By Panhandle Public Health District
On or about June 11, 2026, Panhandle Public Health District will submit a request to the Housing and Urban Development Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes for the release of Lead Hazard Reduction Grant funds under 24 CFR 58.35(a) of Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations to undertake a project known as Panhandle Public Health Lead Hazard Control for the purpose of addressing lead hazards in 88 homes over the course of the next five years. PPHD will use $2,588,474 in HUD funding to complete lead-based paint inspections, lead hazard risk assessments at housing units and renovation to address lead hazards in the twelve-county jurisdiction of PPHD, which includes the counties of: Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Panhandle Public Health District, 18 W 16th Street, Scottsbluff, NE, 69361, and may be examined or copied on weekdays 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. It can also be reviewed online at: https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Megan Barhafer, Community Health Planner Supervisor and Performance Management/Quality Improvement Coordinator, Panhandle Public Health District, mbarhafer@pphd.ne.gov. All comments received by June 10, 2026, will be considered by Panhandle Public Health District prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Panhandle Public Health District certifies to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Megan Barhafer in her capacity as Community Health Planner Supervisor and Performance Manage/Quality Improvement Coordinator consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Panhandle Public Health District to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Panhandle Public Health District’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Panhandle Public Health District; (b) Panhandle Public Health District has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the HUD Administrative Office at 451 7th St, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20410. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.