Designate Community Development & Grants Administrator, Titilayo Smith, as the Certifying Officer for the City of Texas City in regard to certifying that all environmental requirements have been followed for HUD funded projects.

The purpose of the environmental review process is to analyze the effect a proposed project will have on the people and the natural environment within a designated project area and the effect the material and social environment may have on a project. Grantees who receive CDBG funds are considered responsible entities and must complete an environmental review of ALL project activities prior to obligating CDBG funds.  This requirement also applies to projects funded with CDBG generated program income. The HUD rules and regulations that govern the environmental review process can be found at 24 CFR Part 58.   The provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations in 40 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508 also apply. In addition, a myriad of other Federal and state laws and regulations (some of which are enforced by State agencies) also apply depending upon the type of project and the level of review required. 

Certifying Officer:  The responsible entity must designate a Certifying Officer -- the “responsible Federal official” -- to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal laws and authorities cited at section 58.5 has been achieved.  This person is the chief elected official, chief executive official, or other official designated by formal resolution of the governing body.  The certifying officer must have the authority to assume legal responsibility for certifying that all environmental requirements have been followed.  This function may not be assumed by administering agencies or consultants.

 

It is the recommendation of the Mayor that Titilayo Smith be designated as Certifying Official on Environmental Reviews required by HUD for all CDBG funded projects.