Does anyone know about national public comment guidelines?

[intheflow]

Is there any kind of standard or formal guidelines/requirements about public comments for federal projects?

Here's what's prompting my question: Governor Haley Barbour in Mississippi has put out a proposal on spending CDBG (Community Development Building Grants, a HUD program) monies to rebuild rental properties In MS we lost about 20,000 rental units, it's a huge problem. But the governor's plan has some problems, and we really want to encourage public comment on his proposal. There is only a 15-day comment period, starting last Friday (4/27).

Now the kicker: Barbour's office is saying they will only receive comments by fax or email. Obviously, this is an accessibility issue--if you're poor, do you have access to email or a fax? Maybe not, or it might cost you.

So... does anyone know of any legal requirements about if they can limit the means by which public comments can be received?

[blogslut]

1. One would hope there is an official page or online form to submit public comments.

I know the DOJ takes public comments in this fashion.

As far as I know, public comment means public comment and there should be no problem posting your opinion.

[blogslut]

2. Okay, I misunderstood you

You're saying that HUD won't take written comments. Well, I have no idea. If it were me, I would send written comments regardless.

Can you get some folks to a library with internet access? Have them sign up for a free Yahoo email address if they have to. Try that maybe?

[intheflow]

3. I'm saying no written or phoned-in comments.

Most of the libraries were wiped out by Katrina, of the three left in my county, none are easily accessible by public transportation, especially not from FEMA parks, and they only have small banks of computers. We're talking wanting to encourge at least the 20,000-40,000 adults who were renters that have been displaced to comment on this plan. That's a lot of people, many working folks, to get to the library during library hours by May 12th.

[blogslut]

4. Can you get a petition signed

and send a photocopy along with a text version via the email comments?

Incidentally, is there a link to the public comment form/page? I would like to take a look.

[intheflow]

7. It's Mississippi -- there is no public comment page.

I'd post the document here on DU and put it in my journal, but it's 25 freakin' pages! :grr:

[ThomWV]

5. Comments would have been taken at the time the grant program was defined

Once financial assistance has been given to the recipient its pretty much a hands off deal after that. Certainly the Federal Government's rules do not apply to that money once its been handed over.

But yes, to get back to your question, proposed rules must be published - I believe the minimum is 90 days - before whatever the proposed action is takes place. Comments must be addressed in the Federal Register although similar questions are often grouped together.

[intheflow]

6. These monies are directed toward

people building small rental units. The grass roots groups that fought for this envisioned mom-and-pop landlords, maybe duplexes that were owner-occupied, or other such small rental housing options. Instead, Barbour has decided to open it up for developers. They can only develop four units per grant, but they're eligible to apply for up to 25 grant apiece. So good-bye mom-and-pop, hello new projects under the guise of 4-unit buildings. :eyes:

Do you have any link or documentation reference stating that 90 day comment period?