Question:
When must the environmental review for a HUD-assisted project include
an evaluation of the impacts to farmlands?
Answer:
If
the site of the HUD-assisted project is presently being farmed,
the project must conform with the Farmland Protection Policy Act
and HUD policy memo.
The
environmental review must include a finding either that that the
proposed HUD assisted project site does not include prime or unique
farmland, or other farmland of statewide or local significance as
identified by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS),
Department of Agriculture, or the project site includes prime farmland
but is located in an area committed to urban uses. However, if the
proposed project site includes farmland, the environmental review
must include an evaluation of the land type by the NRCS using form
AD 1006. This requirement applies only to assisted new construction
activities and the acquisition of undeveloped land: 24
CFR 58.5(h) or 24
CFR 50.4(j).
Protecting Farmlands
Question:
What is the authority for the requirement to protect farmland?
Answer:
The Farmland Protection Policy Act of 1981 (7
U.S.C. 4201 et seq.) particularly sections 1540(b) and 1541
(7
U.S.C. 4201(b) and 4202).
For Department of Agriculture regulations, see 7 CFR Part 658.
Information Sources for Protecting Farmlands
Question:
Where is information available on prime and unique farmlands?
Answer:
See county maps
provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department
of Agriculture.
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