We recommend that HUD require the City to analyze the method used to charge planning and administration costs to ensure that all costs are applied to the correct costs category and are valid charges to the National Disaster Resilience grant.

We recommend that HUD require the City to develop and submit to HUD for approval an updated planning and administration budget and staffing plan, after reassessing the infrastructure projects in recommendation 1A, to complete the National Disaster Resilience projects with the funds and within the timeframe remaining.

We recommend that HUD require the City to revise its risk assessment plan and process to ensure that monitoring is regularly conducted for its infrastructure projects through project completion, including establishing a monitoring schedule to ensure the progression and completion of the infrastructure projects.

We recommend that HUD require the City to review the number and type of positions for its National Disaster Resilience staff that are responsible for the oversight and completion of infrastructure projects and ensure that it has the appropriate staffing levels to complete adequate monitoring and oversight of the projects.

We recommend that HUD require the City to for the $14,683,335 originally budgeted for the Milneburg and Microgrid projects, work with HUD to (1) determine whether its planned action plan amendment would constitute the need to submit a substantial action plan amendment, (2) ensure that any modifications in its action plan amendment would lessen the susceptibility of rain and flood events within the Gentilly area, and (3) require that any activities pursued under the action plan amendment could reasonably be expected to be completed by the September 30, 2029, deadline.

We recommend that HUD require the City to reassess the eight infrastructure projects still in the design or planning phase to determine whether the City can complete the projects or how the remaining funds could be best used within the 6 years remaining for the grant period to ensure that the City is protected from future storm and rain events.

Obtain the required approvals under PRA for the PR 29 report.

Update Line 4 - Cash (grant funds) disbursed during the reporting period in the PR 29 report to allow grantees to report all CDBG grant funds disbursed, including funds that have not yet been drawn down from HUD for reimbursement.

Work with OCFO to ensure that CPD collects and reports to OCFO all of the information needed to properly account for all CPD activities in HUD’s financial statements in accordance with Federal financial reporting requirements and accounting standards.

Develop guidance that encourages grantees to draw down funds for reimbursement on a regular schedule, not less than quarterly.