Environmental Reviews Done by Communities

Are They Needed? Are They Adequate? Gao ID: CED-77-123 September 1, 1977

Communities receiving community development block grants are performing environmental reviews for projects which affect the environment little, if at all.

An examination of 26 communities which spent about $214,000 on 450 environmental reviews during the first year of the community development program indicated that reviews of about 54 percent of the projects may have been unnecessary. Environmental reviews may not be needed for such community development activities as social service projects, minor maintenance or repair projects, beautification projects, and rehabilitation or renovation of occupied structures. On the other hand, some communities are not effectively carrying out the environmental responsibilities delegated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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