The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) will allocate funds to various federal agencies to address infrastructure and environmental concerns. Following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations governed by each federal agency as a decision-making tool with this funding is mandatory.
The NEPA component is usually delegated to the grantee to ensure compliance and is often in the form of an Environmental Assessment. Unlike other due diligence, NEPA assessments evaluate both the project’s location and its impact on the human and natural environment, including a comprehensive evaluation of resources, such as air quality, wetlands, coastal, noise, endangered species, water quality, environmental justice, and socio-economics, in addition to land use and contamination concerns. Navigating through NEPA requirements involves consultation with several state and federal entities and a thorough understanding of their requirements.
In 2023, several programs will receive increased funding to distribute in the form of grants; specifically, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Disaster Relief programs; and USDA’s Rural Development programs.
Leaaf employees are well versed in the nuances of NEPA assessments and have amassed extensive experience conducting assessments under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Department of Transportation (DOT).
For more information, reach out to our expert Jessica Rury jrury@leaaf.com.
