Section 18-4-7

Relocation assistance advisory programs.

(a) Programs or projects undertaken by a state agency shall be planned in a manner that recognizes, at an early stage in the planning of the programs or projects and before the commencement of any actions which will cause displacements, and provides for the resolution of the problems in order to minimize adverse impacts on displaced persons and to expedite program or project advancement and completion.

(b) The agency shall ensure that the relocation assistance advisory services described in subsection (c) are made available to all persons displaced by the agency. If the state agency determines that any person occupying property immediately adjacent to the real property acquired is caused substantial economic injury because of the acquisition, it may offer the person relocation advisory services under the program.

(c) Each relocation assistance advisory program required by subsections (a) and (b) shall include measures, facilities, or services necessary or appropriate in order to do the following:

(1) Determine, and make timely recommendations on, the need and preferences, if any, of displaced persons, for relocation assistance.

(2) Assure that, within a reasonable period of time, prior to displacement there will be available a comparable replacement dwelling.

(3) Supply information concerning federal and state housing programs, disaster loan programs, and other federal or state programs offering assistance to displaced persons.

(4) Provide other advisory services to displaced persons in order to minimize hardships to the person in adjusting to relocation.

(d) The heads of state agencies shall coordinate relocation activities with other project activities and other planned or proposed governmental actions in the community or nearby areas which may affect the carrying out of relocation assistance programs.

(Act 99-582, p. 1318, §8.)