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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 17-2033

NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Substantial Amendments for the Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery; 2012 and 2013 Allocations; Public Hearing

[47 Pa.B. 7470]
[Saturday, December 9, 2017]

 A public comment period to review the proposed substantial amendments to the Commonwealth for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) (PL 112-55) funds and FY 2013 CDBG-DR (PL 113-2) funds. The public comment period is from December 10, 2017, through January 10, 2018.

 The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a notice at 77 FR 22583 (April 16, 2012) which awarded $27,142,501 of CDBG-DR funds to the Commonwealth to be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (Department). This was the first allocation of CDBG-DR funding to assist the State with recovery from 2011 storm events (Hurricane Irene—FEMA-4025-DR; and Tropical Storm Lee—FEMA-4030-DR). An Action Plan for these funds was submitted to HUD on July 23, 2012, and subsequently approved. Since then the Department has published and received approval for four Substantial Action Plan Amendments to this first allocation of CDBG-DR funding under PL 112-55. The needs for disaster relief have evolved since the submission of the last Substantial Action Plan Amendment on July 26, 2016, and the continuing completion of funded projects by affected municipalities. The Commonwealth has made some changes to the funding allocations under the PL 112-55 and PL 113-2 appropriations to reflect the demand for disaster recovery funding and the strategic priorities of the Commonwealth.

PL 112-55

 The changes proposed by the Fifth Substantial Amendment, to be dated January 16, 2018, are as follows:

 • Transfer funding from the Housing Repair, Reconstruction and Elevation Funds and Multi-Family Rental Housing Programs.

 • Elimination of 120% AMI Cap on Eligible Beneficiaries for the Housing Repair, Reconstruction and Elevation Programs.

 • Elimination of Down Payment Assistance Program.

 • Increase funding for the New Housing Production and Infrastructure Programs.

PL 113-2

 The Commonwealth received $29,986,000 from HUD under The Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013 (Pub.L. No. 113-2). This was the second allocation of CDBG-DR funding to assist the Commonwealth with recovery from 2011 storm events (Hurricane Irene—FEMA-4025-DR; and Tropical Storm Lee—FEMA-4030-DR). The Action Plan guiding the distribution of the $29.986 million appropriation was published on August 30, 2013. Since then the Department has published and received approval for one Substantial Action Plan Amend-ments and one non-Substantial Action Plan Amendment to this first allocation of CDBG-DR funding under PL 113-2. The needs for disaster relief have evolved since the submission of the last non-Substantial Action Plan Amendment on November 6, 2017, and the continuing completion of funded projects by affected municipalities.

 • Transfer of funding from the Housing Repair, Reconstruction and Elevation Funds and the Multi-Family Rental Housing Program to Infrastructure Program. The Infrastructure Program will allow the Department to implement large scale projects that will reduce flooding from future storm damage, mitigate future storm damage to communities and demolition hazardous storm damaged structures.

 • Use of Buyout Housing Incentive National Objective for Buyout Program Participants.

Public Review and Comment

 The substantial amendments to the PL 112-55 and PL 113-2 Action Plans and supporting documentation will be available for a 30-day public comment period and can be viewed on the Department's web site at http://dced.pa.gov. Copies of ''Substantial Amendments may be found in Library section on the Department home page or by clicking on ''Disaster Recovery Assistance Program.'' The text is available to visual-impaired persons on the Department's web site at the previously listed link. A translation into Spanish will also be available on the Department's web site at the same link. The final version of the Substantial Amendment will be submitted to HUD no later than January 18, 2018.

Public Hearing

 The public hearing for the Substantial Amendments will be conducted electronically by means of the Internet on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. Interested persons may attend the meeting in person at the Department offices in Harrisburg, PA. This more widely available computer/conference call access will replace the onsite public hearing. The format will be more accessible than an in-person hearing because those who wish to make comment or discuss policy may participate directly from their electronic device or from a computer located at their public library.

 Any individual or organization may give testimony or comments by means of the Internet or by telephone about the proposed changes to the Action Plans for the CDBG-DR funding. The Commonwealth encourages public participation in this process.

 Anyone who wants to participate must register for the hearing prior to the start time so an attendance record may be verified. To register, go to https://copa.webex.com/copa/k2/j.php?MTID=t6166efdbe4195d56363c311e29401847.

 During the hearing, if support is required, call (717) 787-5327. The hearing will be recorded for public record. The hearing will be shortened if there is no one to testify or there is minimal response.

 Persons with a disability or limited English proficiency who wish to participate in the public hearing should contact Megan L. Snyder, Department of Community and Economic Development, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225, (717) 720-7404 or TDD at (717) 346-0308 to discuss how the Department can accommodate their needs.

Written Comments

 Persons who would like to provide written comment on the substantial amendments to the CDBG-DR Action Plan may send those comments electronically to RA-DCEDcdbghomequestions@pa.gov or mail to Megan L. Snyder, Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Compliance, Monitoring and Training, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Comments must be received before 4 p.m. on January 10, 2018. Indicate which year of funding (PL 112-55 or PL 113-2) the comments are addressing.

DENNIS M. DAVIN, 
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 17-2033. Filed for public inspection December 8, 2017, 9:00 a.m.]


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