STC is authorized to conduct intergovernmental reviews (ICOR).
Intergovernmental Review Process
STC is authorized by EPA’s 40 CFR Part 29 and Executive Order 12372 to conduct intergovernmental reviews for several types of Federally funded projects; any project that will answer yes to SF-424 question 16.
The intergovernmental review (IGOR) process is a federally established standard for review of projects seeking federal funding. The regional planning board is authorized to evaluate the intergovernmental review package for conflicts of interest and duplication of services/funding, and to evaluate whether the proposed project budget is reasonable.
Intergovernmental review packets must be reviewed by staff and mailed to local commentators, and responses must be analyzed. This process can take 2 – 6 weeks. Once the comment period is completed, the intergovernmental review is evaluated by the STC board and approved, approved with comments, or disapproved. Incomplete packages submitted for review will be delayed until all necessary materials are available to STC. STC staff will contact the engineer/designer/ highest elected official/project manager if there are any questions relating to the intergovernmental review.
The intergovernmental review packet submitted to STC must include:
1. FEDERAL FORM 424 (Box 16 must be completed)
2. PROJECT SUMMARY DESCRIBING PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
3. CERTIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATION REVIEW PACKAGE
4. SITE LOCATION MAP (For construction projects only)
5. PROJECT INFORMATION FORM (For construction projects only)
Review Timeline
STC Board meetings occur on the third Thursday of each month. The Intergovernmental review materials are presented to the board, along with any local/staff comments. Then the board will make a final determination on the IGOR. Applicants will typically receive written notification of intergovernmental review findings in the week following the board meeting.
The intergovernmental review response may include comments deemed appropriate by the board; some examples are illustrated below for clarity.
“Comment: it is a good research project”
“Comment: it is recommended that the project incorporate elements that protect against damage from future floods and mitigate drainage impacts beyond the minimum requirements for floodplain and stormwater permits.”
“Comment: that NYS DOT and County DPW be informed during the remainder of this project.”
“Comment – there was a concern over the boundaries of this project and low water pressure on the west side. Those issued have been resolved, and the boundaries of the district were engineered so everyone in the district would have a PSF of 40+. Low pressure will not be a problem on the west boundary.”