NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
FOR CATEGORICALLY EXCLUDED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Date of Publication: September 3, 2025
Salt Lake County
2001 South State Street N3-500
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114
385-468-4944
On or about September 19, 2025, Salt Lake County will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of HOME-ARP funds, provided through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and authorized under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). Program regulations are codified at 24 CFR Part 92, as:
Saltair Lofts Project - located at 107 S 800 W in Salt Lake City. This location is presently home to an 8-unit apartment complex constructed in 1993 by Valley Behavioral Health (VBH) and operated as affordable housing for their clients. Spanning close to half an acre and zoned TSA-UN-T, the site presents an incredible opportunity to expand the availability of service-rich, supportive housing in Salt Lake City and the larger region. Saltair Lofts is a 68-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development in Salt Lake City's Poplar Grove neighborhood.
All 68 units of Saltair Lofts will be targeted to formerly homeless households, with 9 units set aside for those with mobility impairments, and 7 units targeting individuals with disabilities. Amenities will include life skills classes and case management (provided by VBH), two outdoor patios with amenities, free internet connectivity, a computer room, exercise room, community room with kitchen, and garden boxes for resident use. The site will also include onsite clinical spaces for residents to quickly and conveniently get the care that they need. All residences will be all-electric, Energy Star MFNC certified, and Enterprise Green Community certified.
A unique aspect of the project is that the ground floor will contain a separate "retail" space, to be utilized by VBH for their "CORE" treatment program. This is a 16-bed, inpatient treatment program for the most vulnerable among us. So not only will the 68 PSH units be housing those in need of homes, but the ground floor treatment center will be intensively healing those who need it most. The project has taken every care to keep the two populations separate, with separate entrances/exits and outdoor gathering spaces tailored to ensure that all can heal, live in peace, and develop a sense of hope and community.
The project's by-right zoning will enable it to break ground in mid-2025 with a completion and lease up in 2027. Valley has engaged and commenced work with the project's architect, AJC, and the project's contractor, Wadman Corporation. Both groups have extensive experience with PSH projects and are committed to bringing the project to life in a way that benefits Utah for decades to come. The development will utilize $1,100,000.00 HOME ARP funds as a total project cost of $32,841,460.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements or alternatives. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the Salt Lake County Housing and Community Development Office, 2001 South State Street, N3-500, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, and may be examined or copied weekdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Salt Lake County, Housing and Community Development Office, 2001 South State Street, N3-500, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, or at jjimenez@saltlakecounty.gov. All comments received by September 18, 2025, will be considered by Salt Lake County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
Salt Lake County certifies to HUD that Jennifer Wilson, Certifying Officer, in her capacity as Mayor, 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 Salt Lake County to use HUD program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Salt Lake County’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 Salt Lake County; (b) Salt Lake County 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 via email in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Noemi Ghirghi, CPD Regional VIII Director, at CPDRROFDEN@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact CPDRROFDEN@hud.gov to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Jennifer Wilson
Salt Lake County Mayor
2001 South State Street, N2-200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114