Environmental Review
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) passed by Congress in 1969 mandated that environmental values be given appropriate consideration in all decision making involving federal funds. If HUD funds (HOME or Risk Share) are used to provide financing for the construction of new single or multi-family housing or for the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of existing single or multi-family housing, an environmental assessment of the project must be conducted before the project can begin. The environmental assessment documents the environmental conditions and informs other public officials and the public about the project and gives them the opportunity to comment on it. It documents compliance with other laws and authorities such as: Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Floodplain management and wetland protection, Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, The Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, the Clean Air Act, the Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981, Environmental Justice and HUD environmental standards that properties be “free of hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals and gases, and radioactive substances, where a hazard could affect the health and safety of occupants.” An environmental review is a process that takes a minimum of 60 days and can take much longer so it is IMPORTANT that you begin the environmental review process as soon as you anticipate the need for HOME or Risk Share funds since you cannot use even private funds for the acquisition of property or the initiation of construction activity until you have received an Authority to Use Grant Funds certification from either MFA or HUD.
Forms and Reference Materials
Environmental Review Guide
Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice of Intent to Request Release of Fund
- Summary of Environmental Review Requirements
- Request for Release of Funds and Certification
- Floodplain Management
- Instructions for Completing the Request for Release of Funds and Certification
- Combined Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Intent to Request Release of Funds
- Environmental Review Websites
- Historic Preservation Resources
- Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds
- Environmental Review Green Book
(This file contains the Statutory and the Environmental Assessment Checklists) - Instructions for completing the Statutory Worksheet
- HUD Noise Guidebook
Program Contact
Andrew Rael
Main: (505) 843-6880
Direct: (505) 767-2275
Toll free in New Mexico: (800) 444-6880
