Expectations of the HUD NEPA Process

Preparing an Environmental Review Record can be a multi-step process. The steps are dependent upon the action and location. For example, a public housing facility (federally funded) requires renovations and a new parking lot; however the property is now located within a floodplain. The project is not directly impacting the floodplain with the construction of housing; but based upon regulations (including Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands; Minimum Property Standards for Flood Hazard Exposure; Building to the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard), funds can be used to renovate the building but a covenant or land use restriction on the floodplain would be required. How does one navigate this? During the course of the session, three NEPA practioners who complete National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Review Records, both Categorical Exclusion Subject to and Environmental Assessments for responsible entities that includes HUD as well as local / state agencies will share practical lessons learned concerning frequent resources impacted and mitigation strategies, expectations of schedules, and pitfalls.