[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2364 Reported in Senate (RS)]





                                                       Calendar No. 575

105th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 2364

                          [Report No. 105-332]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

 To reauthorize and make reforms to programs authorized by the Public 
              Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.

_______________________________________________________________________

                           September 14, 1998

                       Reported without amendment





                                                       Calendar No. 575
105th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2364

                          [Report No. 105-332]

 To reauthorize and make reforms to programs authorized by the Public 
              Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             July 28, 1998

    Mr. Chafee (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Warner, Ms. Snowe, Mr. 
  Kempthorne, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Moynihan, Mr. Reid, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. 
Lugar, Mr. Hollings, Ms. Collins, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. D'Amato, Mr. Robb, 
  Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Reed, Mr. 
   Santorum, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Johnson, Mr. 
 Cleland, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Faircloth, Mr. Wellstone, Mrs. 
    Murray, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Ford, and Mr. Bingaman) introduced the 
 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on 
                      Environment and Public Works

                           September 14, 1998

               Reported by Mr. Chafee, without amendment

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To reauthorize and make reforms to programs authorized by the Public 
              Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Economic 
Development Administration Reform Act of 1998''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Reauthorization of Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
                            1965.
Sec. 3. Conforming amendment.
Sec. 4. Transition provisions.
Sec. 5. Effective date.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 
              1965.

    (a) Titles I Through VI.--Titles I through VI of the Public Works 
and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) are 
amended to read as follows:

``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    ``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `Public Works and 
Economic Development Act of 1965'.
    ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as 
follows:

``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Findings and declarations.
``Sec. 3. Definitions.
     ``TITLE I--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS COOPERATION AND 
                              COORDINATION

``Sec. 101. Establishment of economic development partnerships.
``Sec. 102. Cooperation of Federal agencies.
``Sec. 103. Coordination.
      ``TITLE II--GRANTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

``Sec. 201. Grants for public works and economic development.
``Sec. 202. Base closings and realignments.
``Sec. 203. Grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses.
``Sec. 204. Cost sharing.
``Sec. 205. Supplementary grants.
``Sec. 206. Regulations on relative needs and allocations.
``Sec. 207. Grants for training, research, and technical assistance.
``Sec. 208. Prevention of unfair competition.
``Sec. 209. Grants for economic adjustment.
``Sec. 210. Changed project circumstances.
``Sec. 211. Use of funds in projects constructed under projected cost.
``Sec. 212. Reports by recipients.
``Sec. 213. Prohibition on use of funds for attorney's and consultant's 
                            fees.
``TITLE III--ELIGIBILITY; COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

``Sec. 301. Eligibility of areas.
``Sec. 302. Comprehensive economic development strategies.
               ``TITLE IV--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

``Sec. 401. Designation of economic development districts.
``Sec. 402. Termination or modification of economic development 
                            districts.
``Sec. 403. Incentives.
``Sec. 404. Provision of comprehensive economic development strategies 
                            to Appalachian Regional Commission.
``Sec. 405. Assistance to parts of economic development districts not 
                            in eligible areas.
                       ``TITLE V--ADMINISTRATION

``Sec. 501. Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.
``Sec. 502. Economic development information clearinghouse.
``Sec. 503. Consultation with other persons and agencies.
``Sec. 504. Administration, operation, and maintenance.
``Sec. 505. Businesses desiring Federal contracts.
``Sec. 506. Review of university centers.
                       ``TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

``Sec. 601. Powers of Secretary.
``Sec. 602. Maintenance of standards.
``Sec. 603. Annual report to Congress.
``Sec. 604. Delegation of functions and transfer of funds among Federal 
                            agencies.
``Sec. 605. Penalties.
``Sec. 606. Employment of expediters and administrative employees.
``Sec. 607. Maintenance and public inspection of list of approved 
                            applications for financial assistance.
``Sec. 608. Records and audits.
``Sec. 609. Relationship to assistance under other law.
``Sec. 610. Acceptance of certifications by applicants.
                          ``TITLE VII--FUNDING

``Sec. 701. General authorization of appropriations.
``Sec. 702. Authorization of appropriations for defense conversion 
                            activities.
``Sec. 703. Authorization of appropriations for disaster economic 
                            recovery activities.

``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS.

    ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            ``(1) while the economy of the United States is undergoing 
        a sustained period of economic growth resulting in low 
        unemployment and increasing incomes, there continue to be areas 
        suffering economic distress in the form of high unemployment, 
        low incomes, underemployment, and outmigration as well as areas 
        facing sudden economic dislocations due to industrial 
        restructuring and relocation, defense base closures and 
        procurement cutbacks, certain Federal actions (including 
        environmental requirements that result in the removal of 
        economic activities from a locality), and natural disasters;
            ``(2) as the economy of the United States continues to 
        grow, those distressed areas contain significant human and 
        infrastructure resources that are underused;
            ``(3) expanding international trade and the increasing pace 
        of technological innovation offer both a challenge and an 
        opportunity to the distressed communities of the United States;
            ``(4) while economic development is an inherently local 
        process, the Federal Government should work in partnership with 
        public and private local, regional, and State organizations to 
        ensure that existing resources are not wasted and all Americans 
        have an opportunity to participate in the economic growth of 
        the United States;
            ``(5) in order to avoid wasteful duplication of effort and 
        to limit the burden on distressed communities, Federal, State, 
        and local economic development activities should be better 
        planned and coordinated and Federal program requirements should 
        be simplified and made more consistent;
            ``(6) the goal of Federal economic development activities 
        should be to work in partnership with local, regional, and 
        State public and private organizations to support the 
        development of private sector businesses and jobs in distressed 
        communities; and
            ``(7) Federal economic development efforts will be more 
        effective if they are coordinated with, and build upon, the 
        trade and technology programs of the United States.
    ``(b) Declarations.--Congress declares that, in order to promote a 
strong and growing economy throughout the United States--
            ``(1) assistance under this Act should be made available to 
        both rural and urban distressed communities;
            ``(2) local communities should work in partnership with 
        neighboring communities, the States, and the Federal Government 
        to increase their capacity to develop and implement 
        comprehensive economic development strategies to address 
        existing, or deter impending, economic distress; and
            ``(3) whether suffering from long-term distress or a sudden 
        dislocation, distressed communities should be encouraged to 
        take advantage of the development opportunities afforded by 
        technological innovation and expanding and newly opened global 
        markets.

``SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this Act:
            ``(1) Comprehensive economic development strategy.--The 
        term `comprehensive economic development strategy' means a 
        comprehensive economic development strategy approved by the 
        Secretary under section 302.
            ``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the 
        Department of Commerce.
            ``(3) Economic development district.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `economic development 
                district' means any area in the United States that--
                            ``(i) is composed of areas described in 
                        section 301(a) and, to the extent appropriate, 
                        neighboring counties or communities; and
                            ``(ii) has been designated by the Secretary 
                        as an economic development district under 
                        section 401.
                    ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `economic development 
                district' includes any economic development district 
                designated by the Secretary under section 403 (as in 
                effect on the day before the effective date of the 
                Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 
                1998).
            ``(4) Eligible recipient.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible recipient' 
                means--
                            ``(i) an area described in section 301(a);
                            ``(ii) an economic development district;
                            ``(iii) an Indian tribe;
                            ``(iv) a State;
                            ``(v) a city or other political subdivision 
                        of a State or a consortium of political 
                        subdivisions;
                            ``(vi) an institution of higher education 
                        or a consortium of institutions of higher 
                        education; or
                            ``(vii) a public or private nonprofit 
                        organization or association acting in 
                        cooperation with officials of a political 
                        subdivision of a State.
                    ``(B) Training, research, and technical assistance 
                grants.--In the case of grants under section 207, the 
                term `eligible recipient' also includes private 
                individuals and for-profit organizations.
            ``(5) Federal agency.--The term `Federal agency' means a 
        department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States.
            ``(6) Grant.--The term `grant' includes a cooperative 
        agreement (within the meaning of chapter 63 of title 31, United 
        States Code).
            ``(7) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' means an 
        Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, 
        or community that the Secretary of the Interior recognizes as 
        an Indian tribe under section 104 of the Federally Recognized 
        Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a-1).
            ``(8) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
        of Commerce.
            ``(9) State.--The term `State' means a State, the District 
        of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
        Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern 
        Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the 
        Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
            ``(10) United states.--The term `United States' means all 
        of the States.

     ``TITLE I--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS COOPERATION AND 
                              COORDINATION

``SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS.

    ``(a) In General.--In providing assistance under this title, the 
Secretary shall cooperate with States and other entities to ensure 
that, consistent with national objectives, Federal programs are 
compatible with and further the objectives of State, regional, and 
local economic development plans and comprehensive economic development 
strategies.
    ``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide such 
technical assistance to States, political subdivisions of States, sub-
State regional organizations (including organizations that cross State 
boundaries), and multi-State regional organizations as the Secretary 
determines is appropriate to--
            ``(1) alleviate economic distress;
            ``(2) encourage and support public-private partnerships for 
        the formation and improvement of economic development 
        strategies that sustain and promote economic development across 
        the United States; and
            ``(3) promote investment in infrastructure and 
        technological capacity to keep pace with the changing global 
        economy.
    ``(c) Intergovernmental Review.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
regulations to ensure that appropriate State and local government 
agencies have been given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment 
on proposed projects under this title that the Secretary determines may 
have a significant direct impact on the economy of the area.
    ``(d) Cooperation Agreements.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a 
        cooperation agreement with any 2 or more adjoining States, or 
        an organization of any 2 or more adjoining States, in support 
        of effective economic development.
            ``(2) Participation.--Each cooperation agreement shall 
        provide for suitable participation by other governmental and 
        nongovernmental entities that are representative of significant 
        interests in and perspectives on economic development in an 
        area.

``SEC. 102. COOPERATION OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.

    ``In accordance with applicable laws and subject to the 
availability of appropriations, each Federal agency shall exercise its 
powers, duties and functions, and shall cooperate with the Secretary, 
in such manner as will assist the Secretary in carrying out this title.

``SEC. 103. COORDINATION.

    ``The Secretary shall coordinate activities relating to the 
preparation and implementation of comprehensive economic development 
strategies under this Act with Federal agencies carrying out other 
Federal programs, States, economic development districts, and other 
appropriate planning and development organizations.

      ``TITLE II--GRANTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

``SEC. 201. GRANTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

    ``(a) In General.--On the application of an eligible recipient, the 
Secretary may make grants for--
            ``(1) acquisition or development of land and improvements 
        for use for a public works, public service, or development 
        facility; and
            ``(2) acquisition, design and engineering, construction, 
        rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such a 
        facility, including related machinery and equipment.
    ``(b) Criteria for Grant.--The Secretary may make a grant under 
this section only if the Secretary determines that--
            ``(1) the project for which the grant is applied for will, 
        directly or indirectly--
                    ``(A) improve the opportunities, in the area where 
                the project is or will be located, for the successful 
                establishment or expansion of industrial or commercial 
                plants or facilities;
                    ``(B) assist in the creation of additional long-
                term employment opportunities in the area; or
                    ``(C) primarily benefit the long-term unemployed 
                and members of low-income families;
            ``(2) the project for which the grant is applied for will 
        fulfill a pressing need of the area, or a part of the area, in 
        which the project is or will be located; and
            ``(3) the area for which the project is to be carried out 
        has a comprehensive economic development strategy and the 
        project is consistent with the strategy.
    ``(c) Maximum Assistance for Each State.--Not more than 15 percent 
of the amounts made available to carry out this section may be expended 
in any 1 State.

``SEC. 202. BASE CLOSINGS AND REALIGNMENTS.

    ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may 
provide to an eligible recipient any assistance available under this 
title for a project to be carried out on a military or Department of 
Energy installation that is closed or scheduled for closure or 
realignment without requiring that the eligible recipient have title to 
the property or a leasehold interest in the property for any specified 
term.

``SEC. 203. GRANTS FOR PLANNING AND GRANTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

    ``(a) In General.--On the application of an eligible recipient, the 
Secretary may make grants to pay the costs of economic development 
planning and the administrative expenses of organizations that carry 
out the planning.
    ``(b) Planning Process.--Planning assisted under this title shall 
be a continuous process involving public officials and private citizens 
in--
            ``(1) analyzing local economies;
            ``(2) defining economic development goals;
            ``(3) determining project opportunities; and
            ``(4) formulating and implementing an economic development 
        program that includes systematic efforts to reduce unemployment 
        and increase incomes.
    ``(c) Use of Planning Assistance.--Planning assistance under this 
title shall be used in conjunction with any other available Federal 
planning assistance to ensure adequate and effective planning and 
economical use of funds.
    ``(d) State Plans.--
            ``(1) Development.--Any State plan developed with 
        assistance under this section shall be developed cooperatively 
        by the State, political subdivisions of the State, and the 
        economic development districts located wholly or partially in 
        the State.
            ``(2) Comprehensive economic development strategy.--As a 
        condition of receipt of assistance for a State plan under this 
        subsection, the State shall have or develop a comprehensive 
        economic development strategy.
            ``(3) Certification to the secretary.--On completion of a 
        State plan developed with assistance under this section, the 
        State shall--
                    ``(A) certify to the Secretary that, in the 
                development of the State plan, local and economic 
                development district plans were considered and, to the 
                maximum extent practicable, the State plan is 
                consistent with the local and economic development 
                district plans; and
                    ``(B) identify any inconsistencies between the 
                State plan and the local and economic development 
                district plans and provide a justification for each 
                inconsistency.
            ``(4) Comprehensive planning process.--Any overall State 
        economic development planning assisted under this section shall 
        be a part of a comprehensive planning process that shall 
        consider the provision of public works to--
                    ``(A) promote economic development and opportunity;
                    ``(B) foster effective transportation access;
                    ``(C) enhance and protect the environment; and
                    ``(D) balance resources through the sound 
                management of physical development.
            ``(5) Report to secretary.--Each State that receives 
        assistance for the development of a plan under this subsection 
        shall submit to the Secretary an annual report on the planning 
        process assisted under this subsection.

``SEC. 204. COST SHARING.

    ``(a) Federal Share.--Subject to section 205, the amount of a grant 
for a project under this title shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost 
of the project.
    ``(b) Non-Federal Share.--In determining the amount of the non-
Federal share of the cost of a project, the Secretary may provide 
credit toward the non-Federal share for all contributions both in cash 
and in-kind, fairly evaluated, including contributions of space, 
equipment, and services.

``SEC. 205. SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS.

    ``(a) Definition of Designated Federal Grant Program.--In this 
section, the term `designated Federal grant program' means any Federal 
grant program that--
            ``(1) provides assistance in the construction or equipping 
        of public works, public service, or development facilities;
            ``(2) the Secretary designates as eligible for an 
        allocation of funds under this section; and
            ``(3) assists projects that are--
                    ``(A) eligible for assistance under this title; and
                    ``(B) consistent with a comprehensive economic 
                development strategy.
    ``(b) Supplementary Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--On the application of an eligible 
        recipient, the Secretary may make a supplementary grant for a 
        project for which the eligible recipient is eligible but, 
        because of the eligible recipient's economic situation, for 
        which the eligible recipient cannot provide the required non-
        Federal share.
            ``(2) Purposes of grants.--Supplementary grants under 
        paragraph (1) may be made for purposes that shall include 
        enabling eligible recipients to use--
                    ``(A) designated Federal grant programs; and
                    ``(B) direct grants authorized under this title.
    ``(c) Requirements Applicable to Supplementary Grants.--
            ``(1) Amount of supplementary grants.--Subject to paragraph 
        (4), the amount of a supplementary grant under this title for a 
        project shall not exceed the applicable percentage of the cost 
        of the project established by regulations promulgated by the 
        Secretary, except that the non-Federal share of the cost of a 
        project (including assumptions of debt) shall not be less than 
        20 percent.
            ``(2) Form of supplementary grants.--In accordance with 
        such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate, the Secretary 
        shall make supplementary grants by increasing the amounts of 
        grants authorized under this title or by the payment of funds 
        made available under this Act to the heads of the Federal 
        agencies responsible for carrying out the applicable Federal 
        programs.
            ``(3) Federal share limitations specified in other laws.--
        Notwithstanding any requirement as to the amount or source of 
        non-Federal funds that may be applicable to a Federal program, 
        funds provided under this section may be used to increase the 
        Federal share for specific projects under the program that are 
        carried out in areas described in section 301(a) above the 
        Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by the law 
        governing the program.
            ``(4) Lower non-federal share.--
                    ``(A) Indian tribes.--In the case of a grant to an 
                Indian tribe, the Secretary may reduce the non-Federal 
                share below the percentage specified in paragraph (1) 
                or may waive the non-Federal share.
                    ``(B) Certain states, political subdivisions, and 
                nonprofit organizations.--In the case of a grant to a 
                State, or a political subdivision of a State, that the 
                Secretary determines has exhausted its effective taxing 
                and borrowing capacity, or in the case of a grant to a 
                nonprofit organization that the Secretary determines 
                has exhausted its effective borrowing capacity, the 
                Secretary may reduce the non-Federal share below the 
                percentage specified in paragraph (1).

``SEC. 206. REGULATIONS ON RELATIVE NEEDS AND ALLOCATIONS.

    ``In promulgating rules, regulations, and procedures for assistance 
under this title, the Secretary shall ensure that--
            ``(1) the relative needs of eligible areas are given 
        adequate consideration by the Secretary, as determined based 
        on, among other relevant factors--
                    ``(A) the severity of the rates of unemployment in 
                the eligible areas and the duration of the 
                unemployment;
                    ``(B) the income levels and the extent of 
                underemployment in eligible areas; and
                    ``(C) the outmigration of population from eligible 
                areas and the extent to which the outmigration is 
                causing economic injury in the eligible areas; and
            ``(2) allocations of assistance under this title are 
        prioritized to ensure that the level of economic distress of an 
        area, rather than a preference for a geographic area or a 
        specific type of economic distress, is the primary factor in 
        allocating the assistance.

``SEC. 207. GRANTS FOR TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) Grants.--On the application of an eligible recipient, 
        the Secretary may make grants for training, research, and 
        technical assistance, including grants for program evaluation 
        and economic impact analyses, that would be useful in 
        alleviating or preventing conditions of excessive unemployment 
        or underemployment.
            ``(2) Types of assistance.--Grants under paragraph (1) may 
        be used for--
                    ``(A) project planning and feasibility studies;
                    ``(B) demonstrations of innovative activities or 
                strategic economic development investments;
                    ``(C) management and operational assistance;
                    ``(D) establishment of university centers;
                    ``(E) establishment of business outreach centers;
                    ``(F) studies evaluating the needs of, and 
                development potential for, economic growth of areas 
                that the Secretary determines have substantial need for 
                the assistance; and
                    ``(G) other activities determined by the Secretary 
                to be appropriate.
            ``(3) Reduction or waiver of non-federal share.--In the 
        case of a project assisted under this section, the Secretary 
        may reduce or waive the non-Federal share, without regard to 
        section 204 or 205, if the Secretary finds that the project is 
        not feasible without, and merits, such a reduction or waiver.
    ``(b) Methods of Provision of Assistance.--In providing research 
and technical assistance under this section, the Secretary, in addition 
to making grants under subsection (a), may--
            ``(1) provide research and technical assistance through 
        officers or employees of the Department;
            ``(2) pay funds made available to carry out this section to 
        Federal agencies; or
            ``(3) employ private individuals, partnerships, businesses, 
        corporations, or appropriate institutions under contracts 
        entered into for that purpose.

``SEC. 208. PREVENTION OF UNFAIR COMPETITION.

    ``No financial assistance under this Act shall be extended to any 
project when the result would be to increase the production of goods, 
materials, or commodities, or the availability of services or 
facilities, when there is not sufficient demand for such goods, 
materials, commodities, services, or facilities, to employ the 
efficient capacity of existing competitive commercial or industrial 
enterprises.

``SEC. 209. GRANTS FOR ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT.

    ``(a) In General.--On the application of an eligible recipient, the 
Secretary may make grants for development of public facilities, public 
services, business development (including funding of a revolving loan 
fund), planning, technical assistance, training, and any other 
assistance to alleviate long-term economic deterioration and sudden and 
severe economic dislocation and further the economic adjustment 
objectives of this title.
    ``(b) Criteria for Assistance.--The Secretary may provide 
assistance under this section only if the Secretary determines that--
            ``(1) the project will help the area to meet a special need 
        arising from--
                    ``(A) actual or threatened severe unemployment; or
                    ``(B) economic adjustment problems resulting from 
                severe changes in economic conditions; and
            ``(2) the area for which a project is to be carried out has 
        a comprehensive economic development strategy and the project 
        is consistent with the strategy, except that this paragraph 
        shall not apply to planning projects.
    ``(c) Particular Community Assistance.--Assistance under this 
section may include assistance provided for activities identified by 
communities, the economies of which are injured by--
            ``(1) military base closures or realignments, defense 
        contractor reductions in force, or Department of Energy 
        defense-related funding reductions, for help in diversifying 
        their economies through projects to be carried out on Federal 
        Government installations or elsewhere in the communities;
            ``(2) disasters or emergencies, in areas with respect to 
        which a major disaster or emergency has been declared under the 
        Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act 
        (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), for post-disaster economic recovery; 
        or
            ``(3) international trade, for help in economic 
        restructuring of the communities.
    ``(d) Direct Expenditure or Redistribution by Recipient.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), an eligible 
        recipient of a grant under this section may directly expend the 
        grant funds or may redistribute the funds to public and private 
        entities in the form of a grant, loan, loan guarantee, payment 
        to reduce interest on a loan guarantee, or other appropriate 
        assistance.
            ``(2) Limitation.--Under paragraph (1), an eligible 
        recipient may not provide any grant to a private for-profit 
        entity.

``SEC. 210. CHANGED PROJECT CIRCUMSTANCES.

    ``In any case in which a grant (including a supplementary grant 
described in section 205) has been made by the Secretary under this 
title (or made under this Act, as in effect on the day before the 
effective date of the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 
1998) for a project, and, after the grant has been made but before 
completion of the project, the purpose or scope of the project that was 
the basis of the grant is modified, the Secretary may approve the use 
of grant funds for the modified project if the Secretary determines 
that--
            ``(1) the modified project meets the requirements of this 
        title and is consistent with the comprehensive economic 
        development strategy submitted as part of the application for 
        the grant; and
            ``(2) the modifications are necessary to enhance economic 
        development in the area for which the project is being carried 
        out.

``SEC. 211. USE OF FUNDS IN PROJECTS CONSTRUCTED UNDER PROJECTED COST.

    ``In any case in which a grant (including a supplementary grant 
described in section 205) has been made by the Secretary under this 
title (or made under this Act, as in effect on the day before the 
effective date of the Economic Development Administration Reform Act of 
1998) for a construction project, and, after the grant has been made 
but before completion of the project, the cost of the project based on 
the designs and specifications that was the basis of the grant has 
decreased because of decreases in costs--
            ``(1) the Secretary may approve the use of the excess funds 
        or a portion of the funds to improve the project; and
            ``(2) any amount of excess funds remaining after 
        application of paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the general 
        fund of the Treasury.

``SEC. 212. REPORTS BY RECIPIENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--Each recipient of assistance under this title 
shall submit reports to the Secretary at such intervals and in such 
manner as the Secretary shall require by regulation, except that no 
report shall be required to be submitted more than 10 years after the 
date of closeout of the assistance award.
    ``(b) Contents.--Each report shall contain an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of the economic assistance provided under this title in 
meeting the need that the assistance was designed to address and in 
meeting the objectives of this Act.

``SEC. 213. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR ATTORNEY'S AND CONSULTANT'S 
              FEES.

    ``Assistance made available under this title shall not be used 
directly or indirectly for an attorney's or consultant's fee incurred 
in connection with obtaining grants and contracts under this title.

``TITLE III--ELIGIBILITY; COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES

``SEC. 301. ELIGIBILITY OF AREAS.

    ``(a) In General.--For a project to be eligible for assistance 
under section 201 or 209, the project shall be located in an area that, 
on the date of submission of the application, meets 1 or more of the 
following criteria:
            ``(1) Low per capita income.--The area has a per capita 
        income of 80 percent or less of the national average.
            ``(2) Unemployment rate above national average.--The area 
        has an unemployment rate that is, for the most recent 24-month 
        period for which data are available, at least 1 percent greater 
        than the national average unemployment rate.
            ``(3) Unemployment or economic adjustment problems.--The 
        area is an area that the Secretary determines has experienced 
        or is about to experience a special need arising from actual or 
        threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems 
        resulting from severe short-term or long-term changes in 
        economic conditions.
    ``(b) Political Boundaries of Areas.--An area that meets 1 or more 
of the criteria of subsection (a), including a small area of poverty or 
high unemployment within a larger community in less economic distress, 
shall be eligible for assistance under section 201 or 209 without 
regard to political or other subdivisions or boundaries.
    ``(c) Documentation.--
            ``(1) In general.--A determination of eligibility under 
        subsection (a) shall be supported by the most recent Federal 
        data available, or, if no recent Federal data is available, by 
        the most recent data available through the government of the 
        State in which the area is located.
            ``(2) Acceptance by secretary.--The documentation shall be 
        accepted by the Secretary unless the Secretary determines that 
        the documentation is inaccurate.
    ``(d) Prior Designations.--Any designation of a redevelopment area 
made before the effective date of the Economic Development 
Administration Reform Act of 1998 shall not be effective after that 
effective date.

``SEC. 302. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may provide assistance under 
section 201 or 209 (except for planning assistance under section 209) 
to an eligible recipient for a project only if the eligible recipient 
submits to the Secretary, as part of an application for the 
assistance--
            ``(1) an identification of the economic development 
        problems to be addressed using the assistance;
            ``(2) an identification of the past, present, and projected 
        future economic development investments in the area receiving 
        the assistance and public and private participants and sources 
        of funding for the investments; and
            ``(3)(A) a comprehensive economic development strategy for 
        addressing the economic problems identified under paragraph (1) 
        in a manner that promotes economic development and opportunity, 
        fosters effective transportation access, enhances and protects 
        the environment, and balances resources through sound 
        management of development; and
            ``(B) a description of how the strategy will solve the 
        problems.
    ``(b) Approval of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.--The 
Secretary shall approve a comprehensive economic development strategy 
that meets the requirements of subsection (a).
    ``(c) Approval of Other Plan.--The Secretary may accept as a 
comprehensive economic development strategy a satisfactory plan 
developed under another federally supported program.

               ``TITLE IV--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

``SEC. 401. DESIGNATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS.

    ``(a) In General.--In order that economic development projects of 
broad geographic significance may be planned and carried out, the 
Secretary may designate appropriate economic development districts in 
the United States, with the concurrence of the States in which the 
districts will be wholly or partially located, if--
            ``(1) the proposed district is of sufficient size or 
        population, and contains sufficient resources, to foster 
        economic development on a scale involving more than a single 
        area described in section 301(a);
            ``(2) the proposed district contains at least 1 area 
        described in section 301(a); and
            ``(3) the proposed district has a comprehensive economic 
        development strategy that--
                    ``(A) contains a specific program for intra-
                district cooperation, self-help, and public investment; 
                and
                    ``(B) is approved by each affected State and by the 
                Secretary.
    ``(b) Authorities.--The Secretary may, under regulations 
promulgated by the Secretary--
            ``(1) invite the States to determine boundaries for 
        proposed economic development districts;
            ``(2) cooperate with the States--
                    ``(A) in sponsoring and assisting district economic 
                planning and economic development groups; and
                    ``(B) in assisting the district groups in 
                formulating comprehensive economic development 
                strategies for districts; and
            ``(3) encourage participation by appropriate local 
        government entities in the economic development districts.

``SEC. 402. TERMINATION OR MODIFICATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
              DISTRICTS.

    ``The Secretary shall, by regulation, promulgate standards for the 
termination or modification of the designation of economic development 
districts.

``SEC. 403. INCENTIVES.

    ``(a) In General.--Subject to the non-Federal share requirement 
under section 205(c)(1), the Secretary may increase the amount of grant 
assistance for a project in an economic development district by an 
amount that does not exceed 10 percent of the cost of the project, in 
accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall promulgate, 
if--
            ``(1) the project applicant is actively participating in 
        the economic development activities of the district; and
            ``(2) the project is consistent with the comprehensive 
        economic development strategy of the district.
    ``(b) Review of Incentive System.--In promulgating regulations 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall review the current incentive 
system to ensure that the system is administered in the most direct and 
effective manner to achieve active participation by project applicants 
in the economic development activities of economic development 
districts.

``SEC. 404. PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 
              TO APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION.

    ``If any part of an economic development district is in the 
Appalachian region (as defined in section 403 of the Appalachian 
Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C. App.)), the economic 
development district shall ensure that a copy of the comprehensive 
economic development strategy of the district is provided to the 
Appalachian Regional Commission established under that Act.

``SEC. 405. ASSISTANCE TO PARTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS NOT 
              IN ELIGIBLE AREAS.

    ``Notwithstanding section 301, the Secretary may provide such 
assistance as is available under this Act for a project in a part of an 
economic development district that is not in an area described in 
section 301(a), if the project will be of a substantial direct benefit 
to an area described in section 301(a) that is located in the district.

                       ``TITLE V--ADMINISTRATION

``SEC. 501. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out this Act through 
an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, to be 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate.
    ``(b) Compensation.--The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
Economic Development shall be compensated at the rate payable for level 
IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
States Code.
    ``(c) Duties.--The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic 
Development shall carry out such duties as the Secretary shall require 
and shall serve as the administrator of the Economic Development 
Administration of the Department.

``SEC. 502. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE.

    ``In carrying out this Act, the Secretary shall--
            ``(1) maintain a central information clearinghouse on 
        matters relating to economic development, economic adjustment, 
        disaster recovery, defense conversion, and trade adjustment 
        programs and activities of the Federal and State governments, 
        including political subdivisions of States;
            ``(2) assist potential and actual applicants for economic 
        development, economic adjustment, disaster recovery, defense 
        conversion, and trade adjustment assistance under Federal, 
        State, and local laws in locating and applying for the 
        assistance; and
            ``(3) assist areas described in section 301(a) and other 
        areas by providing to interested persons, communities, 
        industries, and businesses in the areas any technical 
        information, market research, or other forms of assistance, 
        information, or advice that would be useful in alleviating or 
        preventing conditions of excessive unemployment or 
        underemployment in the areas.

``SEC. 503. CONSULTATION WITH OTHER PERSONS AND AGENCIES.

    ``(a) Consultation on Problems Relating to Employment.--The 
Secretary may consult with any persons, including representatives of 
labor, management, agriculture, and government, who can assist in 
addressing the problems of area and regional unemployment or 
underemployment.
    ``(b) Consultation on Administration of Act.--The Secretary may 
provide for such consultation with interested Federal agencies as the 
Secretary determines to be appropriate in the performance of the duties 
of the Secretary under this Act.

``SEC. 504. ADMINISTRATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE.

    ``The Secretary shall approve Federal assistance under this Act 
only if the Secretary is satisfied that the project for which Federal 
assistance is granted will be properly and efficiently administered, 
operated, and maintained.

``SEC. 505. BUSINESSES DESIRING FEDERAL CONTRACTS.

    ``The Secretary may provide the procurement divisions of Federal 
agencies with a list consisting of--
            ``(1) the names and addresses of businesses that are 
        located in areas described in section 301(a) and that wish to 
        obtain Federal Government contracts for the provision of 
        supplies or services; and
            ``(2) the supplies and services that each business 
        provides.

``SEC. 506. REVIEW OF UNIVERSITY CENTERS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of each 
university center that receives grant assistance under this Act to 
assess the center's performance and contribution toward retention and 
creation of employment.
    ``(b) Purpose of Reviews.--The purpose of the reviews under 
subsection (a) shall be to determine which university centers are 
performing well and are worthy of continued grant assistance under this 
Act, and which should not receive continued assistance, so that 
university centers that have not previously received assistance may 
receive assistance.
    ``(c) Timing of Reviews.--Reviews under subsection (a) shall be 
conducted on a continuing basis so that each university center is 
reviewed within 3 years after the first award of grant assistance to 
the center after the effective date of the Economic Development 
Administration Reform Act of 1998, and at least once every 3 years 
thereafter, so long as the university center receives the assistance.
    ``(d) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish criteria for use in 
conducting reviews under subsection (a), which criteria shall, at a 
minimum, provide for an assessment of each university center's--
            ``(1) contribution to providing technical assistance or 
        conducting applied research; and
            ``(2) dissemination of the results of the activities of the 
        center assisted under this Act.

                       ``TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS

``SEC. 601. POWERS OF SECRETARY.

    ``(a) In General.--In carrying out the duties of the Secretary 
under this Act, the Secretary may--
            ``(1) adopt, alter, and use a seal, which shall be 
        judicially noticed;
            ``(2) subject to the civil service and classification laws, 
        select, employ, appoint, and fix the compensation of such 
        personnel as are necessary to carry out this Act;
            ``(3) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
        places, and take such testimony, as the Secretary determines to 
        be appropriate;
            ``(4) request directly, from any Federal agency, board, 
        commission, office, or independent establishment, such 
        information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics as the 
        Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this Act (and 
        each Federal agency, board, commission, office, or independent 
        establishment may provide such information, suggestions, 
        estimates, and statistics directly to the Secretary);
            ``(5) consistent with chapter 37 of title 31, United States 
        Code, under regulations promulgated by the Secretary--
                    ``(A) assign or sell at public or private sale, or 
                otherwise dispose of for cash or credit, in the 
                Secretary's discretion and on such terms and conditions 
                and for such consideration as the Secretary determines 
                to be reasonable, any evidence of debt, contract, 
                claim, personal property, or security assigned to or 
                held by the Secretary in connection with assistance 
                provided under this Act; and
                    ``(B) collect or compromise all obligations 
                assigned to or held by the Secretary in connection with 
                that assistance until such time as the obligations are 
                referred to the Attorney General for suit or 
                collection;
            ``(6) deal with, complete, renovate, improve, modernize, 
        insure, rent, or sell for cash or credit, on such terms and 
        conditions and for such consideration as the Secretary 
        determines to be reasonable, any real or personal property 
        conveyed to or otherwise acquired by the Secretary in 
        connection with assistance provided under this Act;
            ``(7) consistent with chapter 37 of title 31, United States 
        Code, pursue to final collection, by means of compromise or 
        other administrative action, before referral to the Attorney 
        General, all claims against third parties assigned to the 
        Secretary in connection with assistance provided under this 
        Act;
            ``(8) acquire, in any lawful manner, any property (real, 
        personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible), to the extent 
        appropriate in connection with assistance provided under this 
        Act;
            ``(9) in addition to any powers, functions, privileges, and 
        immunities otherwise vested in the Secretary, take any action, 
        including the procurement of the services of attorneys by 
        contract, determined by the Secretary to be necessary or 
        desirable in making, purchasing, servicing, compromising, 
        modifying, liquidating, or otherwise administratively dealing 
        with assets held in connection with financial assistance 
        provided under this Act;
            ``(10)(A) employ experts and consultants or organizations 
        as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, 
        except that contracts for such employment may be renewed 
        annually;
            ``(B) compensate individuals so employed, including 
        compensation for travel time; and
            ``(C) allow individuals so employed, while away from their 
        homes or regular places of business, travel expenses, including 
        per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 
        of title 5, United States Code, for persons employed 
        intermittently in the Federal Government service;
            ``(11) establish performance measures for grants and other 
        assistance provided under this Act, and use the performance 
        measures to evaluate the economic impact of economic 
        development assistance programs under this Act, which 
        establishment and use of performance measures shall be provided 
        by the Secretary through--
                    ``(A) officers or employees of the Department;
                    ``(B) the employment of persons under contracts 
                entered into for such purposes; or
                    ``(C) grants to persons, using funds made available 
                to carry out this Act;
            ``(12) conduct environmental reviews and incur necessary 
        expenses to evaluate and monitor the environmental impact of 
        economic development assistance provided and proposed to be 
        provided under this Act, including expenses associated with the 
        representation and defense of the actions of the Secretary 
        relating to the environmental impact of the assistance, using 
        any funds made available to carry out section 207;
            ``(13) sue and be sued in any court of record of a State 
        having general jurisdiction or in any United States district 
        court, except that no attachment, injunction, garnishment, or 
        other similar process, mesne or final, shall be issued against 
        the Secretary or the property of the Secretary; and
            ``(14) establish such rules, regulations, and procedures as 
        the Secretary considers appropriate for carrying out this Act.
    ``(b) Deficiency Judgments.--The authority under subsection (a)(7) 
to pursue claims shall include the authority to obtain deficiency 
judgments or otherwise pursue claims relating to mortgages assigned to 
the Secretary.
    ``(c) Inapplicability of Certain Other Requirements.--Section 3709 
of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5) shall not apply to any contract 
of hazard insurance or to any purchase or contract for services or 
supplies on account of property obtained by the Secretary as a result 
of assistance provided under this Act if the premium for the insurance 
or the amount of the services or supplies does not exceed $1,000.
    ``(d) Property Interests.--
            ``(1) In general.--The powers of the Secretary under this 
        section, relating to property acquired by the Secretary in 
        connection with assistance provided under this Act, shall 
        extend to property interests of the Secretary relating to 
        projects approved under--
                    ``(A) this Act;
                    ``(B) title I of the Public Works Employment Act of 
                1976 (42 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.);
                    ``(C) title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 
                2251 et seq.); and
                    ``(D) the Community Emergency Drought Relief Act of 
                1977 (42 U.S.C. 5184 note; Public Law 95-31).
            ``(2) Release.--The Secretary may release, in whole or in 
        part, any property interest in connection with a grant after 
        the date that is 20 years after the date on which the grant was 
        awarded.
    ``(e) Powers of Conveyance and Execution.--The power to convey and 
to execute, in the name of the Secretary, deeds of conveyance, deeds of 
release, assignments and satisfactions of mortgages, and any other 
written instrument relating to real or personal property or any 
interest in such property acquired by the Secretary under this Act may 
be exercised by the Secretary, or by any officer or agent appointed by 
the Secretary for that purpose, without the execution of any express 
delegation of power or power of attorney.

``SEC. 603. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    ``Not later than July 1, 2000, and July 1 of each year thereafter, 
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a comprehensive and detailed 
annual report on the activities of the Secretary under this Act during 
the most recently completed fiscal year.

``SEC. 604. DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS AMONG FEDERAL 
              AGENCIES.

    ``(a) Delegation of Functions to Other Federal Agencies.--The 
Secretary may--
            ``(1) delegate to the heads of other Federal agencies such 
        functions, powers, and duties of the Secretary under this Act 
        as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
            ``(2) authorize the redelegation of the functions, powers, 
        and duties by the heads of the agencies.
    ``(b) Transfer of Funds to Other Federal Agencies.--Funds 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act may be transferred 
between Federal agencies, if the funds are used for the purposes for 
which the funds are specifically authorized and appropriated.
    ``(c) Transfer of Funds From Other Federal Agencies.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for the 
        purposes of this Act, the Secretary may accept transfers of 
        funds from other Federal agencies if the funds are used for the 
        purposes for which (and in accordance with the terms under 
        which) the funds are specifically authorized and appropriated.
            ``(2) Use of funds.--The transferred funds--
                    ``(A) shall remain available until expended; and
                    ``(B) may, to the extent necessary to carry out 
                this Act, be transferred to and merged by the Secretary 
                with the appropriations for salaries and expenses.

``SEC. 605. PENALTIES.

    ``(a) False Statements; Security Overvaluation.--A person that 
makes any statement that the person knows to be false, or willfully 
overvalues any security, for the purpose of--
            ``(1) obtaining for the person or for any applicant any 
        financial assistance under this Act or any extension of the 
        assistance by renewal, deferment, or action, or by any other 
        means, or the acceptance, release, or substitution of security 
        for the assistance;
            ``(2) influencing in any manner the action of the 
        Secretary; or
            ``(3) obtaining money, property, or any thing of value, 
        under this Act;
shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more 
than 5 years, or both.
    ``(b) Embezzlement and Fraud-Related Crimes.--A person that is 
connected in any capacity with the Secretary in the administration of 
this Act and that--
            ``(1) embezzles, abstracts, purloins, or willfully 
        misapplies any funds, securities, or other thing of value, that 
        is pledged or otherwise entrusted to the person;
            ``(2) with intent to defraud the Secretary or any other 
        person or entity, or to deceive any officer, auditor, or 
        examiner--
                    ``(A) makes any false entry in any book, report, or 
                statement of or to the Secretary; or
                    ``(B) without being duly authorized, draws any 
                order or issue, puts forth, or assigns any note, 
                debenture, bond, or other obligation, or draft, bill of 
                exchange, mortgage, judgment, or decree thereof;
            ``(3) with intent to defraud, participates or shares in or 
        receives directly or indirectly any money, profit, property, or 
        benefit through any transaction, loan, grant, commission, 
        contract, or any other act of the Secretary; or
            ``(4) gives any unauthorized information concerning any 
        future action or plan of the Secretary that might affect the 
        value of securities, or having such knowledge invests or 
        speculates, directly or indirectly, in the securities or 
        property of any company or corporation receiving loans, grants, 
        or other assistance from the Secretary;
shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more 
than 5 years, or both.

``SEC. 606. EMPLOYMENT OF EXPEDITERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES.

    ``Assistance shall not be provided by the Secretary under this Act 
to any business unless the owners, partners, or officers of the 
business--
            ``(1) certify to the Secretary the names of any attorneys, 
        agents, and other persons engaged by or on behalf of the 
        business for the purpose of expediting applications made to the 
        Secretary for assistance of any kind, under this Act, and the 
        fees paid or to be paid to the person for expediting the 
        applications; and
            ``(2) execute an agreement binding the business, for the 2-
        year period beginning on the date on which the assistance is 
        provided by the Secretary to the business, to refrain from 
        employing, offering any office or employment to, or retaining 
        for professional services, any person who, on the date on which 
        the assistance or any part of the assistance was provided, or 
        within the 1-year period ending on that date--
                    ``(A) served as an officer, attorney, agent, or 
                employee of the Department; and
                    ``(B) occupied a position or engaged in activities 
                that the Secretary determines involved discretion with 
                respect to the granting of assistance under this Act.

``SEC. 607. MAINTENANCE AND PUBLIC INSPECTION OF LIST OF APPROVED 
              APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
            ``(1) maintain as a permanent part of the records of the 
        Department a list of applications approved for financial 
        assistance under this Act; and
            ``(2) make the list available for public inspection during 
        the regular business hours of the Department.
    ``(b) Additions to List.--The following information shall be added 
to the list maintained under subsection (a) as soon as an application 
described in subsection (a)(1) is approved:
            ``(1) The name of the applicant and, in the case of a 
        corporate application, the name of each officer and director of 
        the corporation.
            ``(2) The amount and duration of the financial assistance 
        for which application is made.
            ``(3) The purposes for which the proceeds of the financial 
        assistance are to be used.

``SEC. 608. RECORDS AND AUDITS.

    ``(a) Recordkeeping and Disclosure Requirements.--Each recipient of 
assistance under this Act shall keep such records as the Secretary 
shall require, including records that fully disclose--
            ``(1) the amount and the disposition by the recipient of 
        the proceeds of the assistance;
            ``(2) the total cost of the project in connection with 
        which the assistance is given or used;
            ``(3) the amount and nature of the portion of the cost of 
        the project provided by other sources; and
            ``(4) such other records as will facilitate an effective 
        audit.
    ``(b) Access to Books for Examination and Audit.--The Secretary, 
the Inspector General of the Department, and the Comptroller General of 
the United States, or any duly authorized representative, shall have 
access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, 
documents, papers, and records of the recipient that relate to 
assistance received under this Act.

``SEC. 609. RELATIONSHIP TO ASSISTANCE UNDER OTHER LAW.

    ``(a) Previously Authorized Assistance.--Except as otherwise 
provided in this Act, all financial and technical assistance authorized 
under this Act shall be in addition to any Federal assistance 
authorized before the effective date of the Economic Development 
Administration Reform Act of 1998.
    ``(b) Assistance Under Other Acts.--Nothing in this Act authorizes 
or permits any reduction in the amount of Federal assistance that any 
State or other entity eligible under this Act is entitled to receive 
under any other Act.

``SEC. 610. ACCEPTANCE OF CERTIFICATIONS BY APPLICANTS.

    ``Under terms and conditions determined by the Secretary, the 
Secretary may accept the certifications of an applicant for assistance 
under this Act that the applicant meets the requirements of this 
Act.''.
    (b) Title VII.--The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 712 as section 602 and moving 
        that section to appear after section 601 (as amended by 
        subsection (a));
            (2) in section 602 (as added by paragraph (1))--
                    (A) by striking the section heading and all that 
                follows through ``All'' and inserting the following:

``SEC. 602. MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS.

    ``All''; and
                    (B) by striking ``sections 101, 201, 202, 403, 903, 
                and 1003'' and inserting ``this Act''; and
            (3) by striking title VII (as amended by paragraph (1)) and 
        inserting the following:

                          ``TITLE VII--FUNDING

``SEC. 701. GENERAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act 
$397,969,000 for fiscal year 1999, $338,379,000 for fiscal year 2000, 
$306,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $277,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, 
and $277,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, to remain available until 
expended.

``SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DEFENSE CONVERSION 
              ACTIVITIES.

    ``(a) In General.--In addition to amounts made available under 
section 701, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
necessary to carry out section 209(c)(1), to remain available until 
expended.
    ``(b) Pilot Projects.--Funds made available under subsection (a) 
may be used for activities including pilot projects for privatization 
of, and economic development activities for, closed or realigned 
military or Department of Energy installations.

``SEC. 703. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER ECONOMIC 
              RECOVERY ACTIVITIES.

    ``(a) In General.--In addition to amounts made available under 
section 701, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
necessary to carry out section 209(c)(2), to remain available until 
expended.
    ``(b) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of activities 
funded with amounts made available under subsection (a) shall be up to 
100 percent.''.
    (c) Titles VIII Through X.--The Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965 is amended by striking titles VIII through X 
(42 U.S.C. 3231 et seq.).

SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

    Section 5316 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``Administrator for Economic Development.''.

SEC. 4. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

    (a) Existing Rights, Duties, and Obligations.--This Act, including 
the amendments made by this Act, does not affect the validity of any 
right, duty, or obligation of the United States or any other person 
arising under any contract, loan, or other instrument or agreement that 
was in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.
    (b) Continuation of Suits.--No action or other proceeding commenced 
by or against any officer or employee of the Economic Development 
Administration shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act.
    (c) Liquidating Account.--The Economic Development Revolving Fund 
established under section 203 of the Public Works and Economic 
Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3143) (as in effect on the day 
before the date of enactment of this Act) shall continue to be 
available to the Secretary of Commerce as a liquidating account (as 
defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 
U.S.C. 661a)) for payment of obligations and expenses in connection 
with financial assistance provided under--
            (1) the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 
        (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.);
            (2) the Area Redevelopment Act (42 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.); 
        and
            (3) the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.).
    (d) Administration.--The Secretary of Commerce shall take such 
actions authorized before the effective date of this Act as are 
appropriate to administer and liquidate grants, contracts, agreements, 
loans, obligations, debentures, or guarantees made by the Secretary 
under law in effect before the effective date of this Act.

SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on a 
date determined by the Secretary of Commerce, but not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this Act.