting that knowledge must Yet it was recognized that a rigid per- substitutes for the provisions in Sec- be maintained in the applicant's files. centage requirement would unduly tion 570.302(d)(5) of the proposed However, we do not intend that appli- limit applicants. It was therefore de- rules regarding adjusting the amount cants be restricted, in their program- cided to adopt a modified rule which of funds which must be used for pro- ing by obsolete data or irrelevant geo- provides a reasonable measure of flexi- jects which principally benefit low- graphic boundaries. Rather, we expect bility and responsiveness to varied and moderate-income persons by the that applicants will be able to make a local circumstances. amount by which such expenditures reasonable case that projects carried The comments made on the specific have exceeded 75 percent in previous out with block grant funds principally provisions, and the changes made in years. The reason for this is to facili- serve low- and moderate-Income per- response to those comments are as fol- tate long range planning by providing sons based on pertinent generally lows: an assured source of funding for pro- available information. jects which otherwise meet these re- Subparagraph (5) contains the provi- GENERAL quirements. It is noted that Section sion for benefitting low income per- Section 570.302(a) is now called Stat- 570.304(c) requires a three year activ- sons which was previously in utory Provisions and cites the statu- ity summary which describes the pro- 570.302(a)(2). Numerous comments tory sections on which this rule is jects to be carried out over a three regarding this were made by public in- based. Section 570.302(b) is now called year period, their locations and the terest groups concerned with the General Requirements and contains amounts of block grant and other needs of lower income persons. Many the rules formerly in paragraph (a), funds to be provided. The new applica- felt that a more specific rule is needed revised as follows: tion forms to be used effective August which would require that expenditures Paragraph 570.302(b)(1) states that 1, 1978, will clearly display the infor- for low-income, as compared with all projects and activities must either mation required to make these deter- moderate-income persons, be in pro- principally benefit low- and moderate- minations on a three year basis and to portion to such persons' share of the income persons, or prevent or elimi- hold cities accountable for using pro- low- and moderate-income population. nate slums and blight, or meet other gram funds in accordance with the These commenters expressed concern community development needs having Three-Year Plan. that cities would neglect the neediest a particular urgency. This is the rule Subparagraph (4) is new and re- parts of their population in favor of which was originally published as sponds to the numerous comments re- those relatively more effluent. These 570.303(b)(5) in the FEDERAL REGISTER garding the paperwork and other diffi- comments were considered at length of February 2, 1977. It is based on the culties anticipated in order to comply and it was decided that a quantified maximum feasible priority language of with this rule. Many commenters requirement for benefits to low- Section 104(b)(2) of the Act which set noted that census data is now out of income persons should not be adopted. out the three categories of projects for date and In many cases no longer accu- The reasons are that there is no evi- which block grant funds could be used. rately represents existing conditions; dence that there is a significant pat- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8452 RULES AND REGULATIONS tern of neglect of low-income persons low- and moderate-Income residents sists of rehabilitation financing and in favor of moderate-income persons, would work against the legitimate, public services. It is noted that many who are defined as members of house- statutory objective of spatial decon- lower-income persons could not afford holds whose income does not exceed centration, of minorities and low- and to repay loans or pay increased rents, 80 percent of the SMSA or state non- moderate-Income persons; that excep- although lower-income homeowners metropolitan median, and that an ad- tions should be made for areas that may benefit from direct grants, and, ditional quantitative standard would are economically diverse when block therefore, could not directly benefit greatly complicate local planning and grant funds were being used to pro- from most rehabilitation programs. programing. However, the words mote such diversity; and that provi- Public services are limited by the Act "which can be carried out with avail- sion should be made for activities to areas in which physical develop- able resources" were deleted since which encourage the provision of sub- ment activities are being carried out in many read this as diluting the commit- sidized housing for low-Income persons a concentrated manner and where the ment to assuring that the needs of low outside areas of lower-Income concen- public services are necessary to sup- income persons were addressed. This tration. Some commenters questioned port such physical development activi- section provides a clear basis for deal- the definitions of low- and moderate- ties. As a practical matter, it is, there- ing with abuses and HUD intends to income, and proposed alternatives fore, generally not possible to use the enforce it. such as defining them as 100 percent block grant program exclusively for and 120 percent of the Standard Met- REVIEW GUIDELINES provision of benefits directly to lower- ropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) or income individuals. Furthermore, re- The provisions in paragraph (c) are state nonmetropolitan median in- stricting local programming in such new and indicate how the modified comes, or having a national standard, fashion would effectively prevent standard will be administered. Subpar- or defining them in comparison to the cities from providing needed facilities agraph (1) provides that, absent sub- applicant's median income. Some pro- such as neighborhood facilities, pools, stantial evidence to the contrary. HUD posed that low- and moderate-income playgrounds, to the majority of lower- will presume that an application prin- areas be defined as areas with concen- income persons, since some higher- cipally benefits low- and moderate- trations of lower income persons ex- income persons might also benefit. Income persons where at least 75 per- ceeding the average of such persons in The definitions of projects which cent of the program funds are for pro- the SMSA or the community. Some benefit low- and moderate-income per- jects which meet the definitions of suggested that the absolute number of sons have been revised as follows: principally benefitting lower-income low- and moderate-income persons to First, the requirement that such pro- persons. Subparagraph (2) provides be served be considered, not only the Jects must be designed to meet Identi- that HUD will subject all other appli- proportion of such persons in a given fied needs of low- and moderate- cations to an examination prior to area, since they felt that the proposed income persons as described in the ap- funding to determine whether the ac- rules would prevent benefits to large plicant's Community Development tivities proposed constitute a program numbers of lower Income persons who Plan has been moved to the beginning which principally benefits low- and reside in areas where they do not con- for greater emphasis. The distinction moderate-income persons, and Indi- stitute a majority. between projects benefitting low- and cates some of the factors that shall be On the other hand, numerous public moderate-income areas and projects taken into account in making that de- interst groups concerned with lower benefitting low- and moderate-Income termination. Income persons felt that the rule was persons has been eliminated because it too permissive since it counted as a PROJECTS WHICH BENEFIT Low- AND proved to be confusing. Rather, the low- and moderate-Income benefit pro- MODERATE-INCOME PERSONS categories of projects now include pro- Ject one which benefitted as much as Jects with income eligibility require- These provisions, which were previ- 49 percent higher Income persons. ments that limit the benefits to low- ously in the proposed paragraph Many felt that the cost of each project and moderate-Income persons, and 570.302(b), received the greatest should be prorated to the extent that projects which do not have income number of comments made on the spe- it benefits low- and moderate-income limits but which principally benefit cific provisions of the general rule. persons. Some felt that low- and mod- low- and moderate-income persons in It is apparent from these comments erate-income projects should be limit- an area delineated by the applicant. that most of the local governments ed to those which provide direct bene- The rule makes clear that such areas that objected to the overall percentage fits to low- and moderate-income per- need not be coterminous with census requirement were particularly trou- sons. They objected to including pro- tracts, but rather may consist of bled by the combination of that re- jects which benefitted geographic neighborhoods or other locally defined quirement with the tight definitions areas where higher income persons areas to be served by a given project. of projects which would be credited would also receive benefits. Finally, a The category of projects benefitting toward meeting it. These commenters number of commenters felt that the low- and moderate-income persons in stated that the proposed rules would provision that projects defined as prin- delineated areas has been expanded to impede and even prevent effective pro- cipally benefiting low- and moderate- include areas with less than a majority graming. The specific comments were: income persons must meet identified of low- and moderate-income persons Numerous local governments, particu- needs of low- and moderate-Income for localities whose low- and moderate- larly cities in the south and west, and persons should be strengthened and income residents are dispersed and urban counties, stated that they had specific standards for meeting it be where it is not possible or appropriate no areas, or very few areas, in which provided. to target funds to -areas where low- low- and moderate-income persons After careful consideration of the and moderate-income residents consti- constituted a majority. Others felt full range of comments, It was decided tute a majority. that the definitions of projects princi- that this section should be modified in Economic development projects are pally benefitting low- and moderate- order to provide needed flexibility and now described as projects designed to income persons were too restrictive responsiveness to varied local circum- create permanent employment for and would limit comprehensive pro- stances and permit effective program- low- and moderate-income persons. gramming in certain transitional areas ming. We could not agree that pro- Projects to attract or retain commer- in which funds could be used to great Jects that benefit low- and moderate- cial facilities in lower income neigh- effect. income persons should be limited to borhoods are now listed as an example Comments were made that targeting projects which provide direct benefits or projects benefitting delineated -funds into areas with a majority of to such persons. Direct benefits con- areas. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8453 Removal of architectural barriers is as projects in areas which meet the and had strong economies, where the added to the list of projects generally definition of an urban renewal or simi- economic development activities would assumed to benefit low- and moderate- lar area under state law and In which not principally benefit low- and mod- income persons in response to a the applicant undertakes a compre- erate-income persons. We have con- number of comments and questions. hensive program to remedy the condl- cluded that we can accomplish the tions which qualify the area. The same result in a fashion more respon- PROJECTS WHICH PREVENT OR reason for redefining the concept of sive to individual city conditions by ap- ELIMINATE SLUMS AND BLIGHT comprehensive slum and blight pre- plying the "plainly inappropriate" cri- Paragraphs (e) and (f) now contain vention and elimination projects was teria for disapproval of applications in the rules formerly listed under the to provide a definition that was more 8 570.311 of these regulations. The spe- heading of "Exceptions" in paragraph flexible and easler to understand and cial category of attracting higher (c). The new headings conform to the apply. It was observed that the previ- Income residents has been eliminated three categories of activity in the ous definition led to the conclusion altogether. Attracting higher Income maximum feasible priority language of that comprehensive neighborhood residents is a statutory objective and the Act. programs were permitted only in areas applicants can develop strategies Local government officials who com- which were not predominantly low- toward that end. Such strategies may mented on these provisions generally and moderate-income and that readers be accomplished through projects regarded them as too restrictive. Many were uncertain as to how extensive the which principally benefit low- and stated that the overall percentage re- deterioration had to be in order to moderate-income persons, or through quirement for the use of funds was qualify an area. This category now in- slum prevention and elimination ac- sufficient to assure principal benefit to cludes commercial as well as residen- tivities permitted by these regulations; low- and moderate-income persons, tial areas, as numerous cities recom- they do not constitute a separate cate- and that the activities permitted with mended. gory of activity and are no longer sep- the remainder of the grant should The second category, elimination of arately described. therefore be more flexibly defined. detrimental conditions, has been ex- Specific comments included the fol- panded to include relocation, since ac- PROJECTS DESIGNED To MEET NEEDS quisition and demolition generally ne- HAVING A PARTICULAR URGENCY lowing: Economic development activi- ties should not be limited to localities cessitate relocation payments and as- Some commenters stated that meeting the distress criteria for Urban sistance. It has also been expanded to urgent needs should not be subject to Development Action Grants since include historic preservation since the limitation on expenditures for pro- many other cities are distressed rela- that is a statutory objective and we Jects and activities not benefitting low- tive to their regions, or have distressed agree that the previous provision was and moderate-income persons. Others areas within their jurisdiction; the too limited. However, we did not add felt that the requirement that the slum and blight category should in- site improvements since it was our spe- needs must be of recent origin should clude commercial revitalization; the cific Intention to prevent use of block be eliminated. A number of com- limit on such activities should be 33 1/3 grant funds for public improvements menters wanted specific criteria for percent rather than 25 percent; the and facilities in areas which were nel- determining that other sources of rule effectively prevents most historic ther predominantly low- and moder- funding were not available, and for de- preservation activities; the category of ate-Income nor blighted. Provision of termining that the applicant could not "elimination of detrimental condi- often costly improvements and facill- finance the activities on its own. tions" should be expanded to include ties on a scattered basis not part of a We considered the comments and de- activities such as relocation and site strategy to aid low- and moderate- cided not to change this section. We improvements. income persons or prevent or elimi- feel that urgent needs should be sub- Certain groups which commented nate slums and blight is generally not ject to the same limitation as activities opposed the provision permitting ac- consonant with the objectives of the to prevent and eliminate slums and tivities to attract higher income resi- Act and is therefore deliberately pre- blight since that is consonant with the dents. They were concerned that such cluded by this rule. primary objective of the Act. The re- activities would displace lower income The provision on completion of Fed- quirement that the need be of recent persons and felt that It was inappro- erally assisted urban renewal projects origin is consistent with current priate to use block grant funds to aid has been clarified to indicate that pro- policy, which has proved workable. If higher income persons. Many recom- jects which principally benefit low- a need is not of recent origin, and a mended that where block grant funds and moderate-income persons are community has not acted to address it, were used to encourage construction counted as such. Activities necessary the urgency of the need becomes ques- or rehabilitation of higher income to complete renewal projects which do tionable. We considered developing housing, the rules require that a speci- not principally benefit lower-income specific criteria for determining local fled proportion of the housing units, persons shall not be included in those capacity to finance and availability of such as 20 percent, be reserved for activities benefitting lower-income other resources and found this effort Section 8 assistance. persons, but shall be recognized as ac- impractical due to the great range of There were numerous comments tivities which prevent or eliminate circumstances which would have to be about urban renewal completion. A slums and blight. provided for. number of local governments recom- The category of activities which may mended that there be no limit on the be undertaken only by distressed cities COMPUTING BENEFITS TO Low- AND MODERATE-INCOME PERSONS use of funds for this purpose and that has been eliminated. Regarding eco- cities should be encouraged and aided nomic development, It was decided There were numerous comments in completing such projects. It was that limiting such activities to dis- from public interest groups objecting also, recommended that completion of tressed cities would be inappropriate to the credit for previous expenditures urban renewal projects which princi- for certain cities that did not meet the exceeding 75 percent of the grant for pally benefit low- and moderate- Action Grant distress criteria but the benefit of low- and moderate- income persons should be credited nonetheless had a real need to en- income persons. That provision has toward meeting the 75 percent re- hance their economic viability. The re- been eliminated. The other recurrent quirement. striction had been proposed in order to comment was that urban renewal loan The following changes have been avoid the use of block grant funds for repayment should not be excluded made in response to these comments. commercial or industrial developments from the computation of funds used The first category has been redefined in cities which were relatively affluent for the principal benefit of such per- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8454 RULES AND REGULATIONS sons. We did not accept that because review period. does not lend Itself to § 570.303(b)-WRITTEN CITIZEN of the large amount of outstanding review of detailed relocation plans. PARTICIPATION PLAN loans with Federal guarantees and the Regarding steps to be taken to miti- importance we attach to assuring that gate adverse effects, we feel that this The proposed regulations stated adequate resources are available for is best left to the applicant at the pre- that the applicant's written citizen repayment. sent time since local conditions vary participation plan had to be followed The substantive changes in this sec- and steps which may be workable and beginning with the preparation of the tion are as follows: A provision has effective for some could be damaging first application to be submitted to been added, stating that where a pro- to others. Nor did we feel that we HUD on or after the effective date of ject consisting of several activities could prohibit displacement entirely, the regulations. Many comments were does not principally benefit low- and made that a longer lead time was since in many cases that would pre- moderate-income persons, but a par- vent neighborhood revitalization ac- needed in which to prepare the plan, ticular activity does, the applicant particularly since another provision tivities. Rather than adopting these requires citizen involvement in the may consider credit that activity as a recommendations, the Department plan's development. To help ensure low- and moderate-income benefit. will rely on monitoring of programs the adoption of well-devised plans, the This is intended to encourage pro- and working directly with local gov- final rule states that the plan shall go gramming for such persons. Finally, a ernments to assure that programs are into effect no later than August 1, provision has been added that the carried out in a manner which mini- 1978. nature and result of a project will de- mizes hardships to lower income per- Many commenters recommended re- termine whether a project benefits sons, and assists them to remain in ex- quiring submission of the plan to HUD low- and moderate-income persons, not isting neighborhoods, if that is what for review. After careful consideration, simply geographic location. This is to they prefer. it was decided that submission of citi- assure attention to the purpose and substantive effect on such persons. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION zen participation plans by all commu- nities should not be required, princi- MITIGATING ADVERSE EFFECTS As with to the provisions on pro- pally because HUD does not have suf- gram benefit to low- and moderate- ficient staff to review adequately all of Numerous comments were made ex- income persons, the proposed citizen the thousands of plans. It is felt that pressing concern about anticipated dis- participation provisions received ex- HUD's limited staff resources can be placement as a result of block grant tensive comment from local govern- used more effectively in resolving com- funded activities and recommending ments, public interest groups, and in- plaints and findings regarding citizen stronger provisions. A number of com- dividuals. Again, there was a clear de- participation. menters recommended that HUD re- marcation between the comments of quire a specific relocation plan to be § 570.303(C)-STANDARDS OF local government officials and their submitted by each applicant. Others PARTICIPATION associations on one hand, and the recommended that HUD prescribe the comments of legal aid societies, neigh- A large number of public interest types of actions applicants would have borhood organizations, civil rights or- groups recommended that citizen par- to take to mitigate adverse effects, for ganizations, and other public interest ticipation structures be required at example, instituting rent controls in groups on the other. In general, the both the neighborhood and communi- areas where block grant funds were former groups objected to the pro- ty-wide levels. The proposed regula- used for rehabilitation of rental prop- posed rule, primarily due to the in- tions called for a citizen participation erties. Some felt that the rules should creased level of detail of the require- process at both levels. The term "pro- prohibit displacement, not simply re- ments and the additional administra- cess" has been retained in the final quire that the effects of such displace- tive expense which would be involved rule in recognition of the diverse size ment be mitigated. On the other hand, in implementing them. In contrast, and political traditions of program ap- some commenters felt that this provi- the public interest groups generally plicants. The inflexibility of requiring sion worked against spatial deconcen- supported the rule as a marked im- all communities to established formal tration objectives, since it appeared to provement over previous regulations, citizen participation structures, re- require that persons stay in the same but many wanted it strengthened. gardless of the effectiveness of exist- neighborhood in all cases. Comments made on the specific pro- ing arrangements, was also considered. The Department is most-concerned visions, and the changes made in re- We believe that the exact form of the about the problems of displacement of sponse to those comments are as fol- citizen participation process is not lower income persons as a result of lows: critical; what is important is that the neighborhood change, and is consider- process meet-prescribed standards. ing what additional programs and poli- § 570.303(a)-GENERAL Many smaller communities com- cies are required to deal with this. Nevertheless, we concluded that it Several commenters expressed con- plained that a two tier process of par- ticipation (i.e., communitywide and would not be appropriate or effective cern that the regulations create expec- neighborhood) would be burdensome to make these rules more restrictive. tations among citizens that they can and of no value in smaller communi- Our experience in predecessor categor- restrict the local government's author- ties. They pointed out that the small ical grant-in-aid programs was that ity over the program, while the statute size of the community ensures the specific relocation plans did not pre- expressly reserves that authority. In communitywide process will be effec: vent displacement nor assure that re- order to emphasize that citizens must tive in informing residents about the location was carried out in a humane be afforded an opportunity to provide program and providing them the op- fashion due to: advice to the local government regard- portunity to become involved. In re- (1) The time that elapsed between ing the program, but they do not have sponse to these comments, the final development of the plans and actual the power under these regulations to rule requires only a communitywide displacement; veto the elected government's deci- process for applicants with popula- (2) The difficulty of controlling relo- sions, the first sentence of paragraph tions under 50,000. cation workload and provision of new 570.303(a) has been revised to state A large number of comments were housing resources; and that the applicant shall provide citi- received regarding the specific stan- (3) Other factors. zens with an adequate opportunity to dards of participation enumerated in participate "In an advisory role" in paragraph (c). As a result of those Moreover, the context of a block grant planning, implementing, and assessing comments, four changes have been program, including a statutory 75-day the program. made. First, the standards in FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8455 § 570.303(c)(1)(ii) and citizens in developing a written plan. vision in the proposed regulations § 570.303(c)(1)(vi) of the proposed With regard to the other objection, no flatly requiring written responses to rules have been combined and placed community should have to start all citizen complaints within 15 working in § 570.303(c)(2). This has been done over again in developing a citizen par- days provided insufficient time in to make it clearer that applicants are ticipation process; while most commu- which to prepare responsive answers not required to establish citizen advi- nities will have to modify their exist- to complex complaints. We agree more sory committees, though they may ing processes by some degree, these flexibility is needed and, therefore, choose to do so. Second, the segments regulations provide wide latitude with the final rule provides that the appli- of the population which must be in- regard to the form of the citizen par- cant shall make "every reasonable volved in the citizen participation pro- ticipation process and, therefore, effort" to provide written responses cess have been expanded to include should accommodate existing forms of within 15 working days. the business community and civic citizen involvement. groups who are concerned about the Several commenters requested clari- § 570.303(h)-TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE program. These were added in recogni- fication as to what is meant by citizen tion of the important roles business involvement In program implementa- Numerous local governments object- tion. In response, subparagraph (2) ed to the proposed technical assistance and civic groups play in community has been revised to state that, at a provisions. They- objected to losing development. Third, "substantial" rep- minimum, this includes involvement of control over determining the amount resentation of low- and moderate- citizens in an advisory role in policy of money to be spent on technical as- income citizens and members of mi- decisions regarding program imple- sistance, the persons to provide the as- nority groups on citizen advisory com- mentation. An example is citizen sistance, and the groups to receive it. mittees the applicant chooses to estab- advice on the degree of subsidy to be On the other hand, public interest lish or recognize has been substituted provided in connection with rehabilita- groups strongly supported the techni- for "adequate" representation of such tion loans to families in different cal assistance provisions. After careful persons to emphasize the importance income ranges. Day-to-day operational consideration of all comments, the of close coordination between the ap- decisions are not included in the cate- rule was revised to provide that the plicant and the intended primary gory of policy decisions. This subpara- level and type of assistance shall be beneficiaries of the program. Finally, graph also suggests other roles citizens determined by the applicant. It was $ 570.303(c)(1)(iii) of the proposed may play in program implementation. also revised to provide that technical rules has been revised in the final rule Subparagraph (3), which has been assistance "should" be provided by 570.303(c)(3)) to state that the appli- renamed "Assessment of perfor- specialists jointly selected by the ap- cant shall make reasonable efforts to mance," has been revised to more plicant and the organizations and ensure continuity of involvement by closely reflect new statutory intent. A groups assisted. Such joint selection is citizens or citizen organizations new provision has been added regard- not mandatory. throughout all stages of the program. ing the handling of citizen comments The proposed rule said there shall be on the applicant's community develop- $570.303(1)-ADEQUATE INFORMATION continuity of participation by specific ment performance. The provision A number of public interest groups citizen representatives. This change states that the applicant shall include recommended that applicants be re- was made because it is not our Intent in Its annual performance report quired to publish line item reports of to encourage applicants to treat cer- coples of comments submitted by citi- planned activities 60 days prior to tain citizens preferentially, which is zens regarding the applicant's commu- final public hearings on the applica- the interpretation several commenters nity development performance, the ap- tion. While this proposal was not placed on the previous language. plicant's assessment of such com- adopted, new subparagraph (4) has Rather, it is out intent to foster the ments, and a summary of any actions been added which requires applicants high quality of citizen involvement taken in response to the comments re- ceived. Submission of the citizen com- to make copies of the proposed appli- which can only occur when the same cation, as well as copies of the citizen citizens or citizen organizations ments are required by the statute. remain involved in the process Submission of the other two items are participation plan, the approved appli- cation, and the annual performance throughout all stages of the program, needed to assist HUD in evaluating report, available at locations conve- from initial planning through assess- the citizen comments as part of the overall assessment of the applicant's niently located for persons affected by ment of performance. the program and accessible to the performance. Where appropriate, this handicapped. § 570.303(d)-SCOPE OF PARTICIPATION additional information in the annual performance report will trigger more Many commenters objected to the A number of local government offi- detailed monitoring of the applicant's provision in the proposed rule that cials objected to the requirement in performance. copies of a wide range of program re- the second sentence of this paragraph cords and information be put on dis- that citizens must be involved in the § 570.303(f)-CONSIDERATION OF play in one or more locations reason- - development of the citizen participa- OBJECTIONS TO APPLICATIONS ably accessible to persons affected by tion plans. Some objected because the program. They were concerned The material in this paragraph was they felt it was a contradiction in with the cost involved in putting all contained in paragraph 570.309(b) of terms to say that citizens should be in- the material on display and keeping it the proposed regulations. It has been updated, and they questioned the ad- volved in planning a process to involve moved because it deals with an impor- citizens. Others objected on the vantage to be gained. In response, the tant element of citizen participation. grounds that the requirement implies rule has been changed to require One minor change has been made. In copies of the documents of most inter- that communities have to start all order to better ensure that citizen ob- est to citizens (i.e., the citizen partici- over again in developing a citizen par- jections will be considered during the pation plan, the proposed and ap- ticipation process, thereby ignoring application review period, HUD will proved applications, and the annual processes developed locally over the not approve an application until at performance report) be placed at loca- last three years. We disagree with least 45 days after its receipt. Previ- tions convenient to persons affected these conclusions. While some entitle- ously, the minimum review period was by the program, but that all other doc- ment communities do not presently 30 days. uments relevant to the program be have written citizen participation plans, all have existing citizen partici- § 570.303(g)-COMPLAINTS made available for citizen review upon request at the applicant's office (e.g., pation mechanisms of one type or an- Many comments from local govern- City Hall) during normal working other. These can be used to involve ments expressed concern that the pro- hours. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8456 RULES AND REGULATIONS The material in subparagraph (3) on local governments on the high cost and many commenters, including local public availability of the application that would be involved in complying officials as well as public interest was contained in paragraph 570.309(a) with the proposed rule. The final rule groups, expressed the view that these of the proposed regulations. It has requires publication of the notice in provisions would encourage more ef- been moved because of its relevance to the nonlegal section of newspapers of fective programing. However, numer- the citizen participation process. The general circulation, including minority ous local officials expressed concern previous requirement for publication and non-English language newspapers that this would greatly increase the of a notice stating the.application has of general circulation where they paperwork requirements and result in been submitted to the A-95 clearing- exist. While the rule no longer re- a boon to consultants. These com- house and is available to interested quires publication of the notice in ments were considered carefully and parties upon request, has been deleted. neighborhood newspapers serving low- all proposed requirements reviewed to That notice is no longer needed in and moderate-income persons, appli- assure that those retained served a light of the new requirement for a cants are required to make reasonable positive purpose. These provisions do public hearing prior to action by the efforts to provide the notices, in the not require lengthy statements pre- local governing body authorizing the form of press releases, to those news- sented in technical terms. They do re- submission of the application to A-95 papers. The information required to quire a concise but clear and explicit clearinghouses. be placed in the notice has been short- statement of the applicant's housing Numerous local governments object- ened to include the date, time; place, and development strategy that is com- ed to the provisions in the proposed and procedures of the hearings, and prehensible both to citizens and HUD regulations on meetings. Many the topics to be considered. and that is relevant to the needs of thought It was unreasonable to hold the applicant. applicants responsible for assuring $570.303(k)-BILINGUAL The other major concern about this citizen organizations hold public meet- Many. local government officials section as a whole was about the ings. Some questioned the need for questioned whether the benefit to be timing of implementation, and coordi- minutes or summaries of meetings derived from translating major pro- nation with the Housing Assistance held to provide information and re- gram documents justified the expense. Plan. The effective date of these re- spond to questions about the program. Others were concerned with the ex- To keep costs down, the final rule pro- quirements has accordingly been vides that "summaries of basic infof- changed to August 1, 1978, which is pense involved in obtaining the min- mation" rather than "major docu- the date the new three year housing utes or summaries. On the other hand, ments" be produced for non-English program aspect of the Housing Assis- citizen groups favor forums at which speaking persons. This will still pro- tance' Plan requirements will become information about the program is pro- vided and where questions can be vide non-English speaking citizens effective as well. The effect of this asked. After considering the full range with information about the program change is the entitlement grant recipi- of comments, It was decided to delete and how it affects them, but does not ents will apply for fiscal year 1978 the requirement on meetings and to require that all regulations, forms, and funds on current forms and under cur- revise the paragraph on public hear- other major documents be translated rent planning requirements, except as to other languages. specifically modified. These localities ings, to provide for responses to citizen thus will have sufficient lead time to proposals and questions at the hear- 570.303(1)-CONTINGENCY AND LOCAL implement the new requirements in an ings. The provisions in the final rule OPTION ACTIVITIES orderly fashion, in coordination with on providing adequate information to citizens, together with the answering This paragraph has been expanded the Housing Assistance Plan, and to of citizen questions at public hearings, to cover citizen participation in the se- develop meaningful three-year plans will provide citizens the opportunity to lection of local option activities. While in full consultation with citizens. Con- paragraph (d) on scope of participa- sistent with this, the title of this sec- become informed about the program. tion already states that citizens shall tion has been changed to "Community 570.303(j)-PUBLIC HEARINGS be involved in subsequent amendments Development and Housing Plan," and A number of commenters noted that and other changes to the application, the linkage between housing and com- it apparently was not clear that "other munity development is emphasized the Act does not require public hear- changes" was intended to include the throughout. ings on program progress and perfor- selection of local option activities. The The other major issues that were mance, but only to obtain the views of citizens on community development expansion of this paragraph now clari- raised and the actions taken are as fol- and housing needs. While that is true, fies that citizens must be involved in lows: we believe it is consistent with the Act selecting local option activities. Regarding the summary of commu- nity development and housing needs, and reasonable to require the holding 570.303(m)-PROGRAM AMENDMENTS many local officials stated that the re- of public hearings on performance. quirement to describe the needs of all The Act requires citizens be encour- This new paragraph has been added neighborhoods having significant con- aged to submit views and proposals, to emphasize that citizen participation centrations of low- and moderate- and that they be provided the oppor- is required with respect to program income persons was onerous, particu- tunity to participate in developing the amendments. It provides that where larly for cities having many such application, that they be provided the prior HUD approval of the amend- areas. This requirement has according- opportunity to submit comments on ment is required, as specified in ly been deleted. the applicant's performance In order § 570.312, public hearings must be held Various public interest groups con- for citizens to participate intelligently on the amendment. All other amend- cerned with the needs of lower-income in developing the application, includ- ments, except those Involving disaster persons recommended that the needs ing submitting proposals for activities, activities, also require citizen partici- of low-income and moderate-income and to intelligently comment on the pation, but the specific nature of the persons be described separately. This applicant's performance, they must be participation Is left to the discretion of was not adopted because there is no afforded the opportunity to find out the community. national pattern of neglect of the how well previously approved activi- ties are doing. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING needs of low-income persons in favor Subparagraph (3) on notices of PLAN of moderate-income persons, and it was therefore concluded that an addi- public hearings has been revised in re- Comments on the new application tional application requirement was un- sponse to numerous comments from requirements were generally favorable warranted. A provision was added that FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8457 applicants shall describe any special (2) It constitutes a more reasonable control in order to facilitate the provi- needs of lower-income minority group period to evaluate whether programs sion of assisted housing, comments members in response to a number of benefit low- and moderate-income per- from cities indicated their concern comments on that point. sons; that HUD would not provide sufficient With regard to the comprehensive (3) It will substantially reduce the funds for them to meet all of the goals strategy, there were few specific com- paperwork required on an annual established in those HAPs and they ments. The changes that have been basis. cite past experience under the section made, and the reasons, are: With regard to responsiveness to 8 program as the basis for their con- The section has been reorganized to citizens, the three-year plans are re- cern. Because of the misconceptions state specific requirements in a more quired to be developed In consultation surrounding these sections, we have logical fashion. It now calls for a com- with citizens, and improved longer made several changes. Responsibility munitywide component in which the range planning would make citizen in- of the applicant has been clarified by applicant describes its general develop- volvement more meaningful. In addi- removing the citation on the use of ment strategy and priorities for the tion, applicants may amend programs public mechanisms when the private use of funds. The neighborhood revi- where necessary. sector does not provide assisted hous- talization strategy accordingly is limit- The map requirements have been re- ing. This was not Intended to require ed to projects which have a neighbor- vised to conform to other changes. In hood focus, namely, plans for Neigh- applicants to devote all, or a specified response to numerous comments, they borhood Strategy Areas, and plans for amount of, their grant to housing as- have also been changed to indicate other neighborhood improvement ef- sistance. Nor was it intended that a that information need not be dis- forts. The community facilities and community would be exempt from the played according to census tract public improvements strategy has provisions if insufficient Federal funds boundaries if another method of pre- been eliminated since it overlapped were available. It was intended that a sentation is available and better de- the other requirements; plans for such community would initially take those scribes the community. facilities are to be contained in the actions which would assist the private neighborhood revitalization strategy, ANNUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT sector in providing the housing, in- where appropriate, or the commun- PROGRAM cluding but not limited to provision of itywide strategy. housing sites. At the point at which The housing component has been The changes in this section are to the private sector did not respond to changed SO that It is a comprehensive conform to other changes in this sub- available resources, it would be expect- statement of the community's overall part and to the application forms ed that the community would then housing strategy, both assisted and being developed. Added requirements assume that responsiblity. In order to non-assisted. The strategy includes the are a general project description and clarify this intent, we have followed Housing Assistance Plan. In addition, anticipated accomplishments. the recommendations of several com- it includes all citywide efforts to foster HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN menters that a list of sample actions housing maintenance and improve- be included. These actions are refer- ments and increase housing opportuni- The proposed regulations received enced in this section, and they are set ties, including regulatory actions and comments from local governments, forth in § 570.306(b)(3)(III). fair housing actions previously includ- State and areawide planning agencies, Additionally, the section on the sub- ed under neighborhood revitalization. public interest groups, and Individuals. mission of HAPs prior to August 1, The plan to mitigate adverse effects of Three sections of the proposal re- 1978 has been rewritten to further community development activities on celved particular comment: completion define the time periods covered by the low- and moderate-income persons has of the 1976 three year goal, minimum annual housing action program, to also been moved here in response to percentage goals, and the establish- provide consistency with 24 CFR 891, comments that such effects may result ment to critieria for determining the Review of Applications for Housing not only from neighborhood revitaliza- adequacy of rehabilitation. Comments Assistance; Allocation of Housing As- tion and that this requirement should and changes are detailed below. sistance Funds and to clarify that therefore apply to all programs. The economic development strategy communities are required to address GENERAL PROVISIONS is no longer limited to distressed cities proportionality by household type since others may also carry out eco- Several cities expressed concern that only. In addition this section clarifies nomic development activities with spatial deconcentration efforts were that applicants are required also to block grant. funds. A provision has beyond their control and impossible to identify general locations for new con- been added to include discussion of achieve on a local level. They further struction and substantial rehabilita- the needs of identifiable population commented that providing opportuni- tion. groups experiencing significant unem- ties for persons displaced as a result of activities precipitated by a HAP to re- HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN CONTENT ployment or underemployment and to describe any job training to be offered locate in their immediate neighbor- HOUSING CONDITIONS such persons. Projects which benefit hoods was contrary to the concept of such persons are most appropriate in spatial deconcentration Two comments requested that va- alleviating economic distress and The Department emphasizes that cancy rates be required by unit sizes, should be emphasized. the HAP should serve to promote spa- and by rent levels. While applicants Regarding the three-year activity tial deconcentration by providing the are asked to evaluate the vacant units summary, a number of local govern- opportunity for lower-Income house- in their communities in order to assess ments objected to the requirement to holds to choose housing outside areas applicability of available housing pro- specify planned activities and funding of concentrations of lower-income per- grams to their needs, such evaluation levels in advance as they felt it would sons but, In no way, to infringe upon a is conducted from the point of view of be difficult and limit local flexibility household's choice to remain in their general knowledge about the commu- and ability to respond promptly to citi- neighborhood even though it may be 2 nity. It does not require specific statis- zen requests. These comments were lower-Income area. tical data, cross tabulated by tenure, considered carefully and it was con- While public interest groups basical- size, rent level, and condition as would cluded that these requirements should ly were pleased with the provisions re- be required if such information were be retained for the following reasons: quiring applicants to continue to ad- requested in the presentation on con- (1) This would provide strong incen- dress needs Identified in prior HAPs ditions. Therefore, these requests have tive for longer range planning; and to take all actions within their been rejected. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8458 RULES AND REGULATIONS HOUSING ASSISTANCE NEEDS be required to be used by all communi- tions in Its community. Actions are re- Several public Interest groups re- ties within the jurisdiction of the APO quired to be cited whenever past per- quested that both housing assistance receiving approval of an AHOP. formance or anticipated difficulties needs and housing assistance goals be The general tenor of response to the warrant, and whenever special needs presented separately for low- (or very revised ETR formula was favorable and/or conditions are cited. low-) income households. This request with only three commenters suggest- The requirement to identify general has not been reflected in the attached ing that an employment factor be in- locations separately by household type revisions. First, there has been no evi- cluded as an addition to the formula, has been removed from the regula- dence provided that very low-income and one commenter suggesting reten- tions in response to numerous com- households have not received housing tion of the current methodology. The ments, but most particularly because assistance where It has been provided Department has decided to adopt the general locations typically should not for lower-income households. Second, proposed simplified formula on the be so small as to be appropriate exclu- a primary vehicle for the provision of basis that estimates derived address sively for one household type only assisted housing is the section 8 pro- the broader concept of spatial decon- gram which requires that at least 30 centration. Several commenters ques- ANNUAL HOUSING ACTION PROGRAM percent of all families assisted be very tioned whether the revised formula would permit a negative estimate of Many commenters questioned the low- (i.e.; low) income. Similarly, the ETR. It is not possible to separate the inclusion of a requirement for appli- public housing program requires that effects of potential outmigration when cants to specify the housing assistance at least 20 percent of the units in a programs which it did not wish to uti- project (placed under ACC after the dealing with applicants on an individ- lize. This requirement was intended to 1974 HCD Act) be occupied by very ual basis; therefore, calculations which be a conforming change to revisions to low-income families. result in a negative figure are to be re- corded as a zero. 24 CFR 891. Inasmuch as these regula- A phrase has been added to this sec- tion to indicate that information on Use of the revised ETR formula will tions have yet to be published for com- privately induced displacement is to be become effective August 1, 1978. ment, the paragraph has been elimi- nated. reported only when the information is Finally, nonmetropolitan applicants available. It should be noted, in re- are required to present their best esti- STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL sponse to two comments, that dis- mate of the number of lower-income OF HAPS'. placement figures are estimates and households who reasonably could be that the Department is aware that the expected to reside in their community. The issue that generated the largest figures reported will not necessarily If, based on available data, this esti- volume of comment was the establish- match exactly the number of house- mate should reasonably be zero, then ment of a minimal goal. Cities con- holds eventually displaced. We expect the applicant is permitted to record it tended that the percentage was too ex- only that the estimates reflect gener- as such. cessive because HUD would never be ally available data and that they be The commenters asked that the deri- able to provide sufficient funds for ap- considered in the planning process. vation of step 5 in the formula be ex- plicants to meet five percent of need Several comments suggested that plained. Simply, it is the result of fac- per year. Public interest groups con- the requirement that all communities toring the equation used for the ETR tended that the percentage was too within the Jurisdiction of an Areawide formula to solve for I = ETR. low and should be increased. Others Planning Organization (APO) use the Several commenters suggested that proposed elimination of a percentage same data be eliminated. no adjustment be made in the ETR to be replaced with narrative descrip- The Department formula in order to derive the esti- tions of the relationship of goals to encourages areawide planning and is supportive of mate of the number of households needs and an emphasis on monitoring. any process to strengthen It. The who could reasonably be expected to Concern was also expressed that relat- Areawide Housing Opportunities Plan reside. It must be understood that the ing the percentage to a 20 year time (AHOP) is a vehicle which allows com- formula, without the adjustment, re- frame was too restrictive and, did not munities, through the APO, to plan sults not in the number of households allow for changes in an applicant's for their jurisdictions in a coordinated who reasonably could be expected to needs. manner and to assist HUD in the allo- reside, but in the number of house- The Department has decided to cation of the Department's housing re- holds which, statistically, should retain a percentage relationship be- sources. reside. Without the adjustment, there tween needs and goals but we have In endorsement of this approach we is an assumption that each household modified it to reflect goals which have not eliminated that requirement which statistically should move, will would meet at least 15 percent of need but we have revised it to reflect that move. This is an invalid assumption; during each three year period and not only applicants which are within the therefore, based on information on necessarily 5 percent each year. Also, jurisdiction of an APO having an ap- movement patterns, the Department it should be noted that the goals are proved AHOP will be required to use has determined that the adjustment related to the total need, and not to the same data. Applicants within the of one-third of the gross estimate is the need for rental units, or new con- jurisdiction of an APO not having an reasonable. struction units, alone. approved AHOP are not required, but Suggestions to incorporate adjust- Because the percentage relationship are encouraged to do so. ments on a sliding scale were evaluat- has been retained unless an applicant All of section 570.306(b)(2)(ii)(A) has ed and rejected on the basis of com- can demonstrate that a goal of 15 per- been moved forward to section plexity and resultant inequality. cent over three years is infeasible, the 570.306(b)(i)(A). This section was in- paragraph on realistic goals has been tended- to refer to the needs assess- THREE YEAR HOUSING PROGRAM removed to eliminate redundancy. The final issue to elicit substantial ment of not only households expected As indicated in the discussion of gen- to reside but to the assessment of comment was the section on adequacy eral provisions, we have included in of rehabilitation. Response to this households currently residing as well. this section examples of the types of The assessment of the number of issue was received from all categories actions HUD expects an applicant to of commenters and was unanimous in households Expected to Reside (ETR) take to demonstrate that it is exercis- requesting the elimination of local is to be prepared for metropolitan ing all means within its power to codes as a criteria of satisfactory com- areas using the methodology set forth achieve the goals in its Housing Assis- pletion of rehabilitation. Given the in these regulations. Alternative meth- tance Plan (HAP) and to address any comments received, particularly those odologies, if approved by HUD. would special housing needs and/or condi- citing probable prohibitive rehabilita- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8459 tion costs because of stringent codes, in accordance with HUD Handbook prepare and implement 8. written citi- the Department has accepted the rec- 1390.1. In addition, a Finding of Inap- zen participation plan, part of which ommendations and has chosen to use plicability with respect to Inflation provides for citizen involvement in the only Section 8 Existing Housing Qual- Impact has been prepared in accor- planning process. ity Standards as a criteria. dance with Executive Order 11821. (b) Triennial submission require- Finally, $ 570.306(c)(2)(i) was consid- Copies of the Findings are available ments. Every third year. beginning ered to be repetitive and was eliminat- for inspection and copying during with the first application submitted on ed. business hours in the Office of the or after August 1. 1978, the applicant Rules Docket Clerk, Room 5216, De- must submit an application consisting CERTIFICATIONS partment of Housing and Urban De- of the following: velopment, 451 Seventh Street SW., Section 570.307(k) adds a certifica- (1) Standard Form 424, Federal As- Washington, D.C. 20410. tion which provides that buildings and sistance, prescribed by OMB Circular Accordingly, 24 CFR Part 570 is facilities, other than privately owned No. A-102; amended by revising Subpart D, and residential structures, be accessible to (2) Community Development and by making other technical and con- the handicapped. Housing Plan as described in $ 570.304; forming changes to reflect the revi- (3) Annual Community Development PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF AND OBJECTIONS sions. Program as described in $ 570.305; TO APPLICATIONS I. The table of contents to Subpart (4) Housing Assistance Plan as de- D is revised to read as follows: In response to comments, the rules scribed in $ 570.306; and previously contained in § 570.309 have Subpert D-Entitiement Grants (5) Certifications as described in been transferred to the section on citi- § 570.307. Sec. (c) Annual submission requirements. zen participation, and this section has 570.300 Outline of application require- ments. For each of the other years in a three now been reserved. 570.301 Planning considerations. year period the applicant must submit HUD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF 570.302 Program benefit to low- and mod- an application consisting of the follow- APPLICATIONS erate-Income persons. ing: 570.303 Citizen participation requirements. (1) Standard Form 424; The following changes have been 570.304 Community development and (2) Annual Community Development made: § 570.311(a)(1)(ii) has been re- housing plan. Program as described in $ 570.305; vised to read that all required compo- 570.305 Annual community development (3) Annual Housing Action Program nent parts of the application are sub- program. mitted and properly completed. Sec- 570.306 Housing assistance program. as described in § 570.306(b)(5); and tion 570.311(c)(2)(iv) has been changed 570.307 Certificates. (4) Certifications as described in to include members of minority 570.308 Timing of application submission. § 570.307. 570.309 Public availability of and objec- (d) Other application requirements. groups. tions to application (Reserved). The applicant must also comply with 570.310 A-95 clearinghouse review and AMENDMENTS the following requirements when ap- comment. plying for an entitlement grant: There was a considerable amount of 570.311 HUD review and approval of appli- (1) Requirements on the timing of comment that the currently effective cation. applications as set forth In § 570.308; ten percent threshold for requiring 570.312 Amendments. (2) Requirements on notifying State submission of Community Develop- AUTHORITY: Title I, Housing and Commu- and areawide clearinghouses of the ap- ment Program amendments to HUD nity Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. plicant's intent to apply for Federal should be retained, and this require- 5301, et seq.); Title I, Housing and Commu- assistance, on submitting the applica- ment has accordingly been restored. nity Development Act of 1977 (Pub. L 95- The rule, however, has been rewritten 128); and Sec. 7(d), Department of Housing tion to clearinghouse for comment, and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. and on taking actions following to improve its clarity. 3535(d)). clearinghouse reviews, as described in The Housing Assistance Plan amend- § 570.310. ment requirement has been changed II. Subpart D is revised to read as for conformity to revised regulations follows: § 570.301 Planning considerations. to 24 CFR Part 891 to be issued. Subport D-Entitlement Grants (a) Comprehensive strategies. The act requires that applicants have a PERFORMANCE REPORT § 570.300 Outline of application require- three-year plan for the use of block Comments from local government ments. grant funds which demonstrates a officials generally favored submission This section briefly outlines the re- comprehensive strategy for meeting of the grantee performance report quirements which must be met by the identified community development after the completion of the applicant's applicant when applying for an enti- and housing needs. The Act provides program year. In contrast, comments tlement grant and references other descretion to local governments to de- from civil rights organizations, citizen sections containing more detailed in- velop strategies appropriate to local groups, and legal aid societies general- formation on these requirements. conditions and permits a wide choice ly favored submission of the report (2) Planning requirements. Require- of projects and activities to carry out prior to submission of the application, ments that the applicant must meet in those strategies. However, & compre- so that it could be used in reviewing planning its community development hensive strategy shall include: (1) a an applicant's past performance in program are covered in the following systematic assessment of the locality's conjunction with review of the appli- sections. community development and housing cation. The Department agrees with (1) Section 570.301 describes general needs and the resources available to the timing favored by the latter planning considerations; meet those needs; (2) determination of groups and, therefore, the proposed (2) Section 570.302 describes the re- the applicant's long- and short-term rule requiring submission of the report quirement that the applicant's com- objectives and priorities for the use of by the end of the eighth month in a munity development program must be funds; (3) development of a three-year recipient's program year has been planned and carried out so as to prin- plan of activities designed to meet the adopted. cipally benefit persons having low- and needs and objectives identified. This OTHER INFORMATION: A Finding moderate-Income; and plan shall provide for undertaking of Inapplicability with respect to Envi- (3) Section 570.303 describes the re- housing and community development ronmental Impact has been prepared quirement that the applicant must activities in a coordinated and mutual- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8460 RULES AND REGULATIONS ly supportive manner consistent with gram. the activities which an applicant CFR Part 58 relating to the updating local and areawide development plan- includes in such program (Including of environmental clearances. ning and national urban growth poli- activities to be funded and Implement- (5) The applicant may also obligate cies. The requirements for the sum- ed in more than one action year) shall and spend local funds prior to approv- mary of the three-year plan are stated be grouped and deemed by the appli- al of its application for the purpose of in § 570.304. cant to be a project, as defined In 24 completing activities previously ap- (b) Coordination of programs. It is CFR § 58.3. The environmental review proved and assisted under the urban recognized that different strategies of such project should take into ac- renewal program, the water and sewer may be appropriate and effective in count the relationship between compo- facilities program. the neighborhood dealing with different local needs and nent activities, and the cumulative en- facilities program. or the open space conditions. However, the Act limits vironmental effects of activities. land program, described in § 570.1(b) certain activities to areas in which (d) Planning and implementing mul- (1), (3), (4), and (6), respectively. After block grant assisted physical develop- tiyear projects. (1) An applicant may approval of its application, the appli- ment programs are being carried out allocate funds in an application for cant will be, reimbursed with funds in a concentrated manner, for exam- the payment of part of the cost of a programmed in the application to ple, public services pursuant to multiyear project to be financed in in- cover those costs, provided such local- § 570.201(e). Moreover, certain other crements with funds becoming avail- ly funded work was undertaken in HUD programs are designed to focus able in succeeding program years, pro- compliance with the requirements of on areas of concentrated community vided the full scope and estimated cost this Part. The environmental review development activity, for example, of the total project Is described in the requirements of 24 CFR Part 58, Urban Homesteading, and Section 8 first application in which grant funds except the provisions of Subpart C of Substantial Rehabilitation Special are allocated for the project. This does Part 58, must be complied with prior Procedures pursuant to 24 CFR Part not preclude use of subsequent year to the incurring of any such costs to 881. Applicants are therefore encour- entitlement funds to complete a pro- be reimbursed by HUD; however, the aged to designate appropriate areas in Ject which was designed as a single provisions of Subpart c of Part 58 which various programs can be carried year proj- ect and whose cost exceeds must be complied with prior to the re- out in a concentrated and coordinated initial estimates. lease of funds by HUD. manner. For purposes of these regula- (2) The environmental assessment of (e) Reimbursement for costs of plan- tions such areas shall be designated as a multiyear project, performed under ning and environmental studies. Prior Neighborhood Strategy Areas as de- 24 CFR Part 58, should encompass the to approval of Its application. an appli- fined in paragraph (c). entire multiyear scope of activities. cant may obligate and spend local (c) Neighborhood strategy area. This Upon certification that the applicant funds for the purpose of environmen- is an area which is selected by the ap- has completed the environmental re- tal assessments required by 24 CFR plicant and designated in its three- quirements for a multiyear project, Part 58, for the planning and capacity year Community Development and HUD may Issue Its release of funds for building purposes authorized by Housing Plan for a program of concen- the entire multiyear project. Such re- § 570.205 (a) and (b), and for the provi- trated community development activi- lease of funds shall be subject to the sion of information and resources to ties. For each Neighborhood Strategy provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of citizens pursuant to § 570.206(b). After Area the applicant shall Include in its this subsection. approval of Its application, the appli- Plan a comprehensive strategy for sta- (3) Approval of each increment of a cant will be reimbursed with funds bilizing and upgrading the area which: multiyear project is subject to the gen- programmed In the application to (1) Provides for a combination of eral availability of grant funds, ade- cover those costs, provided such local- physical improvements, necessary quate performance, and the submis- ly funded activities were undertaken public facilities and services, housing sion of an acceptable application in In compliance with the requirements programs. private investment and citi- each year in which grant funds are to of this Part. zen self-help activities appropriate to be applied toward payment of project the needs of the area; cost. In those instances where the ap- § 570.302 Program benefit to low. and (2) Coordinates public and private plicant exhausts previously approved moderate-income persons. development efforts; grant funds before the next increment (a) Statutory Provisions. The hous- (3) Provides sufficient resources to is approved, the applicant may obli- ing and Community Development Act produce substantial long-term im- gate and spend local funds to continue states as its primary objective the de- provements in the area within a rea- the work and be reimbursed with velopment of viable urban communi- sonable period of time; in determining funds approved for the next incre- ties, by providing decent housing and the size of the area the applicant shall ment, provided the locally funded a suitable living environment and ex- take into account the severity of its work was undertaken in compliance panding economic opportunities, prin- problems and the amount of resources with the requirements of this Part. cipally for persons of low- and moder- to be provided so that this require- (4) The continued authority of an ate-income. The Act also requires the ment can be met. applicant to commit Title I funds to a applicant to certify that its communi- (4) Examples of Neighborhood Strat- multiyear project or to be reim- ty development program has been de- egy Area programs include: a residen- bursed for the expenditure of local veloped so as to give maximum feasi- tial rehabilitation program which pro- funds for costs of such project, after ble priority to activities which will vides loans and grants to property completion of environmental require- benefit low- and moderate-income owners in a designated area in which ments and HUD release of funds, shall families, or aid in the prevention or street improvements, playgrounds, and be subject to the continued relevance elimination of slums or blight. It also public services are also being provided; and completeness of the environmen- permits approval of activities which and a redevelopment program which tal assessment performed. In the event the applicant certifies and the Secre- includes systematic demolition of sub- of any significant or substantial tary determines are designed to meet standard structures and assemblage of change In the nature, magnitude or other community development needs sites for new construction in a particu- extent of the project, or any signifi- having a particular urgency. Consis- lar area in conjunction with site im- cant or substantial change in the envi- tent with the statutory objectives, the provements and facilities necessary to ronment affecting the project, the ap- following rules govern the expenditure attract new development. plicant shall, prior to any further com- of program funds to insure that the (5) In order for a program to qualify mitment of Title I funds to the pro- program principally benefits low- and as a Neighborhood Strategy Area pro- ject, complete the requirements of 24 moderate-income persons. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8461 (b) General Requirements. moderate-income persons. In making projects must not be unreasonable in (1) All projects and activities must this review, HUD shall consider the In- relation to the low- and moderate- either principally benefit low- and formation in the applicant's three income benefits to be provided. The moderate-income persons, or aid in the year community development and housing or other facilities on which prevention or elimination of slums and housing plan, its annual Community basis the project is justified must be blight, or meet other community de- Development Program, past expendi- Included in the applicant's community velopment needs having a particular ture patterns in areas having concen- development plan and there must be urgency. trations of lower Income persons, and evidence acceptable to HUD that con- (2) Each annual application for other generally available data. struction of the housing or other fa- funds under this subpart must provide (d) Projects which principally bene- cilities will in fact be commenced that the applicant's program as a fit low- and moderate-income persons. within the three year period covered whole shall principally benefit low- A project or activity will be considered by the Plan. and moderate-income persons. to principally benefit low- and moder- (5) A project which serves an area (3) An application shall be presumed ate-income persons If It Is designed to with less than a majority of low- and to principally benefit low- and moder- meet identified needs of low- and mod- moderate-income persons; where: (i) ate-income persons, absent substantial erate-income persons as described in The applicant has no areas within its evidence to the contrary, where not the applicant's community develop- jurisdiction where low- and moderate- less than 75 percent of the program ment plan and it meets one of the fol- income persons constitute a majority, funds to be available during the three lowing standards: or (ii) the applicant has so few such year period covered by the applicant's (1) The project has Income eligibility areas that it is inappropriate to limit community development and housing requirements that limit the benefits of the grant to projects in those areas; plan shall be used for projects and ac- the project to low- and moderate- provided that: (A) the project serves tivities which principally benefit low- income persons. areas having the largest proportion of and moderate-income persons under (2) The project does not have low- and moderate-income residents in the standards in paragraph (d) of this Income eligibility requirements but the locality; (B) the project is clearly section. Applications submitted be- the majority of the beneficiaries are designed to meet identified needs of tween May 1, 1978 and July 15, 1978, low- and moderate-income persons. lower income persons in those areas; shall be presumed to principally bene- The following are examples of projects and (C) the project benefits such per- fit low- and moderate-income persons which meet this standard: sons at least in proportion to their if at least 75 percent of the program (1) A neighborhood strategy area share of the population of the areas funds applied for shall be used for pro- program or a public improvement ac- served. jects and activities which meet the tivity which serves an area, delineated (e) Projects which prevent or elimi- standards in paragraph (d). by the applicant, where the majority nate slums or blight. The following (4) The applicant shall maintain in of the residents are low- and moder- projects and activities will be consid- its files the documentation on which ate-income persons. Such an area may ered to prevent or eliminate slums or basis it determines that projects prin- consist of a locally defined neighbor- blight: cipally benefit low- and moderate- hood or planning district, one or more (1) A project In an area which is a income persons. Such documentation census tracts, enumeration districts, or slum, or a blighted, deteriorated, or may include 701 planning studies, wel- parts thereof; it need not be cotermi- deteriorating area, as defined by State fare and unemployement records, local nous with census boundaries. or local law, and in which the appli- surveys, and similar generally avail- (11) A project designed to attract or cant undertakes a comprehensive pro- able information. HUD will monitor retain neighborhood commercial facili- gram, as defined in 570.301(c), to the applicant's performance to ensure ties which provide essential services to remedy the conditions which qualify that the applicant's community devel- residential areas which have a major- the area as an urban renewal or simi- opment program principally benefits ity of low- and moderate-income resi- lar area. In such cases. the applicant low- and moderate-income persons. dents. may undertake any otherwise eligible (5) In designing projects and select- (iii) Economic development projects activity necessary to accomplish its ing areas in which to carry out activi- which are designed to provide direct strategy for upgrading the area. Be- ties, the applicant shall address the employment opportunities for perma- cause State laws vary, HUD will recog- needs of low- as well as moderate- nent jobs, the majority of which will nize those State or local laws which income persons, given the nature and. be for low- and moderate-income per- authorize public actions for the pur- relative severity of their needs, and sons if the persons expected to be em- pose of slum and blight prevention shall include projects suitable to meet- ployed are defined as low- and moder- and elimination. It is not necessary ing those needs. ate-income prior to employment; it is that an area be formally designated an (c) Review Guidelines. not necessary that the incomes of per- urban renewal or similar area, but evi- (1) An application which meets the sons employed by economic develop- dence supporting a local determina- standard in paragraph (b)(3) will not ment projects be low or moderate tion that an area meets criteria for be subject to further examination by after the project is completed. slums and blight must be maintained HUD prior to funding with respect to (iv) A senior center which is used in the locality's records. benefit to low- and moderate-income principally by persons of low- and (2) A project designed to eliminate persons. moderate-income. detrimental conditions which are scat- (2) An application which does not (3) Removal of architectural barriers tered or located outside slum or blight- meet the standard in paragraph (b)(3) pursuant to § 570.201(k); such projects ed areas. Authorized activities are only shall be subject to an examination by may be assumed to principally benefit those necessary to eliminate the spe- HUD prior to funding to determine low- and moderate-income persons in cific conditions of blight or physical whether the activities proposed are the absence of substantial evidence to decay, by acquisition of blighted struc- plainly inappropriate to meeting the the contrary. tures, demolition, historic preserva- needs of the applicant because of the (4) A project which must be carried tion, and relocation. nature and severity of the needs of out prior to or is an integral part of a (3) Activities necessary to complete low- and moderate-income persons in project which will principally benefit Federally assisted urban renewal pro- relation to the general needs and con- low- and moderate-income persons. An jects which do not principally benefit ditions of the applicant, and whether example is the extension of water and low- and moderate-income persons. taken as a whole, the proposed pro- sewer lines to permit construction of (f) Projects designed to meet needs gram principally benefits low- and low-rent housing. The cost of such having a particular urgency. These FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8462 RULES AND REGULATIONS are projects which the applicant certi- persons, would be counted as such. amount of activity is proposed or on- fies and the Secretary determines are Where such a program results in a going. These processes shall meet the designed to alleviate a serious and im- change in the Income characteristics following standards: mediate threat to the health or wel- of the area so that a majority of the (1) All aspects of citizen participa- fare of the community which is of ultimate beneficiaries are higher tion shall be conducted in an open recent origin where the applicant is income persons, the program would manner, with freedom of access for all unable to finance the projects on its not be counted as principally benefit- Interested persons; own, and other sources of funding are ting low- and moderate-income per- (2) There shall be involvement of not available. A condition will general- sons. low-and moderate-income persons, ly be considered to be of recent origin (h) Mitigating adverse effects. members of minority groups, residents if it developed or became critical Where the program will result in of areas where a significant amount of within 18 months preceding the appli- direct or indirect displacement or activity is proposed or ongoing. the el- cation for funds. other hardships to low- and moderate- derly, the handicapped, the business (g) Determining benefits to low- and income persons, the applicant shall community, and civic groups who are moderate-income persons. take appropriate steps to minimize concerned about the program. Where (1) In determining the amount of such displacement or hardships. Sec- the applicant chooses to establish, or program funds which principally bene- tion 570.304(b)(2) requires the appli- has established, a general commun- fit low- and moderate-income persons, cant to include in its community devel- itywide citizen advisory committee, the costs of administration and plan- opment plan the actions it will take to there shall be substantial representa- ning cited in § 570.205 may be excluded assist low- and moderate-income per- tion of low- and moderate-income citi- as they will generally be assumed to sons to remain in existing locations zens and members of minority groups. benefit low- and moderate-income per- when they prefer to do so, and to miti- Similarly, where the applicant chooses sons in the same proportion as the re- gate adverse effects on such persons as to establish or recognize neighborhood mainder of the-grant. a result of neighborhood revitalization advisory committees in areas where (2) The amount of any program activities. low- and moderate-income persons or funds to be applied to the repayment members of minority groups reside, of urban renewal temporary loans may § 570.303 Citizen participation require- there shall be substantial representa- also be excluded. ments. tion of such persons; (3) Funds budgeted for contingencies (a) General The applicant shall pro- (3) The applicant shall make reason- and/or local option activities may also vide citizens with an adequate oppor- able efforts to ensure continuity of in- be excluded; such funds shall be ex- tunity to participate in an advisory volvement of citizens or citizen organi- pended in such a manner that the pro- role in planning, implementing, and zations throughout all stages of the gram will continue to meet the re- assessing the program. In so doing, the program; quirements of this section. applicant shall also provide adequate (4) Citizens shall be provided ade- (4) If a project or activity meets the information to citizens, hold public quate and timely information, so as to definition in paragraph (d) of princi- hearings to obtain views of citizens, enable them to be meaningfully in- pally benefitting low- and moderate- and provide citizens an opportunity to volved In important decisions at var- income persons, the cost of the project comment on the applicant's communi- lous stages of the program; or activity may be determined to bene- ty development performance. Nothing (5) Citizens, particularly low- and fit low- and moderate-income persons. in these requirements, however, shall moderate-income persons and resi- This includes projects to prevent or be construed to restrict the responsi- dents of blighted neighborhoods, shall eliminate slums and blight and pro- bility and authority of the applicant be encouraged to submit their views jects designed to meet a need having a for the development of the application and proposals regarding the Commu- particular urgency where such pro- and the execution of its Community nity Development Program: jects principally benefit low- and mod- Development Program. (d) Scope of participation. The ap- erate-income persons under paragraph (b) Written citizen participation plicant shall provided for the continu- (d). plan. The applicant shall prepare a ity of citizen participation throughout (5) If a project is designed to prevent written citizen participation plan that all stages of the program. This in- or eliminate slums or blight or to meet provides procedures by which each of cludes citizen involvement in the de- needs having a particular urgency and the requirements set forth in the fol- velopment of the citizen participation does not also principally benefit low- lowing paragraphs will be implement- plan, as well as involvement in the fol- and moderate-income persons under ed. The plan shall go into effect no lowing areas: the provisions in paragraph (d), a par- later than August 1, 1978. The provi- (1) Application development. Citi- ticular activity (such as a rehabilita- sions concerning citizen involvement zens shall be involved in development tion loan program with income limits) in implementing and assessing the pro- of the annual application, including: within that project may nevertheless gram apply to activities that are on- (i) The three-year community devel- be counted in determining the amount going as of that date, as well as to all opment plan, including the identifica- of program funds which benefit low- future activities. The plan shall tion of commmunity development and and moderate-income persons. remain in effect until all activities as- housing needs, and the setting of pri- (6) In determining whether a pro- sisted under this Part are completed, orities; posed project will actually benefit low- or until it is superseded by a new plan. (ii) The Housing Assistance Plan, in- and moderate-income persons, the Upon request by HUD, the plan shall cluding the annual housing action pro- nature of the needs identified, the re- be submitted to HUD to aid in the gram; lationship of the project to meeting handling of complaints and to facili- (iii) The annual Community Devel- those needs, and the net effect of the tate monitoring and evaluation. opment Program; and completed project shall be considered. (c) Standards of participation. The (iv) Subsequent amendments and Thus, mere location of an activity in a applicant shall provide a process of other changes to the above, in accor- low- or moderate-income area does not citizen participation at the commun- dance with § 570.312. conclusively demonstrate that a pro- itywide level with regard to the overall (2) Program implementation. The ject or activity benefits lower income application and program. Applicants roles citizens will play in program im- persons. A neighborhood revitalization with populations of 50,000 or more plementation shall be indicated in the effort which creates improved housing shall also provide a process of citizen citizen participation plan. At a mini- and better living environment, princi- participation at the neighborhood mum, this shall include involvement of pally for low- and moderate-income level in areas where a significant citizens in an advisory role in policy FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8463 decisions regarding program imple- applicable law; or the application pro- the kind of activities previously mentation. It may also include self- poses activities which are otherwise in- funded in the community, help activities carried out by citizen eligible under this Part. (iii) The processes to be followed in groups and direct program operations Such objections should include both drawing up and approving the local conducted by neighborhood-based or- an identification of the requirements application and the schedule of meet- ganizations and other eligible nonprof- not met and, in the case of objections ings and hearings, it entities. made on the grounds that the descrip- (iv) The role of citizens in the pro- (3) Assessment of performance. Citi- tion of needs and objectives Is plainly gram, as provided under this section, zens and citizen organizations shall be inconsistent with significant, generally (v) A summary of other important given the opportunity to assess and available facts and data, the data upon program requirements. submit comments on all aspects of the which the persons rely. Although (2) The applicant shall provide for applicant's community development HUD will consider objections submit- full and timely disclosure of Its pro- performance, including the perfor- ted at any time, such objections gram records and Information consis- mance of the applicant's grantees and should be submitted within 30 days of tent with applicable State and local contractors. They shall also be given the publication of the notice that the laws regarding personal privacy and the opportunity to assess projects and application has been submitted to obligations of confidentiality. Docu- activities to determine whether objec- HUD, as described in paragraph (1)(3) ments relevant to the program shall tives are achieved. The methods by below. In order to ensure that objec- be made available at the applicant's which such opportunities shall be tions submitted will be considered office during normal working hours made available shall be indicated in during the review process, HUD will for citizen review upon request (either the citizen participation plan. The ap- not approve an application until at written or oral). Such documents in- plicant shall Include in its annual per- least 45 days after receipt of an appli- clude the following: formance report: (1) Copies of com- cation. (1) All mailings and promotional ma- ments submitted by citizens regarding (g) Complaints. The plan shall pro- terial, the applicant's community develop- vide for answering complaints in a (ii) Records of hearings, ment performance; (II) the applicant's timely and responsive manner. The ap- (iii) All key documents, including all assessment of such comments; and (iii) plicant shall make every reasonable prior applications, letters of approval, a summary of any actions taken in re- effort to provide written responses grant agreements, the citizen partici- sponse to the comments received. within 15 working days. pation plan, performance reports, eval- (e) Submission of views and propos- (h) Technical assistance. To facili- uation reports, other reports required als. The applicant shall provide for tate citizen participation, the plan by HUD, and the proposed and ap- and encourage the submission of views shall provide for technical assistance. proved application for the current and proposals regarding the Commu- The level and type of assistance deter- year, nity Development Program by citizens, mined appropriate by the applicant (iv) Copies of the regulations and is. particularly low- and moderate-income shall be provided to: (1) Citizen organi- suances governing the program, and persons and residents of blighted zations, so that they may adequately (v) Documents regarding other im- neighborhoods. This includes submis- participate In planning, implementing, portant program requirements, such sion of such views: and assessing the program: and (2) as contracting procedures, environ- (1) Directly to the applicant during groups of low- and moderate-income mental policies, fair housing and other the planning period prior to public persons and groups of residents of equal opportunity requirements, relo- hearings on the application; blighted neighborhoods which request cation provisions, and the A-95 review (2) To recognized neighborhood, pro- assistance in developing proposals and process. ject area, and communitywide citizen statements of views. (3) When the application is submit- organizations; It may also be directed toward assist- ted to HUD upon completion of (3) At neighborhood and other meet- ing citizens in organizing and operat- clearinghouse reviews, the applicant ings, if scheduled by the applicant ing neighborhood and project area or- shall publish a notice in a newspaper prior to formal public hearings; and ganizations and in carrying out Com- of general circulation stating that the (4) At formal public hearings. munity Development Program activi- application has been submitted and is ties. Technical assistance should be The applicant shall provide timely available to interested parties upon re- provided by specialists jointly selected responses to all proposals submitted to quest and describing the requirements by the applicant and the organizations it, including written responses to writ- on citizen objections to applications ten proposals stating the reasons for and groups to be assisted. It may be contained in paragraph (f), above. provided either by the applicant di- the action taken by the applicant on (4) The applicant shall make copies rectly or through arrangements with the proposal. The citizen participation of the citizen participation plan, the public or private entities. plan shall state the number of days proposed and approved application, (i) Adequate information. The appli- within which responses will be pro- and the annual performance report cant shall provide for full public vided. Whenever practicable, re- available at locations conveniently lo- access to program information and af- sponses should be provided prior to cated for persons affected by the pro- firmative efforts to make adequate in- the final hearing on the application. gram and accessible to the handi- formation available to citizens, espe- capped. (f) Consideration of objections to ap- cially to those of low- and moderate- plications. Persons wishing to object (j) Public hearing. The plan shall income and to those residing in lower- to approval of an application by HUD provide for a sufficient number of income or blighted neighborhoods. may make such objection known to hearings to obtain citizen views and to (1) At the time the applicant begins the appropriate HUD Area Office. respond to citizen proposals and ques- planning for the next program year, HUD will consider objections made tions at different stages of the pro- the following program information only on the following grounds: The ap- gram. Such hearings shall be held at shall be provided to citizens: plicant's description of needs and ob- convenient times and locations which (1) The total amount of community jectives is plainly inconsistent with permit broad participation, particular- development block grant funds avail- available facts and data; or the activi- ly by low- and moderate-income per- able to the applicant for community ties to be undertaken are plainly inap- sons and by residents of blighted development and housing activities, in- neighborhoods. Hearing arrangements propriate to meeting the needs and ob- cluding planning and administrative jectives identified by the applicant; or should make possible the full partici- activities, pation of handicapped citizens. the application does not comply with (ii) The range of activities that may the requirements of this Part or other (1) Presubmission hearings. The ap- be undertaken with these funds and plicant shall hold at least two kinds of FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8464 RULES AND REGULATIONS public hearings prior to the submis- ment does not require prior HUD ap- (1) Areas targeted for concentrated sion of the application: proval, the plan shall describe how the action as Neighborhood Strategy (i) To obtain views and proposals of citizen participation process shall be Areas pursuant to $ 570.301(c) shall be citizens. the initial stage of applica- involved in the amendment. Identified. For each such area the ap- tion development on community devel- plicant shall describe: opment and housing needs and prior- $ 570.304 Community Development and (A) -The objectives. both long-term ities, and to obtain comments on the Housing Plan. and short-term, to be achieved, quanti- applicant's community development An entitlement application shall In- fied whereever possible: performance; clude a summary of a Community De- (B) The physical improvement pro- (ii) To obtain views of citizens on the velopment and Housing Plan. This grams to be carried out with block proposed application prior to submis- document shall be submitted every grant funds, such as code enforce- sion of the application to A-95 third year as part of the annual appli- ment, rehabilitation, acquisition, de. clearinghouses. cation for funds beginning with the molition, or public improvements: (2) Performance hearings. In order first application submitted on or after (C) Related programs proposed such to review program progress and per- August 1, 1978. It shall summarize the as Urban Homesteading and section 8 formance, the applicant shall hold an community development and housing Substantial Rehabilitation Special additional public hearing or hearings needs of the applicant. Its comprehen- Procedures; thirty to sixty days prior to the start sive strategy for meeting those needs, (D) Public Services to be carried out of planning for the next program year. including its long- and short-term ob- in support of the physical improve- (3) Notices. In order to give adequate jectives, and the projects and activities ment programs; notice of public hearings: planned for the next three years. (E) An implementation schedule (1) The applicant shall. 10 days prior (a) Summary of community develop- showing the anticipated timing of ac- to each public hearing. publish a ment and housing needs. This shall in- tivities and the coordination of block notice in easily readable type in the clude the following: grant funded activities and other local nonlegal section of newspapers of gen- (1) A community profile on a form to actions; eral circulation, including minority be prescribed by HUD. which provides (F) The anticipated resources, in- and non-English language newspapers data regarding population and income cluding block grant funds, other Fed- of general circulation where they characteristics of the community, the eral, State, or local funds, and private exist. Such notices shall indicate the condition of the housing stock. and investment; date, time, place and procedures of the the economic condition of the commu- (G) The role of any neighborhood hearing and topics to be considered. nity as a whole. organizations; The applicant also shall make reason- (2) A narrative summary of the ap- (H) How the housing assistance able efforts to provide the notices, in plicant's community development and goals and general locations in the the form of press releases, the neigh- housing needs, particularly those of Housing Assistance Plan, particularly borhood newspapers or periodicals low- and moderate-income households the rehabilitation goals, support the serving low- and moderate-income and any special needs of Identifiable applicant's neighborhood revitaliza- neighborhoods. segments of the total group of lower tion strategy. (ii) The applicant is encouraged to Income persons. The narrative shall (11) Other neighborhood improve- take other actions to widely publicize include a brief description of the ment efforts shall be described. This the hearings, such as arranging for major needs for neighborhood revital- shall Include specific actions designed public service radio and television an- ization, for community facilities and to prevent and eliminate slums and nouncements. public improvements, and for housing. blight where such actions are not car- (k) Bilingual Wherever a significant (b) Comprehensive strategy. The ap- ried out in a concentrated manner: it number of low- and moderate-income plicant shall describe how it proposes shall also include actions to provide persons and residents of blighted to meet its identified community de- improved community facilities and neighborhoods speak and read a pri- velopment and housing needs, particu- public improvements where they will mary language other than English. larly those of low- and moderate- principally benefit persons of low- and the plan shall provide that all notices income households residing in or ex- moderate-income. The strategy shall of public hearings and summaries of pected to reside in the community and describe the activities to be carried basic information be produced in such any special needs of identifiable seg- out, the objectives to be accomplished, language or languages and that bilin- ments of the lower income population. the anticipated timing, and the block gual opportunities shall be offered at The strategy shall include a commun- grant and other funds to be provided. required public hearings. itywide component which describes (2) Housing. The applicant shall de- (l) Contingency and local option ac- the development strategy of the appli- scribe a communitywide strategy to tivities. The plan shall provide that if cant, the major objectives the appli- improve housing conditions and to the applicant sets aside funds in its ap- cant seeks to accomplish, the priorities meet the housing assistance needs plication for contingencies and/or it has established for the use of block that have been identified. The strate- local option activities, or if it chooses grant funds, and the factors it has gy shall consist of a Housing Assis- to identify in its application activities taken into account in selecting areas tance Plan as described in $ 570.306 as that could replace any activities disap- for treatment and designing programs well as the following: proved by HUD during its application to meet identified needs. In addition, (1) A strategy for any programs to be review, the citizen participation pro- it shall include the following compo- carried out on a communitywide basis; cess shall be involved in the selection nent strategies: such as provision of rehabilitation fi- of such contingency or local option ac- (1) Neighborhood revitalization. The nancing for low- and moderate-income tivities. applicant shall describe its strategy persons or elimination of detrimental (m) Program amendments. The plan for maintaining and preserving viable conditions; the strategy shall include shall provide for citizen participation neighborhoods and for upgrading the goals to be accomplished, a timeta- in any amendments to an approved ap- neighborhoods affected by blight and ble of actions to be taken, and the plication, except those for disaster ac- deterioration. amount of block grant and other tivities. If the nature of the amend- This shall emphasize the actions to funds to be provided; ment is such that prior HUD approval be taken that will improve conditions (ii) Any regulatory and other actions is required, as specified in § 570.312, for low- and moderate-Income persons proposed to foster housing mainte- the applicant shall hold public hear- residing in or expected to reside in the nance and improvements. This may in- ings on the amendment. If the amend- community. clude: actions to eliminate redlining FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8465 with respect to property insurance and grouped by location, the anticipated ty Development and Housing Plan, or the availability of credit for the pur- timing. the goals to be accomplished, an amended plan shall be submitted chase and rehabilitation of housing: the population benefitting. and the es- with the application as required by and actions such as provision of tax in- timated block grant and other funds § 570.312(a). The Community Develop- centives to promote investment in res- to be provided, and indicating whether ment Program shall consist of the fol- toration of deteriorated or abandoned the project or activity principally lowing: housing; benefits low- and moderate-income (a) Project summary. The following (iii) The applicant's strategy for in- persons, aids in the prevention or information shall be provided for each creasing the choice of housing oppor- elimination of slums and blight, or project and activity to be commenced tunities for low- and moderate-income meets other community development during the program year: persons, including members of minor- needs having a particular urgency. (1) The name of the project or activ- ity groups and female-headed house- The requirements of this paragraph ity; holds, including efforts to achieve spa- shall not apply to: (2) A description of the project tial deconcentration of such housing (1) Hold harmless applicants whose which states its purpose, the sequence opportunities and actions to affirma- entitlement ends and who do not of activities, duration of the project, tively further fair housing: apply for small cities comprehensive and the entity responsible for carrying (iv) Any community facilities and grants involving multiyear funding it out; improvements to be provided in fur- commitments pursuant to 570.423(b) (3) The location and service area, In- therance of the applicant's housing during the same year, and (2) any ap- cluding the census tract(s) or enu- strategy and to assure accomplishment plicant for a small cities grant who meration district(s) of the project, and of goals for assisted housing; and does not request & multiyear funding the entity responsible for carrying it (v) Where the community develop- commitment. out; ment program will result in direct or (d) Maps. The plan shall include (4) Whether the project or activity indirect displacement or other hard- maps showing the following informa- principally benefits low- and moder- ships to low- and moderate-income tion. The maps shall be on a census ate-income persons, aids in the preven- persons, the strategy shall describe tract or enumeration district base, but tion of elimination of slums and the actions the applicant will take to the information need not be displayed blight, or meets other community assist such persons to remain in their according to the tract or enumeration needs having a particular urgency; present neighborhoods when they district boundarles. (5) A description of the activities prefer and to mitigate any adverse ef- (1) The extent and location of low- which comprise each project, and the fects resulting from block grant and moderate-income persons; estimated costs and timing: funded activities. (2) The extent and location of mi- (6) The amounts and sources of (3) Economic development. A de- nority group residents; other public funds and private invest- scription of the applicant's strategy (3) The extent and location of sub- ments anticipated to be provided; for economic develoment is required standard and deteriorated housing: (7) The environmental review status; from applicants that propose block (4) The locations of block grant (8) Anticipated accompllshments. grant funded economic development funded projects Included in the three- (b) Cost summary. This will consist activities: The strategy shall include: year project summary. of a tabular summary, on a form to be (1) A description of the major needs (5) Neighborhood strategy areas, If prescribed, of proposed block grant ex- for economic development in the local- any. Maps shall be clearly legible, and penditures in specific categories and ity; this shall include discussion of the all required maps submitted shall be the anticipated resources available. needs of identifiable population of the same scale and cover the same (c) A map or maps of the applicant's groups experiencing significant unem- areas. The applicant may submit sup- Jurisdiction showing the locations of ployment or underemployment, as plementary maps of a different scale, proposed activities, on a base map well as general economic needs of the at its discretion, where this will in- census tracts or enumeration districts, applicant experiencing a stagnating or crease clarity. More than one type of and any designated neighborhood declining tax base or loss of popula- information may be combined on one strategy areas. The maps shall be con- tion: map if the information is clearly leg- sistent with the requirements of scale (ii) A description of the activities ible when combined. and legibility in § 570.304(d). proposed to further economic develop- (e) Interim provisions. Applications ment and to attract private invest- submitted prior to August 1. 1978, § 570.306 Housing Assistance Plan. ment, including the coordination of shall conform to the Community De- (a) General Provisions. This section block grant funded activities with velopment Plan Summary requre- contains policies, procedures, require- other local actions and a timetable for ments published in the FEDERAL REGIS- ments and standards governing the provision of other Federal and State TER (41 FR 4134) on January 28, 1976. Housing Assistance Plan (HAP). resources; However, applicants proposing to un- (1) Purpose. The HAP is required as (iii) The number and types of perma- dertake activities whose eligiblity part of the application for assistance nent jobs expected to result from eco- under the rules in Subpart C depends under this Part. The HAP serves as a nomic development projects, particu- on the activities being consistent with measure of the conditions of the appli- larly jobs for unemployed or underem- a strategy for community development cant's housing stock and the needs of ployed population groups and low- and shall supplement the plan summary lower (low and moderate) income per- moderate-income persons and the with a brief narrative statement con- sons for housing assistance. Further, types and extent of any job training taining the information required by the HAP serves to establish goals for which will be provided to such resi- § 570.200(h). assistance best suited to meet the dents; and § 570.305 Annual Community Develop- needs of lower income persons and to (iv) Evidence of commitments or in- terest by developers of new or expand- ment Program. further the revitalization of the com- munity, including the restoration and ed employment facilities. Each annual application shall con- rehabilitation of stable neighborhoods (c) Three-year project summary. This tain a Community Development Pro- to the maximum extent possible, and shall consist of a tabular summary of gram describing the projects and ac- the reclamation of the housing stock the projects proposed to be carried out tivities to be carried out with program where feasible through the use of a with block grant funds during the year funds. Such projects and activi- broad range of techniques for housing next three years to implement the ap- ties shall be consistent with the previ- restoration by local government, the plicant's comprehensive strategy, ously submitted three-year Communi- private sector, or community organiza- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8466 RULES AND REGULATIONS tions. including provisions of a reason- gram pursuant to § 570.306(b)(4) which goals designed to address the needs of able opportunity for tenants displaced will propose goals for housing assis- a particular tenure type (owner or as a result of such activities to relocate tance to be provided in Federal Fiscal renter), household type, (elderly and in their immediate neighborhood. The Year 1979 which, when combined with handicapped, family and non-elderly HAP must propose general locations all housing assistance provided in FFY individuals, or large family), or hous- for assisted housing which promote 1977 and 1978 will result in the provi- ing type (existing, substantial rehabili- greater choice of housing opportuni- sion of housing assistance in the same tation, or new construction), or any ties and avoid undue concentrations of proportion as the three year goals, by combination of the above, which have assisted persons in areas containing a household type, set forth in the HAP not been substantially met, shall In- high proportion of lower-income per- submitted In 1978. For the purposes of clude goals to meet such needs prior to sons, and which further fair housing 24 CFR 891, the three-year goal for providing further assistance for and assure the availability of public HAP's submitted prior to August 1, tenure, household, or housing types facilities and services adequate to sup- 1978 is the three-year goal submitted for which established goals have been port housing facilities. In addition, all in the 1976 HAP including any amend- substantially met. For example, an ap- communities are expected to share in ments thereto. For example, an appli- plicant which has identified a substan- providing expanded housing opportu- cant which has provided housing assis- tial need, and established goals for nities for lower-income persons and to tance primarily for elderly households families and large families, but none- participate in areawide solutions of during FFY 1977 and 1978 is expected theless has met only the goals or a housing problems through promotion to establish goals this year in the substantial portion of the goals. estab- of spatial deconcentration of housing annual housing action program for lished for elderly households shall opportunities for lower-income per- families and large families so that as- meet the goals established for families sons. sistance provided during FFY 1977, and large families before providing ad- (2) Use. The HAP is not only a re- 1978 and 1979 will be in the same pro- ditional assistance to elderly house- quirement for assistance under this portion, by household type, as the holds. Part, but It serves as the means for 1976 three-year goal. In addition, the (b) Housing Assistance Plan Con- HUD to distribute assisted housing re- applicant shall identify general loca- tent. The application shall contain a sources to applicants. The HAP offers tions for new construction and sub- housing assistance plan which in- applicants a means to implement stantial rehabilitation units or pro- cludes: -strategies to conserve and expand Its jects. For HAP's submitted prior to (1) Housing Conditions. The appli- housing stock in order to provide a August 1, 1978, general locations shall cant shall describe the condition of decent home in a suitable living envi- be applicable to the housing assistance the existing housing stock in the com- ronment for all persons, but principal- goals as described above in this para- munity by providing a statistical pro- ly those of lower income. The HAP graph; however, the requirements for file by tenure type (owner and renter), should facilitate the reduction of the Identifying such locations are set forth which describes housing conditions by isolation of Income groups within com- In § 570.306(b)(3)(ii). Unless there have number of units in standard and in munities and geographic areás, affir- been substantial changes In the hous- substandard condition. If a housing re- matively further fair housing and pro- ing conditions and housing assistance habilitation program is proposed as mote the diversity and vitality of needs, an applicant is required to part of the applicant's strategy state- neighborhoods. submit only an annual goal and the ment as set forth in § 570.304(b), the number of units which are suitable for (3) Responsibility of applicant. Ap- general locations for proposed new rehabilitation shall be stated. Esti- plicants are responsible for implemen- construction and substantial rehabili- mates shall be made of vacancy rates tation of the housing assistance plan tation. for non-seasonal available units in in an expeditious manner. This in- (ii) Housing Assistance Plans submit- standard condition, using the best esti- cludes the timely achievement of all ted after August 1, 1978 shall be sub- mate at the time the application is goals for assisted housing and particu- mitted once every three years as de- prepared, but in no case including larly those which address the needs of scribed in § 570.306(b) and shall cover units to be vacant at a future date. families and large families requiring a three year period. However, each (2) Housing Assistance Needs. The rental assistance. Applicants are ex- annual application shall include an applicant shall describe the housing pected to take all actions within their annual housing action program. Al- assistance needs of lower income per- control to facilitate the implementa- though some revision and updating sons. tion of an approved housing assistance may be necessary during this period The data for such description gener- plan including those actions specified because of the availability of new data ally shall be derived from Federal in §§ 570.306(b)(3)(iii) and (b)(4)(ii), as sources or significant changes in local census data; except that the applicant well as the development of Section 8 conditions or needs, the HAP shall be may also utilize other more recent housing when notifications of funding in effect for three program years. A data generally available from public or availability are not responded to by new HAP shall be submitted every private sources, including areawide, re- private developers. third program year thereafter. gional, or State planning agencies; pro- (4) Period covered by HAP. The HAP (iii) A Hold Harmless Entitlement vided that the deviations from esti- shall be submitted and be effective for applicant submitting a HAP after mates derived from the Federal census time periods as follows: August 1, 1978, but not proposing to data or from areawide, regional, or (1) Housing Assistance Plans submit- apply for a grant under Subpart F of State planning agency assessments are ted to HUD after the publication date these regulations during its phase out explained. All applicants which are of these regulations but prior to year, is subject to this section except within the jurisdiction of an areawide August 1, 1978 shall be designed to that the establishment of a three-year planning organization having an ap- complete the requirement that hous- numerical goal as described in proved Areawide Housing Opportunity ing assistance provided pursuant to § 570.306(b)(3)(i) is not applicable. Plan (AHOP) must use the data pre- the three-year goals set forth in the (5) Relationship to previously ap- sented in the Plan. Applicants which HAP approved during 1976 shall have proved HAP's. (Effective August 1, are within the jurisdiction of an been provided in the same proportion 1978.) Applicants are not relieved of areawide planning organization which as those goals by household type (el- their responsibilities to continue to ad- does not have an approved AHOP derly and handicapped, families and dress goals established to meet the should use the same census, areawide, non-elderly individuals, and large fam- needs for assisted housing identified in or State data unless more recent, gen- ilies). Accordingly, applicants shall prior program years. Accordingly, ap- erally available data exist for an indi- submit an annual housing action pro- plicants who had approved component vidual applicant. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8467 (i) The applicant shall provide esti- for an additional number of lower- zation is to be used in lieu of a meth- mates of housing assistance needs of income households expected to reside. odology set forth in this Part, HUD lower-income persons currently resid- An applicant obtaining a negative will consider whether such alternate ing in the community, by tenure type gross estimate as a result of the fifth methodology provides the estimates and by household type (lower-income step shall record the gross estimate of required to meet the standards of ac- households which are elderly and the number of households expected to ceptability set forth in paragraphs (b) handicapped, families and non-elderly reside as a zero. and (c) of this section and is statisti- individuals, and large families), for all EXAMPLE cally and mathematicially sound. households, including those house- (C) HUD shall monitor the estimates holds to be displaced by public action Step 1. SMSA Y Lower Income Houshold developed through an approved State and, where information is available, by Percentage: 40 percent. or areawide planning organization al- private action during the three year Step 2. City W Total Number of House- ternative methodology. Although program. Such estimates shall also be holds currently residing: 5,000. provided for any identifiable segment Step 3. City W Total Number of House- areawide organizations are encouraged holds Currently Residing SMSA Lower- to develop methodologies which are of the total group of lower-income Income Household Percentage=Total re- innovative in scope and suited to the households in the community. quired number of lower-income households: circumstances of the jurisdiction of (ii) The applicant shall assess the 5,000x40%=2,000. the areawide planning organizations, housing assistance needs of lower- Step 4. City W Total Lower-Income HUD may withdraw approval of or re- income households (by household type Households Currently Residing: 1,000. quire modification of an alternative for all households and all minority Step 5. (City W Total required number of methodology which is determined to households), who could reasonably be lower-income households-City W Lower- expected to reside in the community. Income Households Currently Residing)/ produce estimates which are plainly (1-SMSA Lower-Income Households inconsistent with the objectives of this (A) (Effective August 1, 1978.) An Percentage)=Gross Estimate of Lower- Part. applicant community in a metropoli- Income Households. Expected to Reside: (iv) In addition, the applicant shall tan area shall utilize the following (2,000-1000)/(1-40%)=1.000/60%=1.667. provide a narrative statement which methodology to derive the minimum Step 6. City W gross estimate of the summarizes any special housing condi- estimate of the number of lower- number of lower-income households expect- tions in the community and special income households who could be ex- ed to reside/3-the estimate of the number housing needs found to exist in the pected to reside in the applicant com- of lower-income households who reasonably total group of lower-income house- munity during the three year period may be expected to reside 1,667/3-556. holds in the community. Such sum- of applicability of the HAP. First, the (B) An applicant In a nonmetropoli- mary shall include but need not be metropolitan area percentage of lower- tan area, for which relevant Federal limited to, discussion of: income households shall be deter- census data are not available, shall (A) Female heads of households; mined using Section 8 Income Limits. submit Its best estimate of the number (B) Individual minority groups; Second, the total number of house- of lower-income households who rea- (C) Handicapped persons; holds in the applicant's Jurisdiction sonably could be expected to reside In (D) Special housing conditions such shall be determined. Third, the total the community, based on data general- as concentrations of mobile homes; number of households from step two ly available from Federal, State, and shall be multiplied by the percentage areawide, or local sources. (E) Special housing needs related to from step one, the product of which is (III) Use of alternative methodologies a community's economic base such as the total required number of lower- for determining estimates of lower- military housing, migrant workers, income households. Fourth, the income households expected to reside and-retirement centers. number of lower-income households developed by State or areawide plan- (3) Three Year Housing Program. currently residing in the applicant's ning organizations; (Effective August (Effective August 1, 1978 except as jurisdiction shall be determined. Fifth. 1, 1978.) HUD may, at its option, de- provided for paragraph (ii) in the number of lower-income house- termine that a State or an areawide 570.306(a)(4)(i).) The applicant shall holds currently residing from step planning organization has developed describe a three year housing program four shall be subtracted from the total an alternative methodology for one or for implementation of its community required number of lower-income both of these elements which evi- development and housing strategy: households produced in step three, the dences compliance with the objectives (i) Goals. The program shall specify, remainder of which is to be divided by of this Part and is a more precise by tenure type, household type, and one minus the metropolitan area per- means to measure such needs within housing type, a realistic three year centage of lower-income households, the specific geographic area of its ju- goal-for the number of dwelling units the result being the gross estimate of risdiction. The basis for such determi- or persons to be assisted. The state- the number of lower-income house- nations are set forth in 24 CFR Part ment of the three year goal for assist- holds expected to reside in the appli- 891, Subpart E. Having so determined, ed dwelling units also shall take into cant community. Sixth, applicants HUD may, at its option, authorize the consideration housing conditions with shall then determine the estimate of use of such methodology, in lieu of the respect to the availability of existing the number of lower-income house- methodology set forth in units of standard quality and units holds who reasonably may be expected § 570.306(b)(2)(ii), by all applicants suitable for rehabilitation and shall to reside by multiplying the gross esti- within the jurisdiction of such meet the standards set forth in mate of the number of lower-income areawide planning organizations. § 570.306(c)(1). households expected to reside by one- (A) HUD shall inform all affected (ii) General Locations. The program third. This estimate of the number of applicants, by publication of a Notice shall identify the general locations of lower-income households who reason- in the FEDERAL REGISTER of those proposed new construction housing ably may be expected to reside shall State or areawide planning organiza- units or projects, and substantial reha- be cited in the applicant's assessment tions where an alternative methodolo- bilitation units or projects, for the of the overall housing assistance needs gy has been approved by HUD and programs subject to 24 CFR 891 and, of lower-income households. An appli- whether such methodology will be to the extent feasible, other assisted cant with a gross estimate of the used in lieu of the methodology set housing programs identified in the number of households expected to forth in § 570.306(b)(2)(ii). goals for lower-income persons on reside of zero as a result of the fifth (B) In determining whether an alter- maps as called for in § 570.304(d). The step in the above methodology is not native methodology developed by a locations shall be identified by census required to set forth a housing need State or an areawide planning organi- tract (or enumeration districts or geo- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8468 RULES AND REGULATIONS graphic quadrants in those jurisdic- cluding the relative proportion of new, (iii) (Effective August 1, 1978.) Mini- tions where a census tract includes a rehabilitated, and existing units best mal goals. The goals must directly ad- substantial area, such as an entire suited to the needs of lower-income dress known needs for housing assis- community). General locations for persons indentified by the applicant; tance and contain a sufficient number housing projects shall contain at least and of units to permit practical and eco- one site which conforms to the site (ii) Set forth specific actions, If any, nomically feasible housing develop- and neighborhood standards estab- to be undertaken during the program ment. For applicants with are within lished for the appropriate HUD assist- year to assure the Implementation of the jurisidiction of a HUD-approved ed housing program. Where an appli- the three-year housing program in- AHOP, HUD will accept the goals in- cant proposes assisted housing re- cluding those actions described in cluded therein. All other applicants sources in areas of concentration of paragraph (b)(3)(III) of this section. shall propose a three-year housing as- minorities or federally assisted hous- (c) Standards and criteria for ap- sistance goal which represents assis- ing, general locations outside of such proval of HAPs. The following stan- tance for at least 15 percent of the areas also shall be proposed in order dards and criteria shall apply to the total need unless the applicant can to ensure the provision of assisted reviews and determinations of accept- demonstrate to the safisfaction of housing in a balanced manner. ability of housing assistance plans and HUD that such a goal would be infea- (iii) Actions to be taken. The pro- shall be effective as of the date of pub- sible. The standard that housing assis- gram shall describe those actions lication of these regulations except as tance plans with only minimal housing which will be necessary for the appli- otherwise noted: assistance goals are plainly inappropri- cant to take to address any special (1) Goals for assisted housing-(1) ate recognizes that communities with housing needs and conditions cited in Proportionality. The three year hous- very substantial housing assistance § 570.306(b)(2)(iv), as well as any ac- ing assistance goals shall address the needs have a responsibility to propose tions determined necessary, on the needs of the three household types substantial housing assistance goals basis of findings of past performance (elderly and handicapped, families and and that goals should reflect the desir- reviews pursuant to Subpart o of non-elderly individuals, and large fam- ability of meeting a significant per- these regulations, to achieve the hous- illes) within each tenure type (owner centage of identified needs at an early ing assistance goals, and shall set and renter) in the same proportion as date. forth a timetable for such actions. In the total lower-Income housing needs (iv) Vacancy rates. In establishing addition, applicants anticipating diffi- identified in the HAP, of those house- goals for assisted housing, the appli- culty in achieving goals in newly pre- hold types, by tenure type. Certain ad- cant shall consider the vacancy rate pared HAPs shall set forth actions re- justments to this requirement are per- established pursuant to § 570.300(b)(1) quired to achieve those goals. The ac- mitted as follows: and shall estimate the number of such tions may include, but are not limited (A) HUD may grant an exception vacant units which would be adequate to: (A) acquisition of sites and provi- from this requirement when an appli- to meet the needs of lower-income cant documents special needs arising households. sion of site improvements for the de- from displacement of significant num- (A) In those cases where there exists velopment of assisted housing: (B) bers of households of a particular size; a less than adequate vacancy rate (as adoption or modification of local or- natural disasters; meeting the housing determined by HUD) in housing units dinances and land use measures to fa- requirements of section 105 (f) and (h) resulting in an insufficient number of cilitate the development of assisted of the U.S. Housing Act of 1949, as vacant, standard, available units of ap- housing including institution of local amended; accommodating proposals propriate size, cost, and type to meet referendum-actions, where necessary; for projects of feasible size which the identified housing assistance needs (C) issuance of appropriate zoning could not otherwise be developed; or for rental units for lower-income changes, building permits, utility con- implementing the goals of a HUD-ap- households goals for housing assis- nections and similar administrative re- proved AHOP; or tance shall emphasize a program of quirements; (D) formation of a local (B) (Effective August 1, 1978.) Appli- new construction of rental units for housing authority or execution of an cants required to emphasize a particu- households of lower-income. For ex- agreement with a housing authority lar household type or types pursuant ample, an applicant with a significant having powers to provide assisted to § 570.306(a)(5) shall make no down- number of lower-income households housing within the jurisdiction of the ward adjustment in the percentage expected to reside in the community applicant; (E) removal of local resi- represented by such household type, and a less than adequate rental vacan- dency preferences for assisted hous- but the percentage represented by cy rate, would be expected to empha- ing; (F) promotional and assistance ac- other household types may be adjust- size a program of new construction of tivities to encourage developers to-ini- ed downward as necessary. For exam- rental units to address this need. How- tiate assisted housing or to allocate a ple, an applicant which has dispropor- ever, this does not preclude the use of portion of their planned unsubsidized tionately met the needs of elderly a vehicle such as the Section 8 Exist- developments for assisted housing, households in prior years would not be ing Housing program to address the and to encourage owners to make permitted to make any downward ad- needs of households currenty residing units available for Section 8 existing justment to the percentages represent- in the community, provided that the housing programs; and (G) measures ed by family and large family house- existing program is used in concert, to reduce the cost of housing develop- holds, but may be required to reduce during the three year program, with ment, such as tax abatement, waiver the percentage represented by elderly new construction and/or substantial of fees and other administrative costs. households to zero. rehabilitation so that the housing (4) Annual Housing Action Program. (ii) Tenure types. The types and market will not be further imbalanced. For each program year as part of the quantities of housing assistance pro- (B) In those cases where there exists annual submission, the applicant shall posed by tenure type (owner and an adequate vacancy rate as deter- describe a program of actions to carry renter), shall be appropriate to meet- mined by HUD in standard housing out each program year increment in ing indentified needs of both renters units creating a sufficient number of order to achieve the three year hous- and owners. In this regard, unless a vacant, available units of appropriate ing program. The annual action pro- community can demonstrate that it size, cost, and type to meet the identi- gram shall: can meet the needs of households ex- fled housing assistance needs of lower- (i) Specify, by tenure type, house- pected to reside through assistance income persons for rental units, goals hold type, and housing type, a realistic programs for homeowners, such needs for housing assistance shall emphasize annual goal for the number of dwell- shall be assumed to represent needs a program of existing housing for per- ing units or persons to be assisted, in- for rental units. sons of lower-income. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8469 (v) Urban renewal completion. Ap- tion of housing opportunities for August 1. 1978, the certification require- plicants engaged in the completion of lower-income persons, particularly ml- ment of 570.303(e)(4) published in the FED- Urban Renewal projects and having to norities. ERAL REGISTER (41 FR 4135) on January 28, meet requirements of Sections 105 (f) 1976, shall apply. and (h) of the U.S. Housing Act of $ 570.307 Certifications. (e) Its chief executive officer or 1949 as amended, or applicants obli- The applicant shall submit certifica- other officer of applicant approved by gated to meet such requirements tions each year providing assurances HUD: under close-out agreements pursuant that: (1) Consents to assume the status of to 570.804 for projects which have (a) It possesses legal authority to a responsible Federal official under been settled financially. shall establish apply for the grant, and to execute the the National Environmental Policy goals large enough to meet such obli- proposed program. Act of 1969 insofar as the provisions of gations. (b) Its governing body has duly such Act apply to this Part; (vi) Adequacy of rehabilitation. In adopted or passed as an official act a (2) Is authorized and consents on order to be included as goals in a resolution, motion or similar action behalf of the applicant and himself to Housing Assistance Plan any units authorizing the filing of the applica- accept the jurisdiction of the Federal proposed to be rehabilitated for either tion, including all understandings and courts for the purpose of enforcement owners or renters must be units which assurances contained therein, and dí- of his responsibilities as such an offi- are determined by the applicant to be recting and authorizing the person cial. substandard, and upon completion of identified as the official representative (f) The Community Development rehabilitation, will meet, at a mini- of the applicant to act in connection Program has been developed so as to mum, Section 8 Existing Housing with the application and to provide give maxímum feasible priority to ac- Quality Standards pursuant to 24 CFR such additional information as may be tivities which will benefit low- and 882.109, and be occupied by lower- required. moderate-income families or aid in the income households. Any units pro- (c) It has complied with all the re- prevention or elimination of slums or posed for rehabilitation using Federal quirements of OMB Circular No. A-95 blight. assistance, shall upon completion meet as modified by this Part and that [The requirement for this certification will the standards of the applicable Feder- either: not preclude the Secretary from approving al program where they exceed Section (1) Any comments and recommenda- an application where the applicant certifies, 8 Existing Housing Quality Standards. tions made by or through clearing- and the Secretary determines, that all or (vii) (Effective August 1, 1978.) Rela- houses are attached and have been part of the Community Development Pro- tionship to previously approved goals. considered prior to submission of the gram activities are designed to meet other Where an applicant does not provide application; or community development needs having a goals to meet unfulfilled needs in ac- particular urgency as specifically explained (2) The required procedures have cordance with 570.306(a)(5), such in the application in accordance with been followed and no comments or rec- 570.302(f).) housing assistance goals will be deter- ommendations have been received. mined to be plainly inappropriate. (g) It will comply with the regula- (d) Prior to submission of its applica- (viii) Local actions to implement tions; policies, guidelines and require- tion, the applicant has: goals. An applicant shall make all ef- ments of OMB Circular No. A-102, Re- (1) Prepared a written citizen par- forts to meet the goals in its three vised, and Federal Management Circu- ticipation plan, which: year housing program. When actions lar 74-4 as they relate to the applica- (1) Provides an opportunity for citi- tion, acceptance, and use of Federal such as acquisition of land, formation zens to participate in the development funds under this Part. of a housing authority or rezoning are of the application, encourages the sub- (h) It will administer and enforce necessary for the development of mission of views and proposals, par- the labor standards requirements set housing. such actions should be ac- ticularly by residents of blighted complished by the second year of the forth in 570.605 and HUD regula- neighborhoods and citizens of low- and tions issued to implement such re- three year housing program. HUD moderate-income, provides for timely quirements. shall consider an applicant's past per- responses to the proposals submitted, formance in providing assisted housing (1) It will comply with all require- and schedules hearing at times and lo- pursuant to the performance stan- ments imposed by HUD concerning cations which permit broad participa- dards for implementing housing assis- special requirements of law, program tion; requirements, and other administra- tance plans set forth in $ 570.909 in de- (ii) Provides citizens with adequate tive requirements, approved in accor- termining whether the housing assis- information concerning the amount of dance with OMB Circular No. A-102 tance goals are appropriate. In those funds available for proposed communi- Revised. instances where an applicant's perfor- ty development and housing activities, (j) It will comply with the provisions mance in the past indicates that local the range of activities that may be un- of Executive Order 11296, relating to actions are required to facilitate deliv- dertaken, and other important pro- evaluation of flood hazards and Execu- ery of housing resources, but the ap- gram requirements; plicant does not provide that such ac- (iii) Provides for public hearings to tive Order 11288 relating to the pre- obtain the views of citizens on commu- vention, control, and abatement of tions will be undertaken on a timely water pollution. basis, the goals will be determined to nity development and housing needs; be plainly inappropriate. and (k) It will require every building or (ix) Consistency with areawide hous- (lv) Provides citizens with an oppor- facility (other than a privately owned ing opportunity plans. A housing as- tunity to submit comments concerning residential structure) designed, con- sistance plan of a community which is the community development perfor- structed, or altered with funds pro- within the jurisdiction of an areawide mance of the applicant: vided under this Part to comply with (2) Followed this plan in a manner the "American Standard Specifica- planning organization, shall be consis- to achieve full participation of citizens tions for Making Buildings and Facili- tent with the approved Areawide Housing Opportunity Plan prepared in development of the application. The ties Accessible to, and Usable by, the by the areawide planning organization applicant shall also follow this plan to Physically Handicapped," Number A- pursuant to 24 CFR Part 891. achieve full citizen participation in all 117.1-R 1971, subject to the exceptions contained in 41 CFR 101-19.604. The (2) General locations. The applicant other stages of the program. applicant will be responsible for con- shall demonstrate by its selection of NOTE.-The above certification on citizen general locations that its HAP will ducting inspections to insure compli- participation is effective August 1. 1978. For promote greater spatial deconcentra- ance with these specifications by the applications submitted to HUD prior to contractor. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8470 RULES AND REGULATIONS (2) It will comply with: (m) It will comply with Section 3 of (r) It will give HUD and the Comp- (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act the Housing and Urban Development troller General through any autho- of 1964 (Pub. L 88-352), and the regu- Act of 1968, as amended, requiring rized representatives access to and the lations issued pursuant thereto (24 that to the greatest extent feasible op- right to examine all records, books, CFR Part 1), which provides that no portunities for training and employ- papers, or documents related to the person in the United States shall on ment be given to lower-Income resi- grant. the grounds of race, color, or national dents of the project area and contracts (s) It will insure that the facilities origin, be excluded from participation for work in connection with the pro- under Its ownership, lease or supervi- in, be denied the benefits of, or be oth- ject be awarded to eligible business sion which shall be utilized in the ac- erwise subjected to discrimination concerns which are located In, or complishment of the program are not under any program or activity for owned in substantial part by, persons listed on the Environmental Protec- which the applicant receives Federal residing in the area of the project. tion Agency's (EPA) list of Violating financial assistance and will immedi- (n) It will: Facilities and that It will notify HUD ately take any measures necessary to (1) To the greatest extent practica- of the receipt of any communication effectuate this assurance. If any real ble under State law, comply with Sec- from the Director of the EPA. Office property or structure thereon Is pro- tions 301 and 302 of Title III (Uniform of Federal Activities indicating that a vided or improved with the aid of Fed- Real Property Acquisition Policy) of facility to be used in the project is eral financial assistance extended to the Uniform Relocation Assistance under consideration for listing by the the applicant, this assurance shall ob. and Real Property Acquisition Policies EPA. ligate the applicant, or in the case of Act of 1970 and will comply with Sec- (t) It will comply with the flood in- any transfer of such property. any tions 303 and 304 of Title III. and surance purchase requirements of Sec- transferee, for the period during HUD implementing instructions at 24 tion 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Pro- which the real property or structure is CFR Part 42: and tection Act of 1973. Pub. L 93-234, 87 used for a purpose for which the Fed- (2) Inform affected persons of their eral financial assistance is extended, rights and of the acquisition policies Stat. 975, approved December 31, 1973. Section 103(a) required, on and after or for another purpose involving the and procedures set forth in the regula- March 2, 1974, the purchase of flood provision of similar services or bene- tions at 24 CFR Part 42 and insurance in communities where such fits. § 570.602(b). (o) It will: insurance is available as a condition (2) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Pub. L. 90-284), as amended, (1) Comply with Title II (Uniform for the receipt of any Federal finan- administering all programs and activi- Relocation Assistance) of the Uniform cial assistance for construction or ac- ties relating to housing and communi- Relocation Assistance and Real Prop- quisition purposes for use in any area, ty development in a manner to affir- erty Acquistion Policies Act of 1970 that has been identified by the Secre- matively further fair housing: and will and HUD implementing regulations at tary of the Department of Housing 24 CFR Part 42 and § 570.602(a); and Urban Development as an area take action to affirmatively further (2) Provide relocation payments and having special flood hazards. The fair housing in the sale or rental of offer relocation assistance as described phrase "Federal financial assistance" housing, the financing of housing, and In Section 205 of the Uniform Reloca- includes any form of loan, grant, guar- the provision of brokerage services. (3) Section 109 of the Housing and tion Assistance Act to all persons dis- anty, insurance payment, rebate, sub- place as a result of acquisition of real sidy, disaster assistance loan or grant, Community Development Act of 1974, and the regulations issued pursuant property for an activity assisted under or any other form of direct or indirect the Community Development Block Federal assistance. thereto (24 CFR Part 570.601), which provides that no person in the United Grant Program. Such payments and (u) It will, in connection with its per- assistance shall be provided in a fair formance of environmental assess- States shall, on the grounds of race, and consistent and equitable manner ments under the National Environ- color, national origin, or sex, be ex- that insures that the relocation pro- ment Policy Act of 1969, comply with cluded from participation in, be denied cess does not result in different or sep- Section 106 of the National Historic the benefits of, or be subjected to dis- arate treament of such persons on ac- Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. crimination under, any program or ac- count of race, color, religion, national 470), Executive Order 11593, and the tivity funded in whole or in part with origin, sex, or source of income; Preservation of Archeological and His- funds provided under this Part. (3) Assure that, within a reasonable torical Data Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. (4) Executive Order 11063 on equal period of time prior to displacement, 469a-1, et. seq.) by (a) consulting with opportunity in housing and nondiscri- comparable decent, safe and sanitary the State Historic Preservation Officer mination in the sale or rental of hous- replacement dwellings will be available to identify properties listed in or eligi- ing built with Federal assistance. to all displaced families and individ- ble for inclusion in the National Regis- (5) Executive Order 11246, and the uals and that the range of choices ter of Historic Places that are subject regulations issued pursuant thereto available to such persons will not vary to adverse effects (See 36 CFR Part (24 CFR Part 130 and 41 CFR Chapter on account of their race, color, reli- 800.8) by the proposed activity, and (b) 60), and Section 4(b) of the Grant gion, national origin, sex, or source of complying with all requirements es- Agreement, which provides that no income; and tablished by HUD to avoid or mitigate person shall be discriminated against (4) Inform affected. persons of the adverse effects upon such properties. on the basis of race, color, religion, sex relocation assistance, policies and pro- or national origin in all phases of em- cedures set forth in the regulations at § 570.308 Timing of application submis- ployment during the performance of 24 CFR Part 42 and § 570.602(a). sions. Federal or federally assisted construc- (p) It will establish safeguards to (a) Submission of applications. (1) tion contracts. Contractors and sub- prohibit employees from using posi- In order to receive an entitlement contractors on Federal and federally tions for a purpose that is or gives the grant under this Part, each applicant assisted construction contracts shall appearance of being motivated by a is required to submit an application at take affirmative action to insure fair desire for private gain for themselves least 75 days, but no more than 120 treatment in employment, upgrading, or others, particularly those with days, prior to the end of its program demotion, or transfer; recruitment or whom they have family, business, or year. recruitment advertising; layoff or ter- other ties. (2) An applicant which did not re- mination, rates of pay or other forms (q) It will comply with the provisions ceive an entitlement grant in the pre- of compensation and selection for of the Hatch Act which limits the po- vious fiscal year must apply no later training and apprenticeship. litical activity of employees. than April 30. FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8471 (3) Notwithstanding other provisions sistance to both the applicant and plicant's certifications, statements of of this section, no application will be HUD if their reviews address the ap- facts and data, and other information. accepted between July 15 and October plication approval criteria contained The Secretary reserves the right, how- 1, in any year. in 570.311(c), as well as the "subject ever, to consider relevant evidence (b) Program year. A program year matter of comments and recommenda- which challenges the certifications, shall run for a twelve month period. tions" in Part I. Attachment A of and information submitted by the ap- An applicant may, however, either OMB Circular No. A-95, Item 5. Em- plicant, and to require additional in- shorten or lengthen its program year phasis should be placed on consistency formation or assurances from the ap- by as much as three calendar months, among State, areawide and local plans plicant as warranted by such evidence. provided: and strategies. Compliance with envi- (2) The review will include, but need (1) It is for the purpose of conform- ronmental and civil rights laws should not be limited to, the following mat- ing the program year to State or local also be emphasized. ters contained in the application and or fiscal budgeting requirements; and (c) Applicant actions after clearing- the grantee performance report, or de- (2) HUD receives written notice of a house review. The applicant shall In- rived from monitoring: shortened program year at least six clude with its application to HUD all (1) Eligibility of proposed activities; months prior to the date the program clearinghouse comments, or when no (ii) Program benefit to low- and year would have ended if it had not comments are received, a statement moderate-income persons in accor- been shortened, or in the case of a that no comments or recommenda- dance with the provisions of § 570.302; lengthened program year, at least tions have been received from the (iii) Housing Assistance Plan confor- three months prior to the date the clearinghouses. Where activities are mity to the requirements of $ 570.306; program year would have ended if it determined by the area wide planning (iv) Coordination of housing assis- had not been lengthened. An applicant agency to be inconsistent with tance and community development ac- may not however, receive more than areawide plans, the applicant shall tivities; one entitlement grant from a single provide in the application to HUD an (v) Consistency of the needs stated Federal fiscal year appropriation. explanation of the reasons for the in- in the plan with generally available consistencies. data; § 570.309 Public availability of and objec- (d) Application modification during (vi) Appropriateness of proposed tions to application [Reserved] clearinghouse or HUD review. An ap- plans and programs to meeting the ap- plicant which revises its application 570.310 A-95 clearinghouse review and plicant's needs and objectives; while It is under review by a clearing- comment. (vii) compliance with previous con- house or by HUD shall inform the tract conditions or other corrective Applicants must comply with the clearinghouses of the revisions and, if and remedial actions required by procedures set forth in Part I of OMB the application has been submitted to HUD; Circular No. A-95 except as modified HUD, the number of days remaining (viii) Experience regarding the effec- below. In addition to rules governing within the 75-day review period de- tiveness of the proposed activities in applications, these procedures also re- scribed in 570.311(d), for HUD to meeting the community development quire that program amendments sub- complete its review of the application. needs in the locality; mitted to HUD in accordance with (ix) Applicant's capacity to carry out 8 570.312 shall be submitted to appro- 570.311 HUD review and approval of ap- plication. the program proposed as evidenced by priate clearinghouses for a 30-day its previous performance record; and review and comment period. (a) Acceptance of application. (1) (x) Compliance with the require- (a) Clearinghouse notification. The Upon receipt of an application, the ments of this Part and other applica- A-95 requirement that clearinghouses HUD Area Office will accept it for ble laws and regulations. be notified of an applicant's intent to review, provided that: (c) Criteria for disapproval The apply for Federal assistance will be (i) It has been received before the Secretary will approve the application satisfied by HUD. Each fiscal year deadline for receipt of applications es- unless: HUD will advise the appropriate State tablished in § 570.308(a); (1) On the basis of significant facts and areawide clearinghouses, with a (ii) All of the required component and data, generally available, and per- copy to the applicant, of those com- parts of the application are submitted taining to community and housing munities entitled to receive grants and are properly completed; needs and objectives, the Secretary de- under this Part. This notification will (iii) The funds requested do not termines that the applicant's descrip- be provided at least 60 days prior to exceed the entitlement amount; tion of such needs and objectives is the date by which the applicant must (iv) Any comments and recommen- plainly inconsistent with such facts submit the completed application to dations received from clearinghouses, and data. The data to be considered HUD. Upon receipt of its copy of the or a statement that no comments were may be published data accessible to HUD notification to the clearing- received, are attached to the applica- both the applicant and the Secretary, houses, the applicant shall make ar- tion; and such as census data, or other data rangements with the clearinghouses (v) Any additional assurances previ- available to both the applicant and regarding early transmittal of infor- ously required as a result of monitor- the Secretary, such as recent local, mation describing the contents of the ing, inadequate local performance, or areawide or State comprehensive plan- application. An applicant wishing to audit findings, are Included. ning data. submit its application to HUD before (2) If the application is accepted in (2) On the basis of the application, February 1 of each year shall provide accordance with the preceding para- the Secretary determines that the ac- its own notice of intent to file with the graph, the date of acceptance of the tivities to be undertaken are plainly appropriate clearinghouses in accor- application will be the date of receipt inappropriate to meeting the needs dance with the usual A-95 procedures. of the application in the HUD field and objectives identified by the appli- (b) Clearinghouse review of applica- office, and the applicant will be so no- cant. The following are examples of tion. Unless the requirement is waived tified in writing. If the application is situations in which activities may be by a clearinghouse, the applicant shall not accepted for review, the applicant determined to be "plainly inappropri- provide the clearinghouses a period of will be so notified in writing, and will ate" to meeting the identified needs of 45 calendar days to review the com- be advised of the specific reasons for the applicant: pleted application and transmit to the nonacceptance. (1) Experience over a period of time applicant any comments or recommen- (b) Scope of review. (1) HUD will has demonstrated that the types of ac- dations. Clearinghouses will be of as- normally base its review upon the ap- tivities proposed have not been or are FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8472 RULES AND REGULATIONS unlikely to be effective in alleviating in which case the full entitlement tent with the three-year project sum- the conditions they were designed to amount will be approved but the obli- mary included in its community devel- affect; gation and utilization of funds for af- opment plan, it shall submit an (ii) The applicant has identified fected activities will be restricted. Con- amended community development areas containing significant concentra- ditional approvals may be made plan summary to HUD at the same tions of deteriorated housing and where: time the proposed program amend- blight and does not propose to under- (1) Local environmental reviews ment is submitted. take a concentrated program of activi- under 570.603 have not yet been com- (b) Housing Assistance Plan Amend- ties in any such areas; pleted; ments. The recipient shall request (iii) The proposed program does not (2) The requirements of I 570.607 re- prior HUD approval of Housing Assis- principally benefit low- and moderate- garding the provision of public ser- tance Plan amendments when any of income persons under the require- vices and flood or drainage facilities the following conditions exist: ments of § 570.302; have not yet been satisfied; or (1) The recipient proposes a reduc- (iv) Proposed activities will have a (3) There is substantial evidence tion of any goal for housing assistance detrimental effect on low- and moder- that there has been, or there will be, a lack of substantial progress, noncon- pursuant to 570.306(b)(3)(i) or ate-income persons or members of mi- § 570.306(b)(4)(i); nority groups and adequate measures formance, noncompliance, or a lack of continuing capacity, as described in (2) The recipient proposes the inclu- to mitigate such effects are not pro- § 570.909. In such case, the reason for sion of a goal by household type or posed; (v) Housing goals, locations, and the conditional approval and the ac- housing type, not previously specified tions necessary to remove the condi- pursuant to 570.306 (b)(3)(i) or strategy do not meet the criteria of & 570.306(c); tion shall be specified. Failure to satis- (b)(4)(i); fy the condition may result in a reduc- (3) The recipient proposes to exceed (vi) Actions essential to accomplish housing assistance goals, including tion in the annual grant amounts pur- any three year goal by housing type or supportive community development suant to 570.910(b)(10) or 570.911. household type by the percentage cited in 24 CFR Part 891; activities, are not proposed; 570.312 Amendments. (4) The recipient proposes a revision (vii) The proposed program does not (a) Community Development Pro- of the general locations for assisted reflect previous requirements of the gram amendments. A recipient shall housing established pursuant to Secretary for corrective or remedial actions, or activities proposed have submit an amended application to the $ 570.306(b)(3)(ii); or previously been the basis of such re- HUD Area Office when: (5) There is a significant change in, quirements. (1) The recipient proposes to use or new data available regarding. the (3) The Secretary determines that more than 10 percent of the entitle- conditions of the housing stock or the the application does not comply with ment amount approved for the affect- housing needs of lower-income per- ed program year to undertake one or sons. the requirements of this Part with specific regard to the primary pur- more new activities, other than local (c) Scope of submission. Only the option activities pursuant to $ 570.600 following documentation must be sub- poses of principally benefitting per- and disaster activities pursuant to 24 mitted in support of a request for an sons of low- and moderate-Income or CFR 8 58.6. aiding in the prevention or elimination amendment to an approved applica- (2) The recipient proposes to alter tion: of slums or blight, or other applicable law, or proposes activities which are the stated purpose, location, or class (1) The elements of the approved ap- ineligible under this Part. of beneficiaries of previously approved plication to be changed, such as the activities whose cost exceeds 10 per- affected portions of the annual Com- (d) Timing. The Secretary will notify the applicant in writing within cent of the entitlement amount ap- munity Development Program; proved for the affected program year. (2) The certifications described in 75 days, but not less than 45 days, of (3) The combination of proposed 570.307; and the date of receipt of the application, new activities (other than local option that the application has been either (3) Documentation regarding A-95 activities and disaster activities) and clearinghouse reviews as described in approved or disapproved. In the event changes in the purpose, location, or 570.310(c). the Secretary has not mailed a notifi- class of beneficiaries of previously ap- (d) Response to requested amend- cation to the applicant within 75 days proved activities involves more than 10 ments. Within 30 days of the date of from the date of acceptance of a com- percent of the entitlement amount ap- pleted application the application receipt of the proposed amendment, proved for the affected program year. HUD will notify the recipient in writ- shall be deemed to be approved. If the (4) The cumulative effect of a application is disapproved the appli- ing that the amendment has been ap- number of smaller changes involving cant shall be informed of the specific proved, disapproved, or conditionally new activities (other than local option reasons for disapproval. approved pursuant to § 570.311(f), or, activities and disaster activities) or if a final decision on the amendment (e) Reduction of grant. The Secre- changes in the purpose, location, or has not as yet been made, the date by tary may approve an application for class of beneficiaries of approved ac- which the recipient will be notified of an amount less than the full entitle- tivities exceeds 10 percent of the enti- the final decision. In the event HUD ment for the following reasons: tlement amount approved for the af- has not mailed a notification to the re- (1) Activities are not eligible under fected program year. In such in- Subpart C and funds are not repro- stances, the recipient shall Include in cipient within that 30-day period, the grammed to eligible activities within its request for amendment documenta- amendment shall be deemed approved. the 75-day review period; tion describing the smaller changes If the proposed amendment is disap- previously made, as well as those being proved, the recipient shall be informed (2) Activities do not meet other pro- proposed. After the amendment is ap- of the specific reasons for disapproval. gram requirements, such as benefits to proved by HUD, the accrual of smaller (3) Other changes. Changes not cov- low- and moderate-income persons de- scribed in § 570.302; or changes begins again. ered in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this (3) The recipient's performance does (5) The recipient proposes to reduce section including local option and di- not meet the standards prescribed in the amount of funds previously ap- saster activities, do not require prior 570.909 and a reduction is appropri- proved for completion of urban renew- HUD approval, but shall be reported ate pursuant to $ 570.911. al projects. to HUD as part of the annual perfor- (f) Conditional approval. The Secre- mance report described in § 570.906. When the recipient proposes to under- (f) Citizen participation. All amend- tary may make a conditional approval, take activities which are not consis- ments and other changes to the Com- FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 RULES AND REGULATIONS 8473 munity Development Program. com- tivities conducted under this Part In 11. In $ 570.404, paragraph munity development plan and Housing meeting local needs and objectives and (c)(4)(iI)(D) is deleted and reserved. Assistance Plan require citizen partici- national objectives of the block grant 12. In 570.404(c)(4)(ii)(E), the refer- pation. Formal public hearings, how- program. ence to 570.303(e), except for (e)(4)" ever, are required only when prior (3) Persons benefitting. The report is changed to 570.307, except for HUD approval of application amend- shall include an analysis of the per- paragraph (d)." ments is required. Citizen participa- sons actually benefitting from activi- ties carried out under the program. 570.405 [Amended] tion requirements do not apply, how- ever, to disaster activities. (4) Housing assistance. The appll- 13. In 570.405, the reference to (g) A-95 review. The recipient shall cant shall describe progress in carry- 570.303" is changed to "Subpart D." provide the State and areawide ing out the Housing Assistance Plan, clearinghouses with 30 days for review including actions taken to further fair 570.406 [Amended] and comment prior to submission of housing. 14. In 570.406(c)(5), the reference an application amendment for prior (5) Citizen participation. The appli- to 570.303(e), except for (4) and (6)" cant shall describe the actions It has HUD approval. is changed to 570.307, except for (h) Environment. The recipient taken to comply with the require- ments of § 570.303, and include (1) paragraphs (d) and (f)." shall comply with applicable provi- sions of 24 CFR Part 58 respecting all copies of comments submitted by citi- 570.407 [Amended] zens regarding the applicant's commu- amendments. nity development performance; (ii) the 15. In 570.407(e), the reference to III. Section 570.906 is revised to read applicant's assessment of such com- "§ 570.303" is changed to "Subpart D." as follows: ments; and (111) a summary of any ac- 16. In § 570.407(e)(1), the references tions taken in response to the com- to 570.303(a)" and 570.303(b)" are 570.906 Performance report. ments received. changed to 570.304" and 570.305," (a) Submission requirements. (1) (6) Equal opportunity. The applicant respectively. Each entitlement recipient shall shall present evidence of compliance 17. In § 570.407(e)(3), the reference submit a performance report to HUD with the certifications required by to 570.303(c)" is changed to no later than the end of the eighth 570.307(1). "§ 570.306(b)." month of each program year. The IV. Conforming and technical 18. In 570.407(e)(4), the reference report shall cover a twelve month changes are made to Part 570 as fol- to 570.303(e), except for (4) and (6)" period ending with the sixth month of lows: is changed to 570.307, except for the program year. paragraphs (d) and (f)." (2) A copy of the performance report § 570.400 [Amended] shall be submitted to the appropriate 1. In 570.400(a), the reference to § 570.503 [Amended] A-95 State and areawide clearing- "Subparts A, B. C, F, G, H, I, and J" is 19. In 570.503(a), the reference to houses for informational purposes at changed to "Subparts A, B, C, J, K, "§ 570.306(e)" is changed to the time It is submitted to HUD. and O." "§ 570.311(f)." (3) The recipient shall make the 2. In 570.400(f), the reference to report available to citizens at no 570.306(e)" is changed to $ 570.504 [Amended] charge and shall make public notice of 570.311(f)." 20. In 570.504, the reference to the availability of the report at the 570.306(e)," Is changed to time it is submitted. § 570.401 [Amended] 570.311(f)." (4) The requirements for submission 3. In 570.401(c), the reference to of performance reports by discretion- "§ 570.303(e) except for (4) and (6)" is $ 570.600 [Amended] ary grant recipients are set forth in changed to 570.307 except for para- 21. In § 570.600, the references to $ 570.400(h). graphs (d) and (f)." 570.303(b)" and 570.306(e)" are (b) Content of report. The report changed to 570.305" and shall include the following compo- $570.403 [Amended] 570.311(f)," respectively. nents in a format to be prescribed: 4. In § 570.403(c)(3), the reference to (1) Progress on planned activities. "§ 570.303(e) (1), (3), (5) if applicable, § 570.804 [Amended] The report shall describe progress on (7), (8), (11), (12) if applicable, and (13) 22. In § 570.804(b), the references to each project and activity that was to if applicable" is changed to "§ 570.307 be carried out under approved applica- "§ 570.305," 570.303," 570.306," (a), (c), (e) if applicable, (g), (h), (1), and 570.303" are changed to tions since the inception of the appli- (m), (n) if applicable and (o) if applica- 570.312," 570.300(b) or (c)," cant's block grant program, excluding ble." 570.311," and 570.300(c)," respec- projects or activities reported as com- 5. In § 570.403(e)(2), the reference to tively. pleted in a previous report. The report "Subpart G" is changed to "Subpart 23. In 570.804(b)(7)(ii), the refer- shall list each project and activity by K." ence to "§ 570.303(c)" is changed to the program year in which it was ap- proved and provide cumulative infor- 570.404 [Amended] "$ 570.306." 24. In 570.804(b)(7)(vi), the refer- mation on the following: 6. In 570.404(b)(3)(A), the reference ence to "Subpart J" is changed to (i) Amount of funds obligated and to 570.303(b)" is changed to "Subpart O." expended; "§ 570.305." (ii) Environmental status including 7. In 570.404(b)(3)(B), the reference § 570.900 [Amended] the date of HUD release of funds; to 570.303(c)" is changed to (iii) The administrative unit having 570.306(b).' 25. In § 570.900, paragraph (d) is de- 8. In 570.404, paragraph (b)(3)(c) is leted. lead responsibility; (iv) The steps taken to carry out the deleted and reserved. § 570.907 [Amended] project, such as advertisement for 9. In 570.404(b)(3)(D), the refer- bids, completion of a specified percent. ence to "§ 570.303(e), except for (e)(4)" 26. In 570.907(b), the reference to age of construction, etc. is changed to § 570.307, except for 570.900(d)" is changed to (2) Recipient assessment. The report paragraph (d)." 570.303." shall include the recipient's assess- 10. In 570.404(c)(4)(ii)(B), the refer- 27. In 570.907(c), the reference to ment of the effectiveness of the pro- énce to 570.303(b)" is changed to 570.303(b)" is changed to gram of community development ac- "§ 570.305." 570.305." FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 8474 RULES AND REGULATIONS I 570.909 [Amended] 28. In I 570.909(f)(1), the reference to "§ 570.305" is changed to "§ § 570.312." 29. In 8 570.909(f)(1)(1), the refer- ences to "§ 570.303(e)(6)" and "§ $ 570.305" are changed to "§ § 570.307(f)" and "§ 570.312," respec- tively. $ 570.910 [Amended] 30. In 8 570.910(b)(4), the reference to "§ 570.308(b)(1)" is changed to "§ 570.311(b)(1)." 31. In $ 570.910(b)(9), the reference to "§ 570.306(e)(3)" is changed to "§ § 570.311(f)(3)." 32. In $ 570.910(b)(10), the reference to "§ 570.306(e)(3)" is changed to "§ § 570.311(f)(3)." 33. In §§ 570.403(e)(1), 570.502(a)(2), 570.505, 570.506 (a) and (b), 570.507, 570.508, 570.512(d), 570.905(b), and 570.907(a), the reference to "Federal Management Circular 74-7" is changed to "OMB Circular No. A- 102." [Title I. Housing and Community Develop- ment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); Title I, Housing and Community Develop- ment Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-128); and sec. 7(d), Department of Housing and Urban De- velopment Act (42 U.S.C. 3535(d).)] Issued at Washington, D.C., Febru- ary 22, 1978. ROBERT C. EMBRY, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. [FR Doc. 78-5180 Filed 2-23-78; 2:24 pm] FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 43, NO. 41-WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1978 Short grant proposal for Exec Air. for Center A. Statement freed or justification - Aescribe need for and Davis for Carter - Explain how city (31/2 will to corp. will make grout for work on center provided we cen it (sefer of inc. & fudges) - Therefore: : We need Can exec or office & staff B. Purpose / Role of Exec Air. - Rongh out job qualifications descrip. and - Explain that were located qualified in several lically C Budget - State Current of funds requested 1 Specify how funds will be used/ projected budget - State that funds would be maneged by CAFL tempressily descrite CBFL5 this qualifications for Gift. of incorp, budget intorio report, CBFL CEA prop documents Conter plans, etc. 10/1/1003 Ы for barrier free living post office box 20803 houston, texas 77025 ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION: The Coalition for Barrier Free Living is a consumer- oriented, Houston based non-profit organization composed of handicapped people and non-handicapped supporters. It has a dues paying membership of approximately 300 persons, among them educators, counselors, government officials, doctors architects, and many other representatives of various professions. The Coalition has existed since 1975 and is dedicated to making the living environment in Houston more hospitable for disabled people. It has sought to achieve this goal through involvement with governmental and non-governmental groups in the fields of transportation, housing, architectural design, mass media, and education. Coalition policy is set by a board elected from the membership. The board meets monthly and the general mem- bership meets every two months. The board members are very active in the functioning of the Coalition and are assisted in their efforts by two fulltime VISTA volun- teers. The Coalition office is located in Easter Seals Headquarters, 3630 West Dallas. The office number is 526-1651. coolition for barrier free living post office box 20803 houston, texas 77025 K STATEMENT OF NEED: Since the Coalition for Barrier Free Living came into existence in 1975, it has sought to fill a huge gap in services for Houston's handicapped population. That gap can be summarized as follows: Although there are numerous facilities in Houston addressed to the medical and educational needs of the physically disabled, there are very few programs and agencies who even recognize, let alone address, the needs of the disabled population to: 1. Socialize and Communicate in an environment in which the disabled person is neither a patient nor a client but rather a participant among peers. 2. Communicate important issues and discuss relevent needs unique to the disabled population through a media form controlled and designed by and for disabled people. 3. Be informed of all legal and financial resources and remedies available to disabled persons. The disabled, particularly the newly disabled and under-educated disabled people, are extremely vulnerable to discrimination and loss of opportunity due to lack of financial and legal in- formation. Houston's vast and constantly burgeoning population probably contains over 100,000 disabled persons. The national average as measured by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is one disabled person for every eleven Americans. 1970 U.S. Census figures for Harris County listed over 96,000 between the ages of 16 and 60 as "totally disabled." The Coalition for Barrier Free Living is working with the Houston Public Transportation Department to assure an inexpensive, reliable means of public transport for disabled people, who have largely been ignored in past design and implementation of public and private transit systems. The Coalition is also represented in working arran- gements with Houston Community Development, Houston Housing Authority, Houston Independent School District, City Parks and Recreation, and other municipal, county, state, and federal agencies charged with the responsibility of delivering services that improve personal living conditions within our society. Having made significant gains in the areas of public transport and architectural design for Houston's disabled population, the Coalition now has the experience and organizational expertise to begin addressing the social and consumer needs of the disabled. We present the following three proposals as an introductory effort to meet the informational needs of disabled Houstonians: 1. A monthly newspaper edited by a disabled journalist containing hard news, features, and service columns presenting information and issues pertaining to the disabled community. At present the Coalition publishes a monthly paper, FREEWHEELING, in an offset, four-page tabloid format. To establish FREEWHEELING as an effective voice for the disabled in Houston, office space, equipment, and the salary to pay a fulltime editor are needed. These needs are detailed in the budget section of this proposal. Also included are several copies of FREEWHEELING as it is currently being published. At present a non- disabled VISTA volunteer with journalism experience handles most of the editing chores. With proper funding the paper will be edited by a disabled journalism graduate. In the process this person will receive valuable on- the-job journalism experience and further her or his future in the field of journalism. 2. A Financial and Legal Advocacy program em- ploying disabled legal and financial counselors who would work with both individuals seeking advice and institutional and agency workers seeking aid and infor- mation for their clients. The legal counselor might or might not have a law degree and would be expected to organize lawyer volunteers from this area to advise and represent handicapped persons. The financial counselor would gather information on what local, state, and federal programs exist to aid the handicapped and would make that information available to handicapped individuals and those agency employees serving their interests. This person should have a background in counseling and social work and have good organizational abilities. 3. Peer Counseling- Almost every major event in our lives has to be experienced personally in order to be completely understood. Traumatic injury and severe physical disability produce physical and emotional changes far more radical than most of us will experience in our lifetimes. These far-reaching changes are difficult to cope with under the best circumstances. The people who understand these changes and their after-effects best are the people who experience them firsthand- namely disabled people themselves. The trained disabled counselor can relate to newly disabled persons in a unique way. Because he or she has experienced disability, the counselor has the keys to reach other disabled people who are convinced no one can understand what they are experiencing. Numerous successful peer counseling programs, particularly those at the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and the Boston Center for Independent Living, testify to the value of this approach. The counselor will organize groups of newly disabled persons and those disabled persons who are having difficulties leading independent, self-realized lives. Participants will share their personal experiences, their fears, strengths, and ambitions. In such an atmosphere the facilitator eventually becomes a member, and the group discussion focuses not on disability as a problem to be overcome but instead works on the positive achievements and potential achievements of the members. The Houston program will initially consist of a project director, who will be disabled and trained in couseling techniques, and four part time facilitators, who will initially organize the groups. These facilitators will be handicapped people who lead successful lives and pursue active careers in the Houston area. MILLERS FALLS SE YEARLY PROGRAM BUDGET MONTHLY NEWSPAPER: SALARY OR COSTS FULLTIME EDITOR $10,000 PUBLISHING COSTS $ 2,400 EQUIPMENT $ 2,000 OFFICE SPACE $ 1,200 OPERATING FUND $ 600 $16,000 Coolition for barrier free living post office box 20803 houston, texas 77025 Ы YEARLY PROGRAM BUDGET Yearly LEGAL AND FINANCIAL Costs or COUNSELING Salaries Financial Counselor $10,000 Legal Counselor $12,000 Consultant costs $ 4,500 Office Space $ 600 Telephone $ 1,000 $27,600 PEER COUNSELING Director $ 9,600 Four part-time facilitators $14,400 Office Space $ 1,200 Telephone $ 600 Training Materials $ 500 $26,300