BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 8.94.3729 pertaining to the administration of the 2018 and 2019 Program Year Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Public Facilities Projects and ARM 8.94.3730 pertaining to the administration of the 2018 and 2019 Program Year Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Affordable Housing Projects

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On November 16, 2018, the Department of Commerce published MAR Notice No. 8-94-163 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rules at page 2277 of the 2018 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 22.

 

2.  The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. The comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

           

COMMENT #1:  A commenter stated that they would like for the department to consider visit ability and universal design in Montana's housing programs.

 

RESPONSE #1:  The application guidelines for federally funded housing programs, administered by the Community Development Division, require all new construction to include and all rehabilitation projects are encouraged to include visit ability and universal design.

 

COMMENT #2:  A commenter stated that the application deadline presents a hardship for rural communities and will require additional public meetings which puts a financial burden on the communities and does not align with other similar programs.

 

RESPONSE #2:  The department would like to promote public involvement at the local level and support rural communities in their community growth and development; therefore, the application deadline will be moved to March 15, 2019.  Furthermore, to meet the required meeting dates, the application guidelines will be updated to allow for a longer period of time to use the previously conducted community needs assessment and project specific public meeting requirements.

 

COMMENT #3:  A commenter stated that they would like to see changes related to procurement for CDBG Rehab projects.

           

RESPONSE #3:  The department is required to follow procurement regulations found in 2 CFR 200 Part 320 for all projects funded with CDBG funds. The federal regulations are passed down to the grantee through the contract and to entities that the grantee assigns, transfers, or subcontracts any portion of the contract scope of work to.

             

3. The department has amended ARM 8.94.3729 and ARM 8.94.3730 as proposed.

 

 

/s/ Marty Tuttle                                              /s/ Pam Haxby-Cote            

Marty Tuttle                                                   Pam Haxby-Cote

Rule Reviewer                                               Director

                                                                      Department of Commerce

 

Certified to the Secretary of State January 2, 2019.