Federal Housing Programs

Welcome to the City of Vancouver’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs! These federally funded initiatives are overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Vancouver is allocated CDBG and HOME funding to support projects and programs that directly benefit residents facing low-income challenges. Navigate through our website to delve into the details of these programs, their impact on our community, and our unwavering commitment to creating a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and housing equity.

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

June 18, 2024

City of Vancouver

Community Development Block Grant Program

415 W. 6^th Street

PO Box 1995

Vancouver, WA, 98668

Telephone: (360) 487-7952;

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Vancouver.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS (RROF)

On or about July 3, 2024, the City of Vancouver will authorize the Vancouver Housing Authority to submit a request to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of funding for project-based housing vouchers, under United States Housing Act of 1937 to undertake a project known as Lincoln Place II Apartments. The proposed activity is for project-based housing vouchers in a newly constructed 40-unit apartment building. The project is expected to include $3,769,260 in federal project-based housing voucher funding over 20 years. The total project development cost (non-HUD funding) will be approximately $19,738,959. The project location is 1110 W 13^th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660 (tax parcels 61810000, 59400000).

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI)

The City of Vancouver, as responsible entity, has determined that the project, as mitigated, will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of Vancouver, 415 W. 6th Street, Vancouver WA 98660, available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8am to 5pm or online on the City of Vancouver Federal Housing Page.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the Economic Prosperity and Housing Department at the City of Vancouver, address above, or by email to samantha.whitley@cityofvancouver.us, or by phone at 360-487-7952. All comments received by July 3, 2024, will be considered by the City of Vancouver prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice (RROF or FONSI) they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The City of Vancouver certifies to HUD that Samantha Whitley, Housing Programs Manager, in her capacity as Certifying Officer and Housing Program Manager, 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 the Vancouver Housing Authority to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Vancouver’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 the City of Vancouver; (b) the City of Vancouver 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 or 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) and shall be addressed to HUD, Portland Office of Public Housing, 1220 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR 97204-2825. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Samantha Whitley, Housing Programs Manager, City of Vancouver

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Each year, the City of Vancouver receives approximately $1.3 million in CDBG funding to support projects and programs benefiting residents experiencing low-income. Funds are awarded yearly on a competitive basis to programs or projects that are selected and approved by City Council.

The Vancouver City Council determines the funding priorities for the City’s CDBG program based on community needs. Current priorities include: revitalizing eligible neighborhoods, providing housing and services to people experiencing low and moderate income and/or homelessness and providing business technical assistance.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

HOME is the largest Federal block grant to State and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing. HOME funds activities such as building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to people experiencing low income. Each year, the City of Vancouver considers applications for affordable housing activities supported by HOME Funds.

Fair Housing

The City of Vancouver’s CDBG and HOME-funded activities operate under fair housing practices. Fair housing is the right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. Fair housing laws protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, and housing choice voucher status. For more information, visit the Fair Housing Center of Washington, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.