NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Date of Publication: February 6, 2026
Salt Lake County
2001 South State Street – N3-500
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
385-468-4944
On or after February 24, 2026, Salt Lake County will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42.U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), as amended; regulations are found at 24 CFR Part 570, to undertake the following project:
Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: South Salt Lake Homeownership Partnership Program
Purpose: The purpose of the South Salt Lake Homeownership Partnership Program is to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income households while reducing neighborhood blight and improving community stability in South Salt Lake, Utah. Through a partnership between South Salt Lake City, its Redevelopment Agency, and Habitat for Humanity, the program will support the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant or distressed single-family residential properties located in R-1 zoned neighborhoods.
Location: South Salt Lake, Utah. Specific addresses will be addressed in the site-specific reviews.
Project/Program Description: This project is a pilot partnership between South Salt Lake City, its Redevelopment Agency, and Habitat for Humanity to establish a homeownership program for low- to moderate-income families. The initiative is designed to expand affordable homeownership opportunities while addressing neighborhood blight through the acquisition of vacant or distressed properties located in R-1 zoned neighborhoods.
The total anticipated project cost is approximately $500,000, of which up to $450,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for property acquisition during the life of the program. Targeted properties are those with ongoing code enforcement issues, prolonged vacancies, or environmental concerns such as meth contamination.
The program will create affordable homeownership opportunities, enhance neighborhood safety, revitalize blighted properties, and support a sustainable partnership between the City and a nonprofit housing provider to promote long-term community stability.
Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.
Level of Environmental Review Citation: 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(2) and 24 CFR Part 58.5(a)(3)
Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Flood Insurance, Air Quality, Contamination and Toxic Substances, Endangered Species, Explosive and Flammable Hazards, Flood Plain Management, Historic Preservation, Noise Abatement and Control, and Wetlands Protection.
Mitigation Measures/Conditions/Permits (if any):
Flood Insurance: FEMA.gov will be used to generate a FIRMette for the project parcel. If the parcel is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area, project approval will be conditioned upon the requirement that flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program be obtained and maintained for the economic life of the activity, covering the full activity cost. A copy of the flood insurance policy declaration must be retained for the duration of the project and provided to the Environmental Review Officer for uploading into HEROS.
Air Quality: Because the specific properties have not yet been identified, compliance with air quality requirements will be completed during the site-specific environmental review for each acquisition.
The project is located within Salt Lake County, which is subject to federal air quality planning requirements for criteria pollutants. At the time of the site-specific review, each property will be evaluated to ensure the proposed use is consistent with the applicable State Implementation Plan (SIP).
Salt Lake County will:
1. Confirm the project does not involve activities that would significantly increase air emissions.
2. Evaluate proximity to major stationary sources of pollution and heavily trafficked transportation corridors when applicable.
3. Ensure any required permits are obtained prior to construction or rehabilitation activities.
4. Require contractors to implement best management practices to minimize dust and emissions during rehabilitation, including water spraying, covering debris, and proper material handling.
Only properties that can demonstrate compliance with federal and state air quality requirements will be approved for funding.
Contamination and Toxic Substances: Because specific properties have not yet been identified, compliance with contamination and toxic substances requirements will be completed during the site-specific environmental review prior to the commitment of funds.
Salt Lake County will evaluate each proposed property to ensure it is free from hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals, gases, and radioactive substances that could adversely affect the health and safety of occupants.
At the time of site-specific review, Salt Lake County will:
1. Conduct a review of current and historical property uses using databases such as EPA NEPAssist, and other available regulatory sources to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs).
2. Evaluate the property and surrounding area for potential contamination sources, including but not limited to:
· Underground storage tanks (USTs)
· Above-ground storage tanks (ASTs)
· Former industrial or commercial uses
· Dry cleaners or gas stations
· Landfills
· Rail corridors
· Methamphetamine contamination
· Hazardous waste sites
3. Perform a site inspection to identify visual indicators of contamination such as distressed vegetation, stained soils, strong odors, abandoned containers, or illegal dumping.
4. Require additional investigation, such as a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in accordance with ASTM E1527-21, when the review identifies potential recognized environmental conditions or when sufficient information is not available to make a compliance determination.
5. Require remediation or mitigation in consultation with the appropriate regulatory authority if contamination is identified.
6. Reject properties that cannot be remediated to meet applicable federal, state, and local environmental standards.
When appropriate, Salt Lake County may require environmental testing, including methamphetamine testing, lead-based paint evaluation, asbestos inspection, or soil and groundwater testing.
Environmental clearance will not be granted, and no funds will be committed, until Salt Lake County determines that the property is safe for residential use.
Endangered Species: The precise locations of future property acquisitions are not known at this time; therefore, compliance with the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. s.1531-1544) will be determined during the site-specific review.
For each property, Salt Lake County will:
1. Utilize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system to identify any federally listed threatened or endangered species and designated critical habitats.
2. Document whether the project qualifies for a ''No Effect'' determination due to its urbanized setting and previously disturbed conditions.
3. Initiate consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if the project has the potential to affect listed species or critical habitat.
Given that activities are expected to occur within fully developed residential neighborhoods, impacts are not anticipated; however, no property will be approved until compliance is documented.
Explosive and Flammable Hazards: Site-specific reviews will evaluate each proposed property for compliance with 24 CFR Part 51 Subpart C regarding explosive and flammable hazards.
Salt Lake County will:
1. Require mitigation measures or reject properties that cannot meet HUD safety standards.
Because the program prioritizes acquisition of existing residential properties in established neighborhoods, hazardous conditions are not expected; however, funding approval will be contingent upon meeting HUD safety requirements.
Floodplain Management: Because specific properties have not yet been identified, compliance with Executive Order 11988 and HUD floodplain management regulations at 24 CFR Part 55 will be completed during the site-specific environmental review prior to the commitment of funds.
Salt Lake County will evaluate each proposed property using the most current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and other best available data to determine whether the property is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including the 100-year floodplain.
At the time of site-specific review, Salt Lake County will:
1. Document the flood zone designation for each property.
2. Avoid acquisition of properties located within the floodplain whenever practicable.
3. Prohibit the use of HUD funds for properties located within a floodway or Coastal High Hazard Area (Zone V), except as allowed by HUD regulation.
4. Complete the HUD 8-Step Decision-Making Process when a property is identified within the floodplain and no practicable alternative exists.
5. Ensure all required public notices are issued and documented.
6. Require elevation, floodproofing, or other mitigation measures as applicable to the project type.
7. Verify that flood insurance is obtained and maintained for the life of the property when required under federal law.
Environmental clearance will not be granted, and funds will not be committed, until compliance with HUD floodplain requirements has been fully documented.
Historic Preservation: Because specific properties have not yet been identified, compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. s.306108) and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800 will be completed during the site-specific environmental review prior to the commitment of funds.
Salt Lake County will evaluate each property to determine whether it is listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or located within a designated historic district.
At the time of site-specific review, Salt Lake County will:
1. Define the Area of Potential Effects (APE) based on the scope of acquisition and any anticipated rehabilitation activities.
2. Identify historic properties through review of the National Register, state historic preservation databases, and other applicable records.
3. Submit project information to the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for consultation and obtain written concurrence on the determination of effect.
4. Ensure that no acquisition, rehabilitation, demolition, ground disturbance, or commitment of HUD funds occurs until the Section 106 process is complete.
5. Require project modifications, mitigation measures, or avoidance strategies if the project is determined to have an adverse effect on historic properties.
6. Resolve adverse effects in coordination with SHPO, including execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) when required.
If properties are determined not eligible for listing, or if SHPO concurs with a finding of No Historic Properties Affected or No Adverse Effect, the project may proceed following receipt of written concurrence.
Environmental clearance will not be granted until Salt Lake County has fulfilled its obligations under Section 106.
Noise Abatement and Control: Compliance with 24 CFR Part 51 Subpart B will be completed at the site-specific level once properties are identified.
Salt Lake County will:
1. Assess proximity to major roadways, rail lines, and civil or military airports.
2. Noise studies will be conducted using the HUD Environmental Noise Assessment Tool or another HUD-approved methodology capable of calculating Day-Night Average Sound Levels (DNL).
3. Require mitigation measures such as upgraded building materials or sound attenuation if noise levels exceed HUD thresholds.
4. Disqualify properties that cannot achieve acceptable interior noise levels (45 DNL).
The program primarily targets residential neighborhoods where unacceptable noise conditions are not anticipated; however, environmental clearance will not be granted until compliance is verified.
Wetlands Protection: Since specific sites have not yet been identified, wetlands compliance will be addressed during the site-specific environmental review in accordance with Executive Order 11990.
Salt Lake County will:
1. Review the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps and applicable local data sources.
2. Conduct site inspections when necessary to verify the presence or absence of wetlands.
3. Avoid acquisition of properties located within wetlands whenever practicable.
4. Complete the HUD 8-Step Decision-Making Process if a property is identified within or adjacent to a wetland and no practicable alternative exists.
Given the urbanized nature of the target areas, wetlands impacts are unlikely; however, no property will proceed without documented compliance.
Estimated Project Cost: The total estimated cost of the project is $500,000.00, of which, $450,000.00 is anticipated to be funded through Salt Lake County CDBG program funds.
The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per give citation listed above. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Salt Lake County, 2001 South State Street, N3-500, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M. .
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Salt Lake County, Housing and Community Development - 2001 South State Street, N3-500, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 or at jjimenez@saltlakecounty.gov. All comments received by February 23, 2026 will be considered by the Salt Lake County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Salt Lake County certifies to HUD that Catherine Kanter, Certifying Officer, in her capacity as Deputy Mayor of Regional Operations 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 Salt Lake County to use HUD program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Salt Lake County’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of Salt Lake County; (b) Salt Lake County has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (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, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Noemi Ghirghi, CPD Regional VIII Director, at CPDRROFDEN@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Catherine Kanter, Certifying Officer
2001 South State Street, S2-100
Salt Lake City, UT 84114