Specific duties. As part of its role in the NEPA process, the grantee agency must:

(a) Work closely with OJP on the development and review of the environmental documents, and follow the NEPA process, with the full participation of OJP.

(b) Issue the documents for public comment jointly with OJP.

(c) Solicit comment from other state and federal agencies, interested organizations, and the public.

(d) Refrain from purchasing land, beginning bidding process, or starting construction on any project until all environmental work has been completed.

(e) Complete a project Status Report form for all projects under construction or completed prior to the effective date of this subpart.

(f) Ensure that appropriate environmental analysis, as determined by OJP, is completed for all projects and that appropriate alternatives are considered and mitigation measures are implemented to reduce the impact of identified environmental impacts, if any.

(g) Identify and inform OJP of all applicable state and local environmental impact review requirements.

(h) Notify all subgrantees of the requirements of this subpart in the initial planning and site selection phase.