[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78014-78019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22165]



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Part IV





Department of Housing and Urban Development





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24 CFR Part 941



Streamlined Application Process in Public/Private Partnerships for the 
Mixed-Finance Development of Public Housing Units; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 248 / Wednesday, December 27, 2006 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 78014]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Part 941

[Docket No. FR-4924-P-01]
RIN 2577-AC55


Streamlined Application Process in Public/Private Partnerships 
For the Mixed-Finance Development of Public Housing Units

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
Housing, HUD.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the current application 
process for participation in mixed-finance public housing development 
programs, including HOPE VI, to simplify and streamline the 
application, review, and approval processes. Currently, a public 
housing agency (PHA) is required to submit a variety of closing 
documents to HUD, both before closing and after recordation. Under this 
proposed rule, this two-step process would be retained, but rather than 
submitting all documents related to the closing, a PHA would be 
required to complete and retain for inspection or audit all of the 
closing documents, and to submit to HUD only a portion of the closing 
documents, along with all necessary certifications of the fulfillment 
of the closing requirements. This change would significantly reduce the 
document submission burdens on PHAs while still enabling HUD to ensure 
that the PHAs meet the program requirements.

DATES: Comments Due Date: February 26, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding 
this proposed rule to the Regulations Division, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Interested persons 
may also submit comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Commenters should follow the 
instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically.
    Facsimile (FAX) comments are not acceptable. In all cases, 
communications must refer to the docket number and title. All comments 
and communications submitted will be available, without charge, for 
public inspection and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the 
above address. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters 
building, please schedule an appointment to review the comments by 
calling the Regulations Divisions at (202) 708-3055 (this is not a 
toll-free number). Copies of electronically submitted comments are also 
available for inspection and downloading at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dominique Blom, Deputy Assistant 
Secretary, Office of Public Housing Investments, Office of Public and 
Indian Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 
Seventh Street, SW., Room 4130, Washington, DC 20410-5000; telephone 
(202) 401-8812, extension 4181 (this is not a toll-free number). 
Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals may access this number through 
TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 
877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Statutory and Regulatory Background

    Section 35 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (the 1937 Act) (42 
U.S.C. 1437z-7) made mixed-finance public housing projects eligible for 
funding under the 1937 Act. HUD's mixed-finance regulations permit PHAs 
to use public housing capital funds and other development funds to 
assist mixed-finance developments, including by permitting PHAs to 
provide those funds to a non-PHA entity to develop and own the 
resulting public housing units. HUD's original mixed-finance 
regulations, published prior to the addition of section 35 to the 1937 
Act, interpreted the 1937 Act to permit PHAs to use public housing 
development funds and operating assistance to develop and assist units 
owned and/or operated by a non-PHA entity to develop and own the 
resulting public housing units (see the preamble explanation at 61 FR 
19708 (May 2, 1996); see also 24 CFR 941.600(a)).
    Section 35 of the 1937 Act codifies the Department's mixed-finance 
program that authorizes a PHA to fund a mixed-finance project from the 
operating fund, the capital fund, or both. Units receiving capital or 
operating funds must be developed and maintained as public housing for 
the period required under both the 1937 Act and the PHA's annual 
contributions contract (ACC). This period may be 10 years for the 
period operating funds are received, 20 years for modernization 
activities, or 40 years for development activities, as applicable, and 
are extended as additional operating or capital funds are provided in 
accordance with the 1937 Act. Mixed-finance development of public 
housing is subject to regulations at 24 CFR part 941, subpart F. Under 
the regulations, the PHA must submit information about the project to 
HUD for review and approval. Otherwise, HUD will not release funds for 
the development activity. Currently, two HUD approvals are required: 
(i) One for the mixed-finance proposal prepared in accordance with 24 
CFR 941.606, including all legal documents and other materials 
submitted for review prior to closing in accordance with 24 CFR 
941.610; and (ii) one for release of funds after HUD has received and 
approved final binders for the project containing final, fully 
executed, and, where appropriate, recorded copies of all closing 
documents.

II. This Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would streamline the mixed-finance application 
process by reducing the number of closing documents that must be 
submitted to HUD to receive these approvals. This rule would revise the 
proposal submissions in 24 CFR 941.606 to include certifications of 
compliance with applicable public housing requirements. Under this 
rulemaking, PHAs would be required to submit their proposals along with 
certifications required by 24 CFR 941.606(l) (formerly Sec.  
941.606(n)). The certifications listed in this section would also act 
as guidance for PHAs submitting a proposal to ensure the PHA's 
comprehensive regulatory compliance.
    The proposed new Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(iv) is intended to ensure that 
the PHA obtains all of the project documents relative to development 
and operation that are required to be kept on file and available for 
HUD review. This proposed new regulatory section also would provide HUD 
with assurances that the PHA has properly reviewed the closing 
documents to ensure that they are consistent with the public housing 
requirements. The proposed new Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(v) would assure that 
operating funds provided under section 9 of the 1937 Act will only be 
used for eligible activities. The proposed new Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(vi) 
would require PHAs to comply with the provisions of section 30 of the 
1937 Act relating to mortgages and security interests. The proposed new 
Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(viii) would require PHAs to keep records in 
accordance with 24 CFR 85.20. The proposed new Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(ix) 
would ensure that none of the parties participating in a mixed-finance 
proposal and development under this rule are suspended, debarred, or 
subject to a limited denial of participation under 24

[[Page 78015]]

CFR part 24, subtitle A. The proposed new Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(x) would 
ensure that any transformation remedies included in the project 
documents are consistent with section 35(h) of the 1937 Act, and that 
such remedies may not be implemented until such time as HUD establishes 
procedures or requirements developed by regulations.
    This proposed rule would add a statement to 24 CFR 941.608(b) that 
HUD will perform a subsidy layering review. This new paragraph would 
not be a change in legal requirements, as section 102(d) of the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act (HUD Reform Act) 
(42 U.S.C. 3545(d)), requires HUD to certify (after taking into account 
other government assistance) that any HUD assistance to any housing 
project shall not be more than is necessary to provide affordable 
housing. This paragraph would be included in order to make the 
requirement explicit for this program.
    Currently, as part of its initial proposal, pre-closing submission, 
a PHA submits a complete evidentiary package required by 24 CFR 941.610 
for HUD review prior to closing. This proposal submission includes all 
necessary programmatic, underwriting, and legal documents, including a 
formal mixed-finance proposal, partnership documents, management 
documents, ground leases, development agreements, title policies 
showing lien priority, land surveys, financing agreements, subordinate 
loan documentation, and other drafts of all project-specific 
documentation. After receiving HUD's approval for this submission, the 
PHA may go to closing and record all necessary documentation. 
Thereafter, prior to release of federal funds, the PHA must resubmit 
final, fully executed, and recorded copies of all closing documentation 
to HUD.
    With the streamlined review, the project will continue to be 
subject to this two-stage review process prior to release of funds, 
including a proposal review and a post closing review. However, the 
documentation submission requirements will be substantially reduced at 
each stage. The proposal review will include a limited legal review and 
review by the program office prior to closing, to safeguard the 
interests of HUD. This limited review will ensure that the documents 
submitted are acceptable to HUD prior to the execution and recording of 
the documents. In addition to the mixed-finance proposal (the rental 
term sheet form (HUD-50031) and additional submissions), the proposal 
review submission will include the following: A draft Declaration of 
Restrictive Covenants for review by the Office of General Counsel 
(OGC); a draft mixed-finance amendment to the PHA's ACC with HUD 
(Mixed-Finance ACC Amendment); and lastly, a certification to HUD that 
all closing documents, those submitted to HUD, and those retained by 
the PHA are in conformance with all laws, regulatory and statutory 
requirements, and executive orders that are applicable to the project. 
HUD has also made available sample provisions to assist PHAs in 
developing closing documentation that conform to the program 
requirements. These provisions are available on HUD's Web site, http://www.hud.gov.
    The post-closing review follows execution and recording of 
documents, but is conducted prior to HUD approval of the release of 
public housing funds for development. This proposed rule would shorten 
the list of required post-closing submissions in 24 CFR 941.610(a). The 
PHA would be required to provide the following additional materials for 
HUD review: (1) An executed Mixed-Finance ACC Amendment, in the form 
approved by HUD prior to closing; (2) an executed Declaration of 
Restrictive Covenants date-stamped by the appropriate land records 
office; (3) a Final Title Policy evidencing the Declaration's 
recordation priority in the first lien position, unless another order 
or recording is approved by the Department; (4) a written opinion from 
legal counsel for the PHA stating that the entities that executed the 
closing documents have the legal authority to enter into them as 
required by 24 CFR 941.606(n)(1)(i) of the current rule (this section 
would be redesignated Sec.  941.606(l)(1)(i) by this proposed rule), 
that the documents are legally binding instruments, and that the 
documents comply with all applicable public housing requirements; (5) 
the revised and updated mixed-finance proposal; and (6) evidence, which 
may be in the form of a certification stating that all necessary 
closing documents were executed and recorded, that all funds necessary 
for the development (as outlined in the mixed-finance proposal) have 
been committed to the project, and that all project documents will be 
retained by the PHA and made available for inspection upon request.
    Section 941.610(b) of this proposed rule would require a PHA to 
submit various certifications and assurances. These submissions would 
include assurances that the Mixed-Finance ACC Amendment and related 
materials are complete, remain in the form and with the content 
approved by HUD at closing, and are consistent with the mixed-finance 
proposal. In addition, the PHA would be required to submit a 
certification that the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants required 
under Sec.  941.610(a)(2) of this proposed rule is enforceable, has 
priority over all other liens, and is the first recorded document, 
unless otherwise approved by HUD. Prior to closing, the PHA may request 
a HUD review of the pro-forma title policy if there are certain 
circumstances that may prohibit recordation of the Declaration of 
Restrictive Covenants in first lien position. The terms of the 
Declaration of Restrictive Covenants must include that there must be no 
disposition of the public housing units or of the ownership entity's 
partnership or membership interests without HUD's approval during the 
entire operating subsidy period plus 10 years; and that for a 40-year 
period, which may be extended by an additional 10 years, the public 
housing units must be operated in accordance with all applicable public 
housing requirements.
    The certifications and assurances required in Sec.  941.610(b)(4) 
of this proposed rule would be generally similar to those required 
under Sec.  941.610(a)(8) of the current regulations. These include 
certifications regarding the number or percentage of public housing 
units in the project; and an acknowledgment that the transfer of 
development funds from the PHA to the partner or other owner entity 
shall not be deemed an assignment. The certifications would also 
include an acknowledgment that the ACC, Mixed-Finance ACC Amendment, 
and other contracts involved shall not create any third-party rights or 
any partnership, joint venture, principal and agent relationship, or 
any other business relationship involving HUD. They would include: (1) 
An assurance that all agreements and contracts are legally binding on 
the owner entity or partner and contain an agreement by the PHA to take 
any necessary enforcement action; (2) a certification of compliance 
with Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements; (3) an assurance that the PHA 
will take all steps necessary to ensure, in the event of a foreclosure 
or other adverse action brought against the owner entity, that the 
operation of the public housing units in the project will not be 
adversely affected; and (4) any details or additional documentation HUD 
may require.
    Additionally, this rule would update the legal authority for 24 CFR 
part 941 to include the requirements of section 35 of the 1937 Act (42 
U.S.C. 1437z-7) and section 102(d) of the HUD Reform Act (42 U.S.C. 
3545(d)) on subsidy layering, and would also update 24 CFR

[[Page 78016]]

941.606 to reflect statutory changes. Specifically, the requirement for 
a life-cycle analysis of heating and cooling systems reflects authority 
that was removed and replaced by section 515 of the Quality Housing and 
Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (QHWRA) (Pub. L 105-276). Accordingly, 
this rule removes 24 CFR 941.606(k).
    The provision for the section 213 clearance of new public housing 
by local government officials in current 24 CFR 941.606(l) references a 
provision that was repealed by section 551 of QHWRA. Accordingly, this 
rule also removes 941.606(l).
    Material on common area improvements currently under Sec.  
941.610(a)(8)(i)(B) would be removed from the rule as unnecessary, but 
not to change the basic requirement that common area improvements 
benefit all residents. Section 941.608(b)(4)(ii) (which is unaffected 
by this rulemaking) requires HUD, as part of its technical processing, 
to ensure that common area improvements will benefit all residents of 
the development. As a policy matter, HUD applies a pro rata test to 
ensure that the amount spent on the project from public housing funds 
reflects the appropriate share of public housing units in the project.
    The proposed rule would add Sec.  941.610(c) to provide the 
Department access to the development documents. Although this 
regulatory change would remove the requirement to submit certain 
documents to the Department for review, the PHAs would be required to 
provide HUD with copies of any or all of the development documents 
immediately upon written request from HUD.
    This proposed rule would make a technical revision to 24 CFR 
941.612(b) on standard drawdown requirements. This change would be to 
remove the term ``evidentiary materials'' in the relevant paragraph and 
replace it with language that reflects the fact that HUD will accept 
certifications in lieu of many of these materials.
    Lastly, 24 CFR 941.616, which addresses sanctions, would be revised 
to include certifications and assurances. The resulting provision would 
state that if the public housing units are not developed in accordance 
with all applicable requirements, including all certifications and 
assurances, the PHA may be liable for sanctions.

III. Findings and Certifications

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains collection of information requirements, which 
have been submitted to OMB for review under Section 3507(d) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). These new 
collection of information requirements are not effective until such 
time that OMB grants its approval. The approval numbers will be 
published in the Federal Register through separate notice. Information 
on these requirements is provided as follows:
    Estimates of the total reporting and recordkeeping burden that will 
result from the collection of information are as follows:
    The burden of information collection in this final rule is 
estimated as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Number of                         Total         Hours per
          Form/document             respondents      Frequency       responses       response       Total hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUD-50030 Mixed-Finance Rental                70               1              70              40           2,800
 Term Sheet.....................
Mixed-Finance Amendment to the                70               1              70               8             560
 Annual Contributions Contract..
Mixed-Finance Certifications and              70               1              70            0.25            17.5
 Assurances.....................
Mixed-Finance Declaration of                  70               1              70            0.25            17.5
 Restrictive Covenants..........
Mixed-Finance Final Title Policy              70               1              70            0.25            17.5
Mixed-Finance Legal Opinion.....              70               1              70               1              70
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals......................  ..............  ..............             420  ..............           3,483
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    In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), HUD is soliciting comments 
from members of the public and affected agencies concerning this 
collection of information to:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected;
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding the 
information collection requirements in this proposal. Comments must be 
received within 30 days from the date of this proposal. Comments must 
refer to the proposal by name and docket number (FR-4924-P-01) and must 
be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New 
Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, Fax number: (202) 395-
6947, and Aneita Waites, Reports Liaison Officer, Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Room 4116, 
Washington, DC 20410.

Environmental Impact

    A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment 
has been made with respect to this proposed rule in accordance with HUD 
regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). That 
Finding of No Significant Impact is available for public inspection 
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in the Regulations 
Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-
0500.

Impact on Small Entities

    The Secretary, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 605(b)), has reviewed this rule before publication and by 
approving it certifies that this rule does not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. There are no 
anti-competitive discriminatory aspects of the rule with regard to 
small entities and there are not any unusual procedures that need to be 
complied with by small entities. Indeed, this rule reduces the 
administrative burden on all PHAs participating in a mixed-finance 
development program.

[[Page 78017]]

    Although HUD has determined that this proposed rule does not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
HUD invites comments regarding less burdensome alternatives to this 
rule that will meet HUD's objectives as described in this preamble.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either imposes substantial direct compliance costs on state and local 
governments and is not required by statute, or the rule preempts state 
law, unless the agency meets the consultation and funding requirements 
of section 6 of the executive order. This proposed rule does not have 
federalism implications and does not impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on state and local governments or preempt state law 
within the meaning of the executive order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on state, local, and 
tribal governments, and on the private sector. This proposed rule does 
not impose any federal mandates on any state, local, or tribal 
government, or on the private sector, within the meaning of UMRA.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) program number is 
14.850.

List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 941

    Grant programs--housing and community development, Loan programs--
housing and community development, Public housing, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.
    Accordingly, for the reasons discussed in the preamble, HUD 
proposes to amend 24 CFR part 941, subpart F, as follows:

PART 941-PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

    1. The authority citation for part 941 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1437b, 1437c, 1437g, 1437z-7, 3535(d), and 
3545(d).

Subpart F--Public/Private Partnerships for the Mixed-Finance 
Development of Public Housing Units

    2. Amend Sec.  941.606 as follows:
    a. Remove paragraphs (k) and (l);
    b. Redesignate paragraphs (m) and (n) as paragraphs (k) and (l), 
respectively; and
    c. Amend newly designated paragraph (l) by adding paragraphs 
(l)(1)(iv) through (x) to read as follows:


Sec.  941.606  Proposal.

* * * * *
    (l)(1) Certifications and assurances. * * *
    (iv) Has obtained or will obtain any documents needed to establish 
its rights and responsibilities associated with the development and 
operation of the project, and that such documents will be consistent 
with the applicable public housing requirements. Such documents shall 
include, but not be limited to:
    (A) A regulatory and operating agreement between the PHA and owner 
entity that provides binding assurances that the operation of the 
public housing units will be in accordance with applicable public 
housing requirements;
    (B) A partnership agreement, membership agreement, development 
agreement, or other agreement between any of the participating parties, 
including an agreement between the agency and the owner entity, its 
partner, or other participating parties, that establishes the rights 
and liabilities (financial and otherwise) of the parties;
    (C) A management agreement for the public housing units if the 
units will be managed by an entity other than the agency;
    (D) An opinion of counsel for the applicable jurisdiction that the 
existing cooperation agreement between the jurisdiction and the agency 
includes the project or development, or a certification from the 
jurisdiction that the project is consistent with the jurisdiction's 
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy;
    (E) All financing documents, including notes, mortgages, deeds of 
trust, loan agreements, bond documents, or such other documents that 
evidence the availability of the participating party(ies) financing, 
and the amount and source of financing committed to the development;
    (F) The organizational documents of the owner entity;
    (G) Evidence of control of the site by the agency, partner, or 
owner entity for such a period of time as may be required by HUD; and
    (H) Evidence that all applicable permits and zoning requirements 
are in place or, if not in place, a certification that permits and 
zoning will be in place prior to start of construction, along with an 
explanation of the process and barriers to obtaining such permits and 
zoning, which may be in the form of a certification from the owner 
entity or its counsel.
    (v) Will ensure that operating funds provided under section 9 of 
the 1937 Act will be used only for the eligible activities identified 
in the agency's Mixed Finance ACC Amendment. It will also ensure that 
operating funds will not be used for exit taxes in connection with any 
low-income housing tax credit program or to initially fund any 
operating reserve account, and that operating funds must not be used 
for the payment of debt service without prior HUD approval;
    (vi) Will not, without HUD's prior written approval, authorize any 
mortgages or otherwise grant a security interest in the development, 
including under section 30 of the 1937 Act;
    (vii) Will ensure that the ownership entity will not make, without 
HUD's prior written approval, any transfer or grant any security 
interest in the ownership entity;
    (viii) Will keep records in accordance with 24 CFR 85.20 and 
facilitate an audit to determine compliance with program requirements. 
All records must be available at all times for HUD inspection and 
review;
    (ix) Will ensure that, to the greatest extent feasible, none of the 
parties participating in this mixed-finance proposal and development 
are suspended, debarred, or subject to a limited denial of 
participation under 24 CFR, part 24, subtitle A; and
    (x) Will ensure that any transformation remedies made available to 
the owner-entity are consistent with section 35(h) of the 1937 Act.
    3. Add Sec.  941.608(b)(7) to read as follows:


Sec.  941.608  Technical processing and approval.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (7) Subsidy layering analysis. After the PHA submits the proposal, 
HUD (or its designee) shall carry out a subsidy layering analysis 
pursuant to section 102(d) of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3545) (See 24 CFR part 4) to 
determine whether the aggregate amount of assistance being provided for 
the development is more than necessary to make the assisted activity 
feasible.
* * * * *
    4. Revise Sec.  941.610 to read as follows:


Sec.  941.610  Post-Closing materials and other documents.

    (a) Submission requirements. After the closing but prior to the 
disbursement of grant funds under 24 CFR 941.612, the PHA must submit 
the

[[Page 78018]]

materials listed in this section to HUD for approval. The materials 
must be in the form as approved by HUD at the time of the approval of 
the proposal under 24 CFR 941.606, or in a form approved by HUD prior 
to release of funds. These required materials include, but shall not be 
limited to:
    (1) The PHA-executed Mixed-Finance ACC Amendment to the PHA's ACC, 
along with any required exhibits, as applicable;
    (2) A Declaration of Restrictive Covenants in the form and recorded 
in the order approved by HUD. The restriction must assure that the 
public housing units will be available for use by eligible low-income 
families in accordance with all applicable public housing requirements 
for the maximum period required by law;
    (3) A Final Title Policy showing HUD's Declaration in a first lien 
priority position against the fee estate of the Project, or other order 
of recording approved by HUD;
    (4) A legal opinion prepared by PHA counsel after due diligence and 
based on information that is, to the knowledge of counsel, true and 
correct, warranting that the PHA has the legal authority under federal, 
state, and local law to take all actions and enter into all agreements 
referenced or required under, or executed pursuant to, Sec.  
941.606(l)(1)(i) of this subpart and that all such agreements are in 
accordance with federal, state, and local law, including the 1937 Act 
and all HUD regulations;
    (5) A revised and updated proposal consistent with the Mixed-
Finance ACC Amendment; and
    (6) The certifications and assurances required by HUD, including, 
but not limited to, those described in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Certifications and assurances. The PHA's certification must 
include the following statements, as well as any others that HUD may 
deem necessary to the proper operation of the program. The PHA must 
certify that:
    (1) The PHA is responsible for ensuring that the public housing 
units are developed, operated, and maintained in accordance with all 
applicable public housing requirements, including the 1937 Act, the ACC 
(as amended by the Mixed Finance Amendment) and all pertinent 
statutory, regulatory, and executive order requirements, as those 
requirements may be amended from time to time;
    (2) These certifications are made under penalty of perjury and 
subject to HUD's authority to prosecute false claims or statements;
    (3) The submissions under paragraph (a)(1) of this section are 
consistent with the mixed-finance proposal and any other legal 
documents or representations related to the project;
    (4) HUD's declaration of restrictive covenants is legally 
enforceable and recorded in the order approved by HUD. The terms of the 
restriction must include the following:
    (i) There shall be no disposition of the public housing units 
without the prior written approval of HUD during, and for 10 years 
after the end of, the period in which the public housing units receive 
operating subsidy from the PHA; and
    (ii) During a 40-year period (which may be extended for 10 years 
after the end of the period in which the public housing units receive 
operating subsidy from the PHA, or as may be otherwise required by 
law), the public housing units shall be maintained and operated in 
accordance with all applicable public housing requirements (including 
the ACC), as those requirements may be amended from time to time;
    (5) The PHA shall develop at least the same number of public 
housing units as were approved by HUD as part of the PHA's proposal, 
and will do so within the total development cost (TDC) and housing 
construction cost (HCC) limits;
    (6) If the PHA's proposal provides that public housing units within 
a development will not be specifically designated as public housing 
units (i.e., floating units), but shall instead constitute a fixed 
percentage of the housing units and number of bedrooms developed under 
the proposal, the PHA shall assure that, at a minimum, the percentage 
of public housing units, as approved by HUD, will be maintained as 
public housing by the owner entity, and that all of the requirements of 
this subpart will be satisfied with respect to those units;
    (7) The PHA shall include, or cause to be included, in all 
agreements or contracts with the partner, owner entity, or any other 
participating parties receiving funds under this subpart:
    (i) An acknowledgement that a transfer of the development funds by 
the PHA to the partner, the owner entity, or other participating party, 
shall not be deemed to be an assignment of development grant funds and 
that, accordingly, the partner, the owner entity, or other 
participating party shall not succeed to any rights or benefits of the 
PHA under the ACC, or ACC amendment, nor shall it attain any 
privileges, authorities, interests, or rights in or under the ACC or 
ACC amendment;
    (ii) A provision stating that nothing in the ACC or ACC amendment 
providing such funds, nor any agreement or contract between the 
parties, shall be deemed to create a relationship of third-party 
beneficiary, principal, and agent; limited or general partnership; 
joint venture; or any association or relationship involving HUD;
    (iii) A provision to ensure that the requirements of this subpart 
are binding upon the owner entity and any partner of the PHA and upon 
any other participating party. In addition, in the event of any 
noncompliance with the requirements of this subpart by any 
participating party, the PHA agrees to take all necessary enforcement 
action to ensure such compliance or, alternatively, to pursue any legal 
or equitable remedies that HUD deems appropriate;
    (8) The PHA shall ensure that the development of the public housing 
units will be in compliance with labor standards applicable to the 
development of public housing including, but not limited to, wage rates 
under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a et seq.) and that wherever 
HUD financial assistance is expended for housing or community 
development, economic opportunities will be made available, to the 
greatest extent feasible, to low- and very low-income persons and 
businesses pursuant to section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development 
Act of 1968. If the proposed development will include public housing 
units that are not specifically designated units, the PHA shall ensure 
that such labor requirements are met with respect to the development of 
all units that may, at any time, be used as the public housing units;
    (9) The PHA shall take all steps necessary to ensure that, in the 
event of a foreclosure or other adverse action brought against the 
owner entity with respect to the housing units (including, but not 
limited to, the public housing units), the operation of the public 
housing units developed under this subpart shall not be adversely 
affected;
    (10) The PHA shall certify that it has ensured and shall ensure the 
availability of the participating party or parties' financing, the 
amount and source of financing committed to the proposal by the 
participating party or parties, and the irrevocability of those funds. 
Irrevocability of funds means that binding legal documents, such as 
loan agreements, mortgages/deeds of trust, partnership agreements, 
operating agreements, or similar documents committing funds have been 
executed by the applicable parties, though disbursement of such funds 
may be subject to meeting progress milestones, avoiding default, and 
meeting other

[[Page 78019]]

commercially reasonable conditions precedent under such documents. For 
projects involving revolving loan funds, the irrevocability of funds 
means that funds in an amount identified to HUD as the maximum 
revolving loan have been committed pursuant to legally binding 
documents, though disbursement of such funds may be subject to meeting 
progress milestones, the absence of default, and meeting other 
commercially reasonable conditions precedent under such documents. The 
PHA has ensured the commitment of funds by the participating parties 
through reviewing the legal documents described above, confirming the 
terms of the documents committing the funds as described above, and 
confirming that such documents are duly executed by the participating 
parties. The PHA is not required to ensure the availability of funds by 
enforcing documents to which it is not a party. The PHA may certify as 
to the irrevocability of funds through the submission of an opinion of 
the PHA's counsel attesting that counsel has examined the availability 
of the participating party or parties' financing, has examined the 
amount and source of financing committed to the proposal by the 
participating party or parties, has determined that such financing has 
been irrevocably committed by the participating party or parties for 
use in carrying out the proposal, and has determined that such 
commitment is in the amount required under the terms of the proposal;
    (11) The PHA shall provide such additional certifications as may be 
required by HUD.
    (c) Recordkeeping. The PHA must retain for inspection, upon request 
by HUD, all documentation of the mixed-finance closing including, but 
not limited to: all development agreements, related management 
agreements, surveys, title policies, zoning assurances, environmental 
reports and approvals, partnership agreements, ground leases, 
regulatory agreements, project financing documents, and any recorded 
documents encumbering the use of the land. The documentation should be 
retained in one comprehensive binder for the period required by law.
    5. Revise Sec.  941.612(b) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  941.612  Disbursement of grant funds.

* * * * *
    (b) Standard drawdown requirements. HUD will review the documents 
and certifications submitted pursuant to Sec.  941.610, and, upon 
determining that such documents and certifications are satisfactory, 
may approve a drawdown of development funds, consistent with the 
following requirements:
* * * * *
    6. Revise Sec.  941.616 to read as follows:


Sec.  941.616  Sanctions.

    In the event the public housing units that are proposed to be 
developed under this part are not developed in accordance with the 
projected development schedule, with the approved proposal, with all 
certifications and assurances, and with all applicable federal 
requirements, or if the units are not operated in accordance with 
applicable certifications, assurances, and requirements, HUD may impose 
sanctions on the PHA or seek other legal or equitable relief, or both, 
in accordance with the requirements prescribed by HUD in the Mixed-
Finance ACC Amendment.

    Dated: November 27, 2006.
Paula O. Blunt,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing.
 [FR Doc. E6-22165 Filed 12-26-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P