April 25, 2025
City of Monroe
Planning and Urban Development Department
1401 Stubbs Ave
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 329-2256
On or about April 25, 2025, the City of Monroe will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of funds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, as amended, for the purpose of undertaking a multi-year program known as the Safe Housing & Healthy Homes Program (HHP). Funded through HUD’s Healthy Homes Production Grant Program, this initiative seeks to reduce housing-related hazards and protect families particularly children and vulnerable populations from exposure to lead-based paint, mold, moisture, and other environmental risks that impact health and safety. The City of Monroe is requesting the release of $2,000,000.
Through this program, the City of Monroe’s Planning and Urban Development Department will identify and mitigate health and safety risks in eligible homes located throughout Ouachita Parish. This work will include housing hazard assessments, remediation, education, and improvements that promote healthier, safer living environments for low- to moderate-income households.
The proposed activities under the Healthy Homes Production (HHP) Program are categorically excluded from full NEPA review but must comply with applicable environmental laws outlined in §58.5 of 24 CFR Part 58. A tiered review process has been established, allowing for initial environmental assessments of the target area, with site-specific reviews conducted as individual units are identified. This includes compliance with requirements related to floodplains, historic preservation, and contamination.
The program aims to reduce health and safety hazards in low-income housing, particularly for families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. It promotes cost-effective, sustainable hazard control methods, public education, workforce development, and integration with other housing and health initiatives.
If any project exceeds the thresholds for categorical exclusion under §58.35(a), a full Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and separate Request for Release of Funds (RROF) will be completed. All activities will adhere to civil rights laws and HUD’s obligation to affirmatively further fair housing and environmental justice. Copies of the compliance documentation worksheets are available at the address below.
An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the City of Monroe, Planning and Urban Development Department, 1401 Stubbs Ave, Monroe, LA 71201 or can be viewed at the following website, https://monroela.us/departments/planning-urban-development/, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 3901 Jackson Street Monroe, LA 71201-0123 office: 318-329-2231 fax: 318-329-2845
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the City of Monroe, Planning and Urban Development Department. All comments received by May 1, 2025 will be considered by the City of Monroe prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification to HUD.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Monroe certifies to HUD that Ms. Wendy Harper, Certifying Officer, in her official capacity as the City of Monroe’s Compliance Coordinator for the Community Division, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Monroe to utilize federal funds and implement the Program.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of Monroe certification for a period of fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date (cited above) or HUD’s actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if the objections are on one of the following bases: (a) that the Certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Monroe; (b) the City of Monroe has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the City of Monroe has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58), and may be addressed to HUD and sent to the email address: OLHCHHPECOS@hud.gov
Ms. Wendy Harper, Certifying Officer
City of Monroe’s Compliance Coordinator of Community Development