H-GAC Board of Directors approved a Method of Distribution for approximately $241 million in Harvey recovery funds to support infrastructure projects and home buyouts/acquisitions outside the City of Houston and Harris County. The funds are part of the first round of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds provided by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to support long-term recovery in Texas. The Method of Distribution underwent a rigorous public input process that went above and beyond the requirements of the State of Texas General Land Office.

The GLO has reviewed the H-GAC Board-approved MOD and is requiring a portion of the MOD undergo additional public comment prior to completing their review. Several other Councils of Government have received the same instructions. The specific portion of the MOD that is subject to additional input is the Summary Form that accompanies the allocations. This form focuses on guidance supporting long-term recovery, affirmatively furthering fair housing, addressing unmet housing needs, and determining how economic revitalization and infrastructure activities contribute to long-term recovery.

H-GAC continued the Citizen Participation process by seeking input to help inform guidance we will make available to local governments as they plan and prioritize use of their allocated CDBG Disaster Recovery infrastructure and home buyout/ acquisition funds.

The public input period was from August 30, 2018, to September 14, 2018. H-GAC accepted comments online, by mail, through e-mail, hand-delivered comments, and during a public meeting on September 10, 2018.

Possible action on Method of Distribution Summary Form. (Staff Contact: Jeff Taebel)