FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steven McDaniel, (334) 206-5373
A proposed action under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Healthy Home Production Grant Program may affect homes located in the 100/500-Year Flood Plain and Wetlands area, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announces.
Low-income and very low-income households in five Black Belt Alabama counties and in the City of York in Sumter County would be eligible to apply for minor rehabilitation grants for approximately 150 homes.
People who may be affected by activities in the area and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment are invited to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the flood plain and wetlands area, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts.
One of the primary reasons for this announcement is to facilitate and enhance federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas and to inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
The project area includes Choctaw, Clarke, Lowndes, Marengo and Wilcox counties as well as the City of York in Sumter County. The federal government selected these areas because U.S. Census Bureau data shows the income disparity and need for assistance in this economically impoverished region. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool shows a higher prevalence of respiratory hazards and cancer risk in this region.
To address these economic and health disparities, ADPH will conduct Healthy Homes Assessments to identify and remediate the potential biological, chemical, physical, structural and behavioral hazards that may exist in homes. These projects do not include “substantial improvements” costing more than $10,000 or any new construction. Minor rehabilitation of the homes includes but is not limited to window replacement, installation and/or replacement of ventilation, paint stabilization, door replacement, and remediation from moisture and mold damage.
The public is invited to send written comments which must be received at the following address on or before August 5, 2022, and addressed to Alabama Department of Public Health, Attention: Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer. A full description of the project may also be reviewed at the ADPH Bureau of Environmental Services at 201 Monroe Street, RSA Tower, Suite 1250, Montgomery, AL 36104-3017. Comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected].
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7/20/22
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.