ELR Citation: ELR 20195
No(s). s. 03-30875, 04-30522 (5th Cir. Sep 18, 2006)

The court upholds the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) evaluation of environmental and historic preservation impacts of a revitalization project in New Orleans. In issuing a finding of no significant impact and environmental assessment in lieu of an environmental impact statement for the project, HUD did not act arbitrarily, capriciously, or contrary to law in deciding that the project did not cause significant effects to human environment. In addition, HUD complied with the National Historic Preservation Act's procedural requirements, and its reliance on a National Park Service letter that the project would have no adverse effect on National Historic Landmarks in the area was not arbitrary or capricious. HUD, therefore, need not cease its federal funding of the project at this time.