Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan

NOTICES

Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan

[42 Pa.B. 2044]
[Saturday, April 14, 2012]

The Department of Community and Economic Development (Department) is announcing a public comment period to consider a substantial amendment to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 HUD Annual Action Plan for the new Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The public comment period is from April 14, 2012, through May 14, 2012.
 Section 91.105 of 24 CFR (relating to citizen participation plan; local governments) requires the Commonwealth to notify and provide its citizens an opportunity to comment and provide input on proposed changes to an approved Action Plan. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has previously submitted the Commonwealth's FY 2011 HUD Annual Action Plan to implement the strategy and goals as identified in the Commonwealth Five-Year Consolidated Plan prepared for the program year.
 HUD released ESG funding for FY 2011 in a two-stage allocation process. The first allocation was made available immediately for existing emergency shelter activities. HUD awarded the first allocation of ESG funds in the amount of $3,253,036 to the Commonwealth. The first allocation fell under the requirements of the former Emergency Shelter Grant program and prioritized rehabilitation of emergency shelters within the range of eligible rehab activities with an emphasis on addressing building code issues as well as potential health and safety concerns. The second allocation, under the new ESG, provides an additional $1,829,833 to the Commonwealth and is subject to the requirements of the new ESG program, and with an increased focus on homeless prevention and rapid rehousing activities targeting individuals and families below 30% of median family income who meet HUD's definition of homelessness.
 The purpose of the ESG program is to facilitate coordination and efficient use of resources, align the requirements of the program with HUD's other formula and rental assistance programs and, when feasible, increase efficiency and coordination among the various Federal programs.
 A public meeting will be conducted electronically on Monday, April 23, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. by means of the Internet. The format will be more accessible than an in-person meeting because those who wish to make a comment or discuss policy may participate directly from their personal computer or from a computer location at their public library on Monday, April 23, 2012. Access to the discussion by means of the Internet will occur between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. This more widely available personal computer access will replace the usual public meeting.
 Individuals or organizations may provide comment by means of the Internet. Comments will be accepted about topics related to the ESG program as well as the content of the draft of the Commonwealth's Substantial Amendment to the FY 2011 Action Plan and the process by which public input is gathered. The Commonwealth encourages public participation in this process. Anyone who wants to participate must register in advance on the Department's web site at http://www.newpa.com/strengthen-your-community/technical-assistance#conp. Individuals may also contact Daniel Fox at (717) 720-7412 to receive registration instructions for the Internet-based public meeting by Friday, April 20, 2012. During the meeting, if support is required call (717) 720-7401. The meeting will be shortened if there is no one to provide public comment or if there is minimal response.
 The draft Substantial Amendment and supporting documentation is available for a 30-day public comment period and can be viewed on the Department's web site under the Consolidated Plan and Related Documents section at http://www.newpa.com/strengthen-your-community/technical-assistance#conp. The draft is also made available to the Tri-County Branch of the Pennsylvania Association of the Blind for transfer to electronic media. The text is available to hearing-impaired persons on the Department's web site at the previously listed link. The final version of the Substantial Amendment will be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2012.
 Persons who would like to provide written comment on the draft amendment may send those comments electronically to Dan Fox at daniefox@pa.gov or by mail to his attention at the Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Financing, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Comments must be received before 5 p.m. on May 14, 2012.