Miss. Code. tit. 33, pt. 16, APPENDICES, app 33-16-B
In addition to the assurances included below, the state acknowledges that there are additional assurances that the state has agreed to in both the Operating Agreement between the State and EPA Region IV and the grants associated with the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriation of 2023. These two documents are hereby incorporated into this IUP by reference.
1. The state certifies that all drinking water facility projects in this IUP identified in Section VII as being subject to the federal cross-cutting requirements are or will comply with all such requirements prior to the state entering into an assistance agreement with the recipient.
2. The state certifies that it will make an annual report to the Regional Administrator on the actual uses of the funds and how the state has met the goals and objectives for the previous two fiscal years as identified in the IUPs; and to annually have conducted an independent audit of the funds to be conducted in accordance with generally accepted government accounting standards.
3. The state certifies that this IUP will be subjected to public review and comment prior to final submission to EPA. The state certifies that it will follow the "Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law" in seeking public review and comments on this IUP. A copy of the "Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law" can be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office and can be found on the Mississippi State Department of Health's website at www.healthyms.com/dwsrf.
Through this public review process, the State, Board, and Program hope to include a diverse set of potential interested parties, including community groups, neighborhood associations, environmental organizations, environmental justice organizations, and public health groups, that represent a broad spectrum of community interests.
An oral proceeding will be held to receive written and oral comments on this IUP. A transcript of the public hearing recording the comments and recommended solutions will be submitted to EPA along with the Final IUP. Anyone desiring to receive a copy of the oral proceeding transcript should contact Brittney Carmichael, Program Support Specialist, at (601) 576-7649 to request copies.
4. The state certifies that all drinking water facility projects in this IUP are on the project Priority List developed pursuant to the requirements of Section 1452(b)(3)(B), SDWA.
5. The state certifies that it will enter into binding commitments for 100% of the amount of each payment (LOC) under the capitalization grant within one year after receipt of each payment (LOC).
6. The state certifies that it will commit and expend monies as efficiently as possible, and to disburse the funds in a timely and expeditious manner.
7. The state certifies that it will conduct environmental reviews on all DWSIRLF cross-cutter equivalency projects in accordance with the State Environmental Review Process (SERP).
8. The state certifies that prior to adding any new projects to this "Priority List" for the purpose of funding such a project by this appropriation that the state will follow the "Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law" in amending this IUP to allow for public review and comments.
9. The state certifies that it has developed and implemented a Capacity Development (CD) strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining technical, managerial, and financial capacity as required in Section 1420(c) of the 1996 Amendments to the SDWA. EPA has approved the current CD program.
10. The state certifies the State's Operator Certification Program is currently approved by EPA.
11. The State is committed to and ensures that program's activities comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Miss. Code. tit. 33, pt. 16, APPENDICES, app 33-16-B