Authorize the Hidalgo County Judge and Urban County Program Director to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Hidalgo Urban County Program (UCP) and Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI) for the collaboration of the US Environmental Protection Agency Community Change Grant, and execute all documents related thereto.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a funding opportunity for the Community Challenge Grant focused on multi-faceted applications with Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies to meaningfully improve the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities.  The grant requires that AHSTI create a Statutory Partnership with a Community Based Organization (AHSTI) and a federally recognized Tribe, local government or institution of higher education.  UCP qualifies under local government.  AHSTI will develop the grant and apply for $20 million which of $4 million will be allocated, if awarded, through a subaward, to UCP and must be completed within a 3 year period.  The grant allows 20% for indirect costs (administration, includes hiring personnel to manage grant) and 80% for direct project costs. The scope of work for UCP will consist of green retrofits and reconstruction of approximately 22 substandard single-family homes, within Hidalgo County, to provide energy-efficient, healthy, and resilient residential housing.