Community Development Block Grant FAQs

On the date the CDBG application is submitted, the entire project enters a “choice limiting activity” time window. From that date, until the full environmental review (ER) is complete, no activities that would limit the choice of reasonable alternatives for that site may occur. Such activities include, but are not limited to, ground breaking, demolition, clearing/grading, renovation, etc. Engaging in these activities during the choice limiting window will jeopardize the project’s funding eligibility.

All CDBG projects must have an ER completed before any work is done on the site and before any contracts with King County are executed. The project must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its related laws, authorities and regulations. ER costs are the responsibility of the applicant, even if the ER determines that the project is not eligible for funding. ER costs may be paid out of the CDBG award.

Applicants should note that certain projects might require a consultant study as part of the ER procedure and should budget for them accordingly and allow additional time in the project timeline. Projects with the following characteristics (partial list only) will likely require a consultant study:

• could potentially impact buried archaeological materials
• could potentially impact endangered species or their habitat
• are eligible for local, state or federal historic or landmark registers and
• are located within 3,000 feet of a toxic site or solid waste landfill.

ERs for all projects will consider the following laws, authorities, regulations:

• Airport Clear Zones & Airport Protection Zones
• Clean Air Act
• Coastal Zone Management Act
• Endangered Species Act.

CD projects must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its related regulations, laws and authorities. Examples include the Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation Act, archaeology, floodplains and toxics, among others.

Construction projects should budget $4,000 for ER costs. If the ER costs less, funds can be transferred to other eligible project line item costs. If it costs more, funds will need to be taken from other project line items.

No. King County staff conduct the ER and will obtain the pertinent information from your staff and complete the required ER paperwork.

No. SEPA is separate, though we can adopt some information from completed SEPA documents to complete NEPA.