On May 18, HUD published in the Federal Register the proposed rule,“Modernizing HUD’s Consolidated Planning Process to Narrow the Digital Divide and Increase Resilience to Natural Hazards.” The rule includes two new requirements for inclusion in the HUD Consolidated Plan prepared by communities and states receiving HUD formula block grants, such as CDBG. The public comment is open until July 18, 2016. Please see here (24 CFR Part 91) to review the proposed rule and process for submitting comments.
- The proposed rule would require that states and localities that submit a consolidated plan describe the broadband access in housing occupied by low- and moderate-income households.
- The proposed rule would require an assessment of natural hazard risks, including risks expected to increase due to climate change, to low- and moderate-income residents. The proposed rule would require that jurisdictions consult agencies whose primary responsibilities include the management of flood prone areas, public land or water resources, and emergency management agencies.