[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4819-S4830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 2499. Mr. CARPER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill S. 4638, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 
2025 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for 
other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:

      DIVISION E--ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2024

     SEC. 5001. SHORT TITLE.

       This division may be cited as the ``Economic Development 
     Reauthorization Act of 2024''.

            TITLE LI--PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

     SEC. 5101. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS.

       Section 2 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       ``(1) there continue to be areas of the United States--
       ``(A) experiencing chronic high unemployment, 
     underemployment, outmigration, and low per capita incomes; 
     and
       ``(B) facing sudden and severe economic dislocations 
     because of structural economic changes, changing trade 
     patterns, certain Federal actions (including environmental 
     requirements that result in the removal of economic 
     activities from a locality), impacts from natural disasters, 
     and transitioning industries, including energy generation, 
     steel production, and mining;
       ``(2) economic growth in the States, cities, and rural 
     areas of the United States is produced by expanding economic 
     opportunities, expanding free enterprise through trade, 
     promoting resilience in public infrastructure, creating 
     conditions for job creation, job retention, and business 
     development, and by capturing the opportunities to lead the 
     industries of the future, including advanced technologies, 
     clean energy production, and advanced manufacturing 
     technologies;
       ``(3) the goal of Federal economic development programs is 
     to raise the standard of living for all citizens and increase 
     the wealth and overall rate of growth of the economy by 
     encouraging communities to develop a more competitive and 
     diversified economic base by--

[[Page S4820]]

       ``(A) creating an environment that promotes economic 
     activity by improving and expanding modern public 
     infrastructure;
       ``(B) promoting job creation, retention, and workforce 
     readiness through increased innovation, productivity, and 
     entrepreneurship; and
       ``(C) empowering local and regional communities 
     experiencing chronic high unemployment, underemployment, low 
     labor force participation, and low per capita income to 
     develop private sector business and attract increased private 
     sector capital investment;
       ``(4) while economic development is an inherently local 
     process, the Federal Government should work in partnership 
     with public and private State, regional, Tribal, and local 
     organizations to maximize the impact of existing resources 
     and enable regions, communities, and citizens to participate 
     more fully in the American dream and national prosperity;
       ``(5) in order to avoid duplication of effort and achieve 
     meaningful, long-lasting results, Federal, State, Tribal, and 
     local economic development activities should have a clear 
     focus, improved coordination, a comprehensive approach, and 
     simplified and consistent requirements;
       ``(6) Federal economic development efforts will be more 
     effective if the efforts are coordinated with, and build on, 
     the trade, workforce investment, scientific research, 
     environmental protection, transportation, and technology 
     programs of the United States, including through the 
     consolidation and alignment of plans and strategies to 
     promote effective economic development;
       ``(7) rural communities face unique challenges in 
     addressing infrastructure needs, sometimes lacking the 
     necessary tax base for required upgrades, and often encounter 
     limited financing options and capacity, which can impede new 
     development and long-term economic growth; and
       ``(8) assisting communities and regions in becoming more 
     resilient to the effects of extreme weather threats and 
     events will promote economic development and job creation.
       ``(b) Declarations.--In order to promote a strong, growing, 
     resilient, competitive, and secure economy throughout the 
     United States, the opportunity to pursue, and be employed in, 
     high-quality jobs with family-sustaining wages, and to live 
     in communities that enable business creation and wealth, 
     Congress declares that--
       ``(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, States, Indian tribes, and the 
     Federal Government to increase the capacity of the local 
     communities to develop and implement comprehensive economic 
     development strategies to alleviate economic distress and 
     enhance competitiveness in the global economy;
       ``(3) whether suffering from long-term distress or a sudden 
     dislocation, distressed communities should be encouraged to 
     support entrepreneurship to take advantage of the development 
     opportunities afforded by technological innovation and 
     expanding newly opened global markets; and
       ``(4) assistance under this Act should be made available to 
     modernize and promote recycling, promote the productive reuse 
     of abandoned industrial facilities and the redevelopment of 
     brownfields, and invest in public assets that support travel 
     and tourism and outdoor recreation.''.

     SEC. 5102. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Public Works and Economic 
     Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (12) as 
     paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12), (13), 
     (14), (16), and (17), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) Blue economy.--The term `blue economy' means the 
     sustainable use of marine, lake, or other aquatic resources 
     in support of economic development objectives.
       ``(2) Capacity building.--The term `capacity building' 
     includes all activities associated with early stage 
     community-based project formation and conceptualization, 
     prior to project predevelopment activity, including grants to 
     local community organizations for planning participation, 
     community outreach and engagement activities, research, and 
     mentorship support to move projects from formation and 
     conceptualization to project predevelopment.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph 
     (A)(i), by striking ``to the extent appropriate'' and 
     inserting ``to the extent determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary'';
       (4) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph 
     (A)--
       (A) in clause (v), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in clause (vi), by striking the period at end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(vii) an economic development organization; or
       ``(viii) a public-private partnership for public 
     infrastructure.'';
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (9) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(10) Outdoor recreation.--The term `outdoor recreation' 
     means all recreational activities, and the economic drivers 
     of those activities, that occur in nature-based environments 
     outdoors.
       ``(11) Project predevelopment.--The term `project 
     predevelopment' means a measure required to be completed 
     before the initiation of a project, including--
       ``(A) planning and community asset mapping;
       ``(B) training;
       ``(C) technical assistance and organizational development;
       ``(D) feasibility and market studies;
       ``(E) demonstration projects; and
       ``(F) other predevelopment activities determined by the 
     Secretary to be appropriate.'';
       (6) by striking paragraph (12) (as so redesignated) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(12) Regional commission.--The term `Regional Commission' 
     means any of the following:
       ``(A) The Appalachian Regional Commission established by 
     section 14301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
       ``(B) The Delta Regional Authority established by section 
     382B(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-1(a)(1)).
       ``(C) The Denali Commission established by section 303(a) 
     of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; 
     Public Law 105-277).
       ``(D) The Great Lakes Authority established by section 
     15301(a)(4) of title 40, United States Code.
       ``(E) The Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission established by 
     section 15301(a)(5) of title 40, United States Code.
       ``(F) The Northern Border Regional Commission established 
     by section 15301(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code.
       ``(G) The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority 
     established by section 383B(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm 
     and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-1(a)(1)).
       ``(H) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission 
     established by section 15301(a)(1) of title 40, United States 
     Code.
       ``(I) The Southern New England Regional Commission 
     established by section 15301(a)(6) of title 40, United States 
     Code.
       ``(J) The Southwest Border Regional Commission established 
     by section 15301(a)(2) of title 40, United States Code.'';
       (7) by inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(15) Travel and tourism.--The term `travel and tourism' 
     means any economic activity that primarily serves to 
     encourage recreational or business travel in or to the United 
     States.''; and
       (8) in paragraph (17) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``established as a University Center for Economic Development 
     under section 207(a)(2)(D)'' and inserting ``established 
     under section 207(c)(1)''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 207(a)(3) of the Public 
     Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3147(a)(3)) is amended by striking ``section 3(4)(A)(vi)'' 
     and inserting ``section 3(6)(A)(vi)''.

     SEC. 5103. INCREASED COORDINATION.

       Section 103 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3133) is amended by striking 
     subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Meetings.--
       ``(1) In general.--To carry out subsection (a), or for any 
     other purpose relating to economic development activities, 
     the Secretary may convene meetings with Federal agencies, 
     State and local governments, economic development districts, 
     Indian tribes, and other appropriate planning and development 
     organizations.
       ``(2) Regional commissions.--
       ``(A) In general.--In addition to meetings described in 
     paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 
     2024, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, 
     the Secretary shall convene a meeting with the Regional 
     Commissions in furtherance of subsection (a).
       ``(B) Attendees.--The attendees for a meeting convened 
     under this paragraph shall consist of--
       ``(i) the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary 
     of Commerce for Economic Development, serving as Chair;
       ``(ii) the Federal Cochairpersons of the Regional 
     Commissions, or their designees; and
       ``(iii) the State Cochairpersons of the Regional 
     Commissions, or their designees.
       ``(C) Purpose.--The purposes of a meeting convened under 
     this paragraph shall include--
       ``(i) to enhance coordination between the Economic 
     Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in 
     carrying out economic development programs;
       ``(ii) to reduce duplication of efforts by the Economic 
     Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in 
     carrying out economic development programs;
       ``(iii) to develop best practices and strategies for 
     fostering regional economic development; and
       ``(iv) any other purposes as determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(D) Report.--Where applicable and pursuant to 
     subparagraph (C), not later than 1 year after a meeting under 
     this paragraph, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly 
     available a report detailing, at a minimum--
       ``(i) the planned actions by the Economic Development 
     Administration and the Regional Commissions to enhance 
     coordination or reduce duplication of efforts and a timeline 
     for implementing those actions; and
       ``(ii) any best practices and strategies developed.''.

[[Page S4821]]

  


     SEC. 5104. GRANTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 201 of the Public Works and 
     Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or for the improvement 
     of waste management and recycling systems'' after 
     ``development facility''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``increasing the 
     resilience'' after ``expansion,'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``successful 
     establishment or expansion'' and inserting ``successful 
     establishment, expansion, or retention,''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and underemployed'' 
     after ``unemployed'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Additional Considerations.--In awarding grants under 
     subsection (a) and subject to the criteria in subsection (b), 
     the Secretary may also consider the extent to which a project 
     would--
       ``(1) lead to economic diversification in the area, or a 
     part of the area, in which the project is or will be located;
       ``(2) address and mitigate impacts from extreme weather 
     events, including development of resilient infrastructure, 
     products, and processes;
       ``(3) benefit highly rural communities without adequate tax 
     revenues to invest in long-term or costly infrastructure;
       ``(4) increase access to high-speed broadband;
       ``(5) support outdoor recreation to spur economic 
     development, with a focus on rural communities;
       ``(6) promote job creation or retention relative to the 
     population of the impacted region with outsized significance;
       ``(7) promote travel and tourism; or
       ``(8) promote blue economy activities.''.

     SEC. 5105. GRANTS FOR PLANNING AND GRANTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE 
                   EXPENSES.

       Section 203 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3143) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Administrative Expenses.--Administrative expenses 
     that may be paid with a grant under this section include--
       ``(1) expenses related to carrying out the planning process 
     described in subsection (b);
       ``(2) expenses related to project predevelopment;
       ``(3) expenses related to updating economic development 
     plans to align with other applicable State, regional, or 
     local planning efforts; and
       ``(4) expenses related to hiring professional staff to 
     assist communities in--
       ``(A) project predevelopment and implementing projects and 
     priorities included in--
       ``(i) a comprehensive economic development strategy; or
       ``(ii) an economic development planning grant;
       ``(B) identifying and using other Federal, State, and 
     Tribal economic development programs;
       ``(C) leveraging private and philanthropic investment;
       ``(D) preparing disaster coordination and preparation 
     plans; and
       ``(E) carrying out economic development and predevelopment 
     activities in accordance with professional economic 
     development best practices.''; and
       (3) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), in paragraph 
     (4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting ``(including broadband);'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
       ``(F) address and mitigate impacts of extreme weather; 
     and''.

     SEC. 5106. COST SHARING.

       (a) In General.--Section 204 of the Public Works and 
     Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3144) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``50'' and inserting 
     ``60'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``In determining'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--In determining''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Regional commission funds.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, any funds contributed by a Regional 
     Commission for a project under this title may be considered 
     to be part of the non-Federal share of the costs of the 
     project.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or can otherwise 
     document that no local matching funds are reasonably 
     obtainable'' after ``or political subdivision'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``section 207'' and inserting ``section 203 
     or 207''; and
       (ii) by striking ``project if'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``project.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Disaster assistance.--In the case of a grant provided 
     under section 209 for a project for economic recovery in 
     response to a major disaster or emergency declared under the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), the Secretary may increase the 
     Federal share under paragraph (1) up to 100 percent of the 
     total cost of the project.
       ``(5) Small communities.--In the case of a grant to a 
     political subdivision of a State (as described in section 
     3(6)(A)(iv)) that has a population of fewer than 10,000 
     residents and meets 1 or more of the eligibility criteria 
     described in section 301(a), the Secretary may increase the 
     Federal share under paragraph (1) up to 100 percent of the 
     total cost of the project.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 703 of the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3233) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b); and
       (2) by striking the section designation and heading and all 
     that follows through ``In addition'' in subsection (a) and 
     inserting the following:

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

       ``In addition''.

     SEC. 5107. REGULATIONS ON RELATIVE NEEDS AND ALLOCATIONS.

       Section 206 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3146) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) the per capita income levels, the labor force 
     participation rate, and the extent of underemployment in 
     eligible areas; and''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and retention'' after 
     ``creation''.

     SEC. 5108. RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE; UNIVERSITY 
                   CENTERS.

       Section 207 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3147) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by inserting ``, project 
     predevelopment,'' after ``planning''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) University Centers.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--In accordance with subsection 
     (a)(2)(D), the Secretary may make grants to institutions of 
     higher education to serve as university centers.
       ``(2) Geographic coverage.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     the network of university centers established under this 
     subsection provides services in each State.
       ``(3) Duties.--To the maximum extent practicable, a 
     university center established under this subsection shall--
       ``(A) collaborate with other university centers;
       ``(B) collaborate with economic development districts and 
     other relevant Federal economic development technical 
     assistance and service providers to provide expertise and 
     technical assistance to develop, implement, and support 
     comprehensive economic development strategies and other 
     economic development planning at the local, regional, and 
     State levels, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, 
     workforce development, and regional economic development;
       ``(C) provide technical assistance, business development, 
     and technology transfer services to businesses in the area 
     served by the university center;
       ``(D) establish partnerships with 1 or more 
     commercialization intermediaries that are public or nonprofit 
     technology transfer organizations eligible to receive a grant 
     under section 602 of the American Innovation and 
     Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 1862s-9);
       ``(E) promote local and regional capacity building; and
       ``(F) provide to communities and regions assistance 
     relating to data collection and analysis and other research 
     relating to economic conditions and vulnerabilities that can 
     inform economic development and adjustment strategies.
       ``(4) Consideration.--In making grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall consider the significant role 
     of regional public universities in supporting economic 
     development in distressed communities through the planning 
     and the implementation of economic development projects and 
     initiatives.''.

     SEC. 5109. INVESTMENT PRIORITIES.

       Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 is amended by inserting after section 207 (42 U.S.C. 
     3147) the following:

     ``SEC. 208. INVESTMENT PRIORITIES.

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), for a project 
     to be eligible for assistance under this title, the project 
     shall be consistent with 1 or more of the following 
     investment priorities:
       ``(1) Critical infrastructure.--Economic development 
     planning or implementation projects that support development 
     of public facilities, including basic public infrastructure, 
     transportation infrastructure, or telecommunications 
     infrastructure.
       ``(2) Workforce.--Economic development planning or 
     implementation projects that--
       ``(A) support job skills training to meet the hiring needs 
     of the area in which the project is to be carried out and 
     that result in well-paying jobs; or
       ``(B) otherwise promote labor force participation.
       ``(3) Innovation and entrepreneurship.--Economic 
     development planning or implementation projects that--
       ``(A) support the development of innovation and 
     entrepreneurship-related infrastructure;
       ``(B) promote business development and lending; or

[[Page S4822]]

       ``(C) foster the commercialization of new technologies that 
     are creating technology-driven businesses and high-skilled, 
     well-paying jobs of the future.
       ``(4) Economic recovery resilience.--Economic development 
     planning or implementation projects that enhance the ability 
     of an area to withstand and recover from adverse short-term 
     or long-term changes in economic conditions, including 
     effects from industry contractions or impacts from natural 
     disasters.
       ``(5) Manufacturing.--Economic development planning or 
     implementation projects that encourage job creation, business 
     expansion, technology and capital upgrades, and productivity 
     growth in manufacturing, including efforts that contribute to 
     the competitiveness and growth of domestic suppliers or the 
     domestic production of innovative, high-value products and 
     production technologies.
       ``(b) Conditions.--If the Secretary plans to use an 
     investment priority that is not described in subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment 
     and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a written notification that explains the 
     basis for using that investment priority.
       ``(c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section waives any 
     other requirement of this Act.''.

     SEC. 5110. GRANTS FOR ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT.

       Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) by inserting ``, travel and tourism, natural resource-
     based, blue economy, or agricultural'' after 
     ``manufacturing''; and
       (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) economic dislocation in the steel industry due to the 
     closure of a steel plant, primary steel economy contraction 
     events (including temporary layoffs and shifts to part-time 
     work), or job losses in the steel industry or associated with 
     the departure or contraction of the steel industry, for help 
     in economic restructuring of the communities.'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (f) and (g), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after section (c) the following:
       ``(d) Assistance to Coal Communities.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Coal economy.--The term `coal economy' means the 
     complete supply chain of coal-reliant industries, including--
       ``(i) coal mining;
       ``(ii) coal-fired power plants;
       ``(iii) transportation or logistics; and
       ``(iv) manufacturing.
       ``(B) Contraction event.--The term `contraction event' 
     means the closure of a facility or a reduction in activity 
     relating to a coal-reliant industry, including an industry 
     described in any of clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(2) Authorization.--On the application of an eligible 
     recipient, the Secretary may make grants for projects in 
     areas adversely impacted by a contraction event in the coal 
     economy.
       ``(3) Eligibility.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall determine the eligibility of an area based on 
     whether the eligible recipient can reasonably demonstrate 
     that the area--
       ``(i) has been adversely impacted by a contraction event in 
     the coal economy within the previous 25 years; or
       ``(ii) will be adversely impacted by a contraction event in 
     the coal economy.
       ``(B) Prohibition.--No regulation or other policy of the 
     Secretary may limit the eligibility of an eligible recipient 
     for a grant under this subsection based on the date of a 
     contraction event except as provided in subparagraph (A)(i).
       ``(C) Demonstrating adverse impact.--For the purposes of 
     this paragraph, an eligible recipient may demonstrate an 
     adverse impact by demonstrating--
       ``(i) a loss in employment;
       ``(ii) a reduction in tax revenue; or
       ``(iii) any other factor, as determined to be appropriate 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(e) Assistance to Nuclear Host Communities.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.
       ``(B) Community advisory board.--The term `community 
     advisory board' means a community committee or other advisory 
     organization that aims to foster communication and 
     information exchange between a licensee planning for and 
     involved in decommissioning activities and members of the 
     community that decommissioning activities may affect.
       ``(C) Decommission.--The term `decommission' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
       ``(D) Licensee.--The term `licensee' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 50.2 of title 10, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or successor regulations).
       ``(E) Nuclear host community.--The term `nuclear host 
     community' means an eligible recipient that has been 
     impacted, or reasonably demonstrates to the satisfaction of 
     the Secretary that it will be impacted, by a nuclear power 
     plant licensed by the Commission that--
       ``(i) is not co-located with an operating nuclear power 
     plant;
       ``(ii) is at a site with spent nuclear fuel; and
       ``(iii) as of the date of enactment of the Economic 
     Development Reauthorization Act of 2024--

       ``(I) has ceased operations; or
       ``(II) has provided a written notification to the 
     Commission that it will cease operations.

       ``(2) Authorization.--On the application of an eligible 
     recipient, the Secretary may make grants--
       ``(A) to assist with economic development in nuclear host 
     communities; and
       ``(B) to fund community advisory boards in nuclear host 
     communities.
       ``(3) Requirement.--In carrying out this subsection, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall implement the 
     recommendations described in the report submitted to Congress 
     under section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and 
     Modernization Act (Public Law 115-439; 132 Stat. 5577) 
     entitled `Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of 
     Local Community Advisory Boards Associated with 
     Decommissioning Activities at Nuclear Power Plants'.
       ``(4) Distribution of funds.--The Secretary shall establish 
     a methodology to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     geographic diversity among grant recipients under this 
     subsection.''.

     SEC. 5111. RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM.

       Section 218 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3154d) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``brightfields 
     demonstration'' and inserting ``renewable energy'';
       (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Definition of Renewable Energy Site.--In this 
     section, the term `renewable energy site' means a brownfield 
     site that is redeveloped through the incorporation of 1 or 
     more renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, 
     geothermal, ocean, and emerging, but proven, renewable energy 
     technologies.'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``Establishment'';
       (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``brightfield'' and inserting ``renewable energy''; and
       (C) in paragraph (1), by striking ``solar energy 
     technologies'' and inserting ``renewable energy technologies 
     described in subsection (a),''; and
       (4) by striking subsection (d).

     SEC. 5112. WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS.

       Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``SEC. 219. WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS.

       ``(a) In General.--On the application of an eligible 
     recipient, the Secretary may make grants to support the 
     development and expansion of innovative workforce training 
     programs through sectoral partnerships leading to quality 
     jobs and the acquisition of equipment or construction of 
     facilities to support workforce development activities.
       ``(b) Eligible Uses.--Funds from a grant under this section 
     may be used for--
       ``(1) acquisition or development of land and improvements 
     to house workforce training activities;
       ``(2) acquisition, design and engineering, construction, 
     rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such 
     a facility, including related equipment and machinery;
       ``(3) acquisition of machinery or equipment to support 
     workforce training activities;
       ``(4) planning, technical assistance, and training;
       ``(5) sector partnerships development, program design, and 
     program implementation; and
       ``(6) in the case of an eligible recipient that is a State, 
     subject to subsection (c), a State program to award career 
     scholarships to train individuals for employment in critical 
     industries with high demand and vacancies necessary for 
     further economic development of the applicable State that--
       ``(A) requires significant post-secondary training; but
       ``(B) does not require a post-secondary degree.
       ``(c) Career Scholarships State Grant Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to States 
     for the purpose described in subsection (b)(6).
       ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, the Chief Executive of a State shall submit 
     to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     which shall include, at a minimum, the following:
       ``(A) A method for identifying critical industry sectors 
     driving in-State economic growth that face staffing 
     challenges for in-demand jobs and careers.
       ``(B) A governance structure for the implementation of the 
     program established by the State, including defined roles for 
     the consortia of agencies of such State, at a minimum, to 
     include the State departments of

[[Page S4823]]

     economic development, labor, and education, or the State 
     departments or agencies with jurisdiction over those matters.
       ``(C) A strategy for recruiting participants from at least 
     1 community that meets 1 or more of the criteria described in 
     section 301(a).
       ``(D) A plan for how the State will develop a tracking 
     system for eligible programs, participant enrollment, 
     participant outcomes, and an application portal for 
     individual participants.
       ``(3) Selection.--The Secretary shall award not more than 1 
     grant under this subsection to any State.
       ``(4) Eligible uses.--A grant under this subsection may be 
     used for--
       ``(A) necessary costs to carry out the matters described in 
     this subsection, including tuition and stipends for 
     individuals that receive a career scholarship grant, subject 
     to the requirements described in paragraph (6); and
       ``(B) program implementation, planning, technical 
     assistance, or training.
       ``(5) Federal share.--Notwithstanding section 204, the 
     Federal share of the cost of any award carried out with a 
     grant made under this subsection shall not exceed 70 percent.
       ``(6) Participant amounts.--A State shall ensure that grant 
     funds provided under this subsection to each individual that 
     receives a career scholarship grant under the program 
     established by the applicable State is the lesser of the 
     following amounts:
       ``(A) In a case in which the individual is also eligible 
     for a Federal Pell Grant under section 401 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) for enrollment at the 
     applicable training program for any award year of the 
     training program, $11,000 minus the amount of the awarded 
     Federal Pell Grant.
       ``(B) For an individual not described in paragraph (1), the 
     lesser of--
       ``(i) $11,000; and
       ``(ii) the total cost of the training program in which the 
     individual is enrolled, including tuition, fees, career 
     navigation services, textbook costs, expenses related to 
     assessments and exams for certification or licensure, 
     equipment costs, and wage stipends (in the case of a training 
     program that is an earn-and-learn program).
       ``(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the 
     development of new workforce development models with the 
     Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education.''.

     SEC. 5113. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

       Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) (as amended by section 5112) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 220. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--In the case of a project described in 
     subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide to the Committee 
     on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives notice, in accordance with subsection (c), 
     of the award of a grant for the project not less than 3 
     business days before notifying an eligible recipient of their 
     selection for that award.
       ``(b) Projects Described.--A project referred to in 
     subsection (a) is a project that the Secretary has selected 
     to receive a grant administered by the Economic Development 
     Administration in an amount not less than $100,000.
       ``(c) Requirements.--A notification under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       ``(1) the name of the project;
       ``(2) the name of the applicant;
       ``(3) the region in which the project is to be carried out;
       ``(4) the State in which the project is to be carried out;
       ``(5) the amount of the grant awarded;
       ``(6) a description of the project; and
       ``(7) any additional information, as determined to be 
     appropriate by the Secretary.
       ``(d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make a 
     notification under subsection (a) publicly available not 
     later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary 
     provides the notice.''.

     SEC. 5114. SPECIFIC FLEXIBILITIES RELATED TO DEPLOYMENT OF 
                   HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND.

       Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) (as amended by section 5113) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 221. HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Broadband project.--The term `broadband project' 
     means, for the purposes of providing, extending, expanding, 
     or improving high-speed broadband service to further the 
     goals of this Act--
       ``(A) planning, technical assistance, or training;
       ``(B) the acquisition or development of land; or
       ``(C) the acquisition, design and engineering, 
     construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or 
     improvement of facilities, including related machinery, 
     equipment, contractual rights, and intangible property.
       ``(2) Eligible recipient.--The term `eligible recipient' 
     includes--
       ``(A) a public-private partnership; and
       ``(B) a consortium formed for the purpose of providing, 
     extending, expanding, or improving high-speed broadband 
     service between 1 or more eligible recipients and 1 or more 
     for-profit organizations.
       ``(3) High-speed broadband.--The term `high-speed 
     broadband' means the provision of 2-way data transmission 
     with sufficient downstream and upstream speeds to end users 
     to permit effective participation in the economy and to 
     support economic growth, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Broadband Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--On the application of an eligible 
     recipient, the Secretary may make grants under this title for 
     broadband projects, which shall be subject to the provisions 
     of this section.
       ``(2) Considerations.--In reviewing applications submitted 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into 
     consideration geographic diversity of grants provided, 
     including consideration of underserved markets, in addition 
     to data requested in paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Data requested.--In reviewing an application 
     submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall request 
     from the Federal Communications Commission, the Administrator 
     of the National Telecommunications and Information 
     Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission data on--
       ``(A) the level and extent of broadband service that exists 
     in the area proposed to be served; and
       ``(B) the level and extent of broadband service that will 
     be deployed in the area proposed to be served pursuant to 
     another Federal program.
       ``(4) Interest in real or personal property.--For any 
     broadband project carried out by an eligible recipient that 
     is a public-private partnership or consortium, the Secretary 
     shall require that title to any real or personal property 
     acquired or improved with grant funds, or if the recipient 
     will not acquire title, another possessory interest 
     acceptable to the Secretary, be vested in a public partner or 
     eligible nonprofit organization or association for the useful 
     life of the project, after which title may be transferred to 
     any member of the public-private partnership or consortium in 
     accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
       ``(5) Procurement.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, no person or entity shall be disqualified from competing 
     to provide goods or services related to a broadband project 
     on the basis that the person or entity participated in the 
     development of the broadband project or in the drafting of 
     specifications, requirements, statements of work, or similar 
     documents related to the goods or services to be provided.
       ``(6) Broadband project property.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may permit a recipient of 
     a grant for a broadband project to grant an option to acquire 
     real or personal property (including contractual rights and 
     intangible property) related to that project to a third party 
     on such terms as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
     subject to the condition that the option may only be 
     exercised after the Secretary releases the Federal interest 
     in the property.
       ``(B) Treatment.--The grant or exercise of an option 
     described in subparagraph (A) shall not constitute a 
     redistribution of grant funds under section 217.
       ``(c) Non-Federal Share.--In determining the amount of the 
     non-Federal share of the cost of a broadband project, the 
     Secretary may provide credit toward the non-Federal share for 
     the present value of allowable contributions over the useful 
     life of the broadband project, subject to the condition that 
     the Secretary may require such assurances of the value of the 
     rights and of the commitment of the rights as the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate.''.

     SEC. 5115. CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAIN SITE DEVELOPMENT GRANT 
                   PROGRAM.

       Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) (as amended by section 5114) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 222. CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAIN SITE DEVELOPMENT GRANT 
                   PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--On the application of an eligible 
     recipient, the Secretary may make grants under the `Critical 
     Supply Chain Site Development grant program' (referred to in 
     this section as the `grant program') to carry out site 
     development or expansion projects for the purpose of making 
     the site ready for manufacturing projects.
       ``(b) Considerations.--In providing a grant to an eligible 
     recipient under the grant program, the Secretary may consider 
     whether--
       ``(1) the proposed improvements to the site will improve 
     economic conditions for rural areas, Tribal communities, or 
     areas that meet 1 or more of the criteria described in 
     section 301(a);
       ``(2) the project is consistent with regional economic 
     development plans, which may include a comprehensive economic 
     development strategy;
       ``(3) the eligible recipient has initiatives to prioritize 
     job training and workforce development; and
       ``(4) the project supports industries determined by the 
     Secretary to be of strategic importance to the national or 
     economic security of the United States.
       ``(c) Priority.--In awarding grants to eligible recipients 
     under the grant program, the Secretary shall give priority to 
     eligible recipients that propose to carry out a project 
     that--
       ``(1) has State, local, private, or nonprofit funds being 
     contributed to assist with site development efforts; and

[[Page S4824]]

       ``(2) if the site development or expansion project is 
     carried out, will result in a demonstrated interest in the 
     site by commercial entities or other entities.
       ``(d) Use of Funds.--A grant provided under the grant 
     program may be used for the following activities relating to 
     the development or expansion of a site:
       ``(1) Investments in site utility readiness, including--
       ``(A) construction of on-site utility infrastructure;
       ``(B) construction of last-mile infrastructure, including 
     road infrastructure, water infrastructure, power 
     infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, and other physical 
     last-mile infrastructure;
       ``(C) site grading; and
       ``(D) other activities to extend public utilities or 
     services to a site, as determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(2) Investments in site readiness, including--
       ``(A) land assembly;
       ``(B) environmental reviews;
       ``(C) zoning;
       ``(D) design;
       ``(E) engineering; and
       ``(F) permitting.
       ``(3) Investments in workforce development and 
     sustainability programs, including job training and 
     retraining programs.
       ``(4) Investments to ensure that disadvantaged communities 
     have access to on-site jobs.
       ``(e) Prohibition.--In awarding grants under the grant 
     program, the Secretary shall not require an eligible 
     recipient to demonstrate that a private company or investment 
     has selected the site for development or expansion.''.

     SEC. 5116. UPDATED DISTRESS CRITERIA AND GRANT RATES.

       Section 301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161(a)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Unemployment, underemployment, 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, 
     underemployment, or economic adjustment problems resulting 
     from severe short-term or long-term changes in economic 
     conditions.
       ``(4) Low median household income.--The area has a median 
     household income of 80 percent or less of the national 
     average.
       ``(5) Workforce participation.--The area has--
       ``(A) a labor force participation rate of 90 percent or 
     less of the national average; or
       ``(B) a prime-age employment gap of 5 percent or more.
       ``(6) Expected economic dislocation and distress from 
     energy industry transitions.--The area is an area that is 
     expected to experience actual or threatened severe 
     unemployment or economic adjustment problems resulting from 
     severe short-term or long-term changes in economic conditions 
     from energy industries that are experiencing accelerated 
     contraction.''.

     SEC. 5117. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES.

       Section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3162) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(3)(A), by inserting ``including to 
     mitigate and adapt to extreme weather,'' after ``enhances and 
     protects the environment,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Exception.--This section shall not apply to grants 
     awarded under section 207 or grants awarded under section 
     209(c)(2) that are regional in scope.''.

     SEC. 5118. OFFICE OF TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

       Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
     1965 (42 U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 508. OFFICE OF TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Economic Development Administration an Office of Tribal 
     Economic Development (referred to in this section as the 
     `Office').
       ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office shall be--
       ``(1) to coordinate all Tribal economic development 
     activities carried out by the Secretary;
       ``(2) to help Tribal communities access economic 
     development assistance programs, including the assistance 
     provided under this Act;
       ``(3) to coordinate Tribal economic development strategies 
     and efforts with other Federal agencies; and
       ``(4) to be a participant in any negotiated rulemakings or 
     consultations relating to, or having an impact on, projects, 
     programs, or funding that benefit Tribal communities.
       ``(c) Tribal Economic Development Strategy.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 
     2024, the Office shall initiate a Tribal consultation process 
     to develop, and not less frequently than every 3 years 
     thereafter, update, a strategic plan for Tribal economic 
     development for the Economic Development Administration.
       ``(2) Submission to congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of the Economic Development 
     Reauthorization Act of 2024 and not less frequently than 
     every 3 years thereafter, the Office shall submit to Congress 
     the strategic plan for Tribal economic development developed 
     under paragraph (1).
       ``(d) Outreach.--The Secretary shall establish a publicly 
     facing website to help provide a comprehensive, single source 
     of information for Indian tribes, Tribal leaders, Tribal 
     businesses, and citizens in Tribal communities to better 
     understand and access programs that support economic 
     development in Tribal communities, including the economic 
     development programs administered by Federal agencies or 
     departments other than the Department.
       ``(e) Dedicated Staff.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     Office has sufficient staff to carry out all outreach 
     activities under this section.''.

     SEC. 5119. OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE.

       Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
     1965 (42 U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) (as amended by section 5118) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 509. OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience--
       ``(1) to direct and implement the post-disaster economic 
     recovery responsibilities of the Economic Development 
     Administration pursuant to subsections (c)(2) and (e) of 
     section 209 and section 703;
       ``(2) to direct and implement economic recovery and 
     enhanced resilience support function activities as directed 
     under the National Disaster Recovery Framework; and
       ``(3) support long-term economic recovery in communities in 
     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.), or otherwise 
     impacted by an event of national significance, as determined 
     by the Secretary, through--
       ``(A) convening and deploying an economic development 
     assessment team;
       ``(B) hosting or attending convenings related to 
     identification of additional Federal, State, local, and 
     philanthropic entities and resources;
       ``(C) exploring potential flexibilities related to existing 
     awards;
       ``(D) provision of technical assistance through staff or 
     contractual resources; and
       ``(E) other activities determined by the Secretary to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Appointment and Compensation Authorities.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--The Secretary is authorized to appoint 
     such temporary personnel as may be necessary to carry out the 
     responsibilities of the Office of Disaster Recovery and 
     Resilience, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I 
     of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, governing 
     appointments in the competitive service and compensation of 
     personnel.
       ``(2) Conversion of employees.--Notwithstanding chapter 33 
     of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law 
     relating to the examination, certification, and appointment 
     of individuals in the competitive service, the Secretary is 
     authorized to convert a temporary employee appointed under 
     this subsection to a permanent appointment in the competitive 
     service in the Economic Development Administration under 
     merit promotion procedures if--
       ``(A) the employee has served continuously for at least 2 
     years under 1 or more appointments under this subsection; and
       ``(B) the employee's performance has been at an acceptable 
     level of performance throughout the period or periods 
     referred to in subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Compensation.--An individual converted under this 
     subsection shall become a career-conditional employee, unless 
     the employee has already completed the service requirements 
     for career tenure.
       ``(c) Disaster Team.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--As soon as practicable after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a 
     disaster team (referred to in this section as the `disaster 
     team') for the deployment of individuals to carry out 
     responsibilities of the Office of Disaster Recovery and 
     Resilience after 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.) and the 
     Department has been activated by the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency.
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) Designation of staff.--As soon as practicable after 
     the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
     designate to serve on the disaster team--
       ``(i) employees of the Office of Disaster Recovery and 
     Resilience;
       ``(ii) employees of the Department who are not employees of 
     the Economic Development Administration; and
       ``(iii) in consultation with the heads of other Federal 
     agencies, employees of those agencies, as appropriate.
       ``(B) Capabilities.--In designating individuals under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure that the 
     disaster team includes a sufficient quantity of--
       ``(i) individuals who are capable of deploying rapidly and 
     efficiently to respond to major disasters and emergencies; 
     and
       ``(ii) highly trained full-time employees who will lead and 
     manage the disaster team.

[[Page S4825]]

       ``(3) Training.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     appropriate and ongoing training is provided to members of 
     the disaster team to ensure that the members are adequately 
     trained regarding the programs and policies of the Economic 
     Development Administration relating to post-disaster economic 
     recovery efforts.
       ``(4) Expenses.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary may--
       ``(A) use, with or without reimbursement, any service, 
     equipment, personnel, or facility of any Federal agency with 
     the explicit support of that agency, to the extent such use 
     does not impair or conflict with the authority of the 
     President or the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) 
     to direct Federal agencies in any major disaster or emergency 
     declared under that Act; and
       ``(B) provide members of the disaster team with travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates 
     authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of 
     chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from 
     the home or regular place of business of the member in the 
     performance of services for, or relating to, the disaster 
     team.''.

     SEC. 5120. ESTABLISHMENT OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LIAISONS.

       Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 
     1965 (42 U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) (as amended by section 5119) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 510. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LIAISONS.

       ``(a) In General.--A Regional Director of a regional office 
     of the Economic Development Administration may designate a 
     staff member to act as a `Technical Assistance Liaison' for 
     any State served by the regional office.
       ``(b) Role.--A Technical Assistance Liaison shall--
       ``(1) work in coordination with an Economic Development 
     Representative to provide technical assistance, in addition 
     to technical assistance under section 207, to eligible 
     recipients that are underresourced communities, as determined 
     by the Technical Assistance Liaison, that submit applications 
     for assistance under title II; and
       ``(2) at the request of an eligible recipient that 
     submitted an application for assistance under title II, 
     provide technical feedback on unsuccessful grant 
     applications.
       ``(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may enter into a 
     contract or cooperative agreement with an eligible recipient 
     for the purpose of providing technical assistance to eligible 
     recipients that are underresourced communities that have 
     submitted or may submit an application for assistance under 
     this Act.''.

     SEC. 5121. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       Section 603(b) of the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3213(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``areas'' after 
     ``rural''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4)(A) include a list of all of the grants provided by 
     the Economic Development Administration for projects located 
     in, or that primarily benefit, rural areas;
       ``(B) an explanation of the process used to determine how 
     each project referred to in subparagraph (A) would benefit a 
     rural area; and
       ``(C) a certification that each project referred to in 
     subparagraph (A)--
       ``(i) is located in a rural area; or
       ``(ii) will primarily benefit a rural area.''.

     SEC. 5122. MODERNIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce (referred to 
     in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall submit to the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives a report on the efforts of the 
     Secretary to facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable 
     environmental reviews of projects funded by the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et 
     seq.), including through expanded use of categorical 
     exclusions, environmental assessments, or programmatic 
     environmental impact statements.
       (b) Requirements.--In completing the report under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
       (1) describe the actions the Secretary will take to 
     implement the amendments to the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) made by section 321 of 
     the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5; 137 
     Stat. 38);
       (2) describe the existing categorical exclusions most 
     frequently used by the Secretary to streamline the 
     environmental review of projects funded by the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et 
     seq.); and
       (3) consider--
       (A) the adoption of additional categorical exclusions, 
     including those used by other Federal agencies, that would 
     facilitate the environmental review of projects funded by the 
     Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3121 et seq.);
       (B) the adoption of new programmatic environmental impact 
     statements that would facilitate the environmental review of 
     projects funded by the Public Works and Economic Development 
     Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.); and
       (C) agreements with other Federal agencies that would 
     facilitate a more efficient process for the environmental 
     review of projects funded by the Public Works and Economic 
     Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.).
       (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     submission of the report under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     shall promulgate a final rule implementing, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, measures considered by the Secretary 
     under subsection (b) that are necessary to streamline the 
     environmental review of projects funded by the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et 
     seq.).

     SEC. 5123. GAO REPORT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' 
     means the Comptroller General of the United States.
       (2) Regional commission.--The term ``Regional Commission'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Public 
     Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122).
       (b) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the 
     Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report that evaluates economic development 
     programs administered by the Economic Development 
     Administration and the Regional Commissions.
       (c) Contents.--In carrying out the report under subsection 
     (b), the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) evaluate the impact of programs described in that 
     subsection on economic outcomes, including job creation and 
     retention, the rate of unemployment and underemployment, 
     labor force participation, and private investment leveraged;
       (2) describe efforts by the Economic Development 
     Administration and the Regional Commissions to document the 
     impact of programs described in that subsection on economic 
     outcomes described in paragraph (1);
       (3) describe efforts by the Economic Development 
     Administration and the Regional Commissions to carry out 
     coordination activities described in section 103 of the 
     Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3133);
       (4) consider other factors, as determined to be appropriate 
     by the Comptroller General of the United States, to assess 
     the effectiveness of programs described in subsection (b); 
     and
       (5) make legislative recommendations for improvements to 
     programs described in subsection (b) as applicable.

     SEC. 5124. GAO REPORT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION 
                   REGULATIONS AND POLICIES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' 
     means the Comptroller General of the United States.
       (2) Small community.--The term ``small community'' means a 
     community of less than 10,000 year-round residents.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives a report that evaluates 
     economic development regulations and policies administered by 
     the Economic Development Administration that have hindered 
     the ability of communities to apply for and administer 
     Economic Development Administration grants.
       (c) Contents.--In carrying out the report under subsection 
     (b), the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) review regulations and grant application processes 
     promulgated by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
     Economic Development;
       (2) evaluate the technical capacity of eligible recipients 
     (as defined in section 3 of the Public Works and Economic 
     Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122)) to apply for 
     Economic Development Administration grants;
       (3) provide recommendations for improving the 
     administration and timely disbursement of grants awarded by 
     the Economic Development Administration, including for 
     improving the communication with grantees regarding timelines 
     for disbursement of funds;
       (4) identify barriers to small communities applying for 
     Economic Development Administration grants, in consultation 
     with--
       (A) State economic development representatives;
       (B) secretaries of State departments of economic 
     development;
       (C) representatives for small communities that have 
     received Economic Development Administration grants; and
       (D) representatives for small communities that have never 
     applied for Economic Development Administration grants; and
       (5) provide recommendations for simplifying and easing the 
     ability for grant applicants to navigate the Economic 
     Development Administration grant application process, 
     including through a review of regulations, including 
     environmental regulations, not in the jurisdiction of the 
     Economic Development Administration to identify possible 
     grant application process improvements.

[[Page S4826]]

  


     SEC. 5125. GAO STUDY ON RURAL COMMUNITIES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States (referred to in this section as the ``Comptroller 
     General'') shall conduct a study to evaluate the impacts of 
     funding provided by the Economic Development Administration 
     to distressed communities (as described in section 301(a) of 
     the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 
     U.S.C. 3161(a))) located in rural areas.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) identify not less than 5 geographically diverse 
     distressed communities in rural areas; and
       (2) for each distressed community identified under 
     paragraph (1), examine the impacts of funding provided by the 
     Economic Development Administration on--
       (A) the local jobs and unemployment of the community; and
       (B) the availability of affordable housing in the 
     community.
       (c) Report.--On completion of the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on 
     Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives a report on the findings of the study and any 
     recommendations that result from the study.

     SEC. 5126. GENERAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 701 of the Public Works and 
     Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (k); and
       (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Grants for Public Works and Economic Development.--
     There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 
     201, to remain available until expended--
       ``(1) $170,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(2) $195,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(3) $220,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
       ``(4) $245,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
       ``(5) $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
       ``(b) Grants for Planning and Grants for Administrative 
     Expenses.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
     out section 203, to remain available until expended--
       ``(1) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(2) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(3) $110,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
       ``(4) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
       ``(5) $130,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
       ``(c) Grants for Training, Research, and Technical 
     Assistance.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
     out section 207, to remain available until expended--
       ``(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(2) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(3) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
       ``(4) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
       ``(5) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
       ``(d) Grants for Economic Adjustment.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out section 209 (other than 
     subsections (d) and (e)), to remain available until 
     expended--
       ``(1) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(2) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(3) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
       ``(4) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
       ``(5) $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.
       ``(e) Assistance to Coal Communities.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out section 209(d) $75,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, to remain 
     available until expended.
       ``(f) Assistance to Nuclear Host Communities.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 209(e), to 
     remain available until expended--
       ``(1) to carry out paragraph (2)(A), $35,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2025 through 2029; and
       ``(2) to carry out paragraph (2)(B), $5,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2027.
       ``(g) Renewable Energy Program.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 218 $5,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2029, to remain available until 
     expended.
       ``(h) Workforce Training Grants.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 219 $50,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2029, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 
     through 2029 shall be used to carry out subsection (c) of 
     that section.
       ``(i) Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant 
     Program.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
     section 222 $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
     2029, to remain available until expended.
       ``(j) Technical Assistance Liaisons.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out section 510 $5,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, to remain available 
     until expended.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Title VII of the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231 et seq.) 
     is amended by striking section 704.

     SEC. 5127. TECHNICAL CORRECTION.

       Section 1 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act 
     of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 89-136) is amended 
     by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for 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. Research and technical assistance; university centers.
``Sec. 208. Investment priorities.
``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.
``Sec. 214. Special impact areas.
``Sec. 215. Performance awards.
``Sec. 216. Planning performance awards.
``Sec. 217. Direct expenditure or redistribution by recipient.
``Sec. 218. Renewable energy program.
``Sec. 219. Workforce training grants.
``Sec. 220. Congressional notification requirements.
``Sec. 221. High-Speed Broadband Deployment Initiative.
``Sec. 222. Critical supply chain site development grant program.

``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. 404. Provision of comprehensive economic development strategies 
              to Regional Commissions.
``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. 506. Performance evaluations of grant recipients.
``Sec. 507. Notification of reorganization.
``Sec. 508. Office of Tribal Economic Development.
``Sec. 509. Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
``Sec. 510. Technical Assistance Liaisons.

                       ``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.
``Sec. 611. Brownfields redevelopment reports.
``Sec. 612. Savings clause.

                          ``TITLE VII--FUNDING

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

      TITLE LII--REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

     SEC. 5201. REGIONAL COMMISSION AUTHORIZATIONS.

       Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to each Commission to carry out this subtitle $40,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.''.

     SEC. 5202. REGIONAL COMMISSION MODIFICATIONS.

       (a) Membership of Commissions.--Section 15301 of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)(C)--
       (A) by striking ``An alternate member'' and inserting the 
     following:

[[Page S4827]]

       ``(i) In general.--An alternate member''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) State alternates.--If the alternate State member is 
     unable to vote in accordance with clause (i), the alternate 
     State member may delegate voting authority to a designee, 
     subject to the condition that the executive director shall be 
     notified, in writing, of the designation not less than 1 week 
     before the applicable vote is to take place.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``a Federal employee'' 
     and inserting ``an employee''.
       (b) Decisions of Commissions.--Section 15302 of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``or alternate State 
     members, including designees'' after ``State members''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Quorums.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a Commission 
     shall determine what constitutes a quorum for meetings of the 
     Commission.
       ``(2) Requirements.--Any quorum for meetings of a 
     Commission shall include--
       ``(A) the Federal Cochairperson or the alternate Federal 
     Cochairperson; and
       ``(B) a majority of State members or alternate State 
     members, including designees (exclusive of members 
     representing States delinquent under section 
     15304(c)(3)(C)).''.
       (c) Administrative Powers and Expenses of Commissions.--
     Section 15304(a) of title 40, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, which may be done 
     without a requirement for the Commission to reimburse the 
     agency or local government'' after ``status'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (9) and (10), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
       ``(8) collect fees for services provided and retain and 
     expend such fees;'';
       (4) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``leases (including the lease of office space for any 
     term),'' after ``cooperative agreements,''; and
       (5) in paragraph (10) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``maintain a government relations office in the District of 
     Columbia and''.
       (d) Meetings of Commissions.--Section 15305(b) of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``with the Federal 
     Cochairperson'' and all that follows through the period at 
     the end and inserting the following: ``with--
       ``(1) the Federal Cochairperson; and
       ``(2) at least a majority of the State members or alternate 
     State members (including designees) present in-person or via 
     electronic means.''.
       (e) Annual Reports.--Section 15308(a) of title 40, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``90'' and inserting 
     ``180''.

     SEC. 5203. TRANSFER OF FUNDS AMONG FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 153 of subtitle V of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 15308 as section 15309; and
       (2) by inserting after section 15307 the following:

     ``Sec. 15308. Transfer of funds among Federal agencies

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (c), for purposes 
     of this subtitle, each Commission may transfer funds to and 
     accept transfers of funds from other Federal agencies.
       ``(b) Transfer of Funds to Other Federal Agencies.--Funds 
     made available to a Commission may be transferred to other 
     Federal agencies if the funds are used consistently with the 
     purposes for which the funds were specifically authorized and 
     appropriated.
       ``(c) Transfer of Funds From Other Federal Agencies.--Funds 
     may be transferred to any Commission under this section if--
       ``(1) the statutory authority for the funds provided by the 
     Federal agency does not expressly prohibit use of funds for 
     authorities being carried out by a Commission; and
       ``(2) the Federal agency that provides the funds determines 
     that the activities for which the funds are to be used are 
     otherwise eligible for funding under such a statutory 
     authority.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 153 of 
     subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking the item relating to section 15308 and inserting the 
     following:

``15308. Transfer of funds among Federal agencies.
``15309. Annual reports.''.

     SEC. 5204. ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

       Section 15501 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as 
     paragraphs (6) through (11), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) in coordination with relevant Federal agencies, to 
     design, build, implement, or update infrastructure to support 
     resilience to extreme weather events;
       ``(5) to promote the production of housing to meet economic 
     development and workforce needs;''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(7)'' and inserting 
     ``(9)''.

     SEC. 5205. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 155 of subtitle V of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 15507. Payment of non-Federal share for certain 
       Federal grant programs

       ``Amounts made available to carry out this subtitle shall 
     be available for the payment of the non-Federal share for any 
     project carried out under another Federal grant program--
       ``(1) for which a Commission is not the sole or primary 
     funding source; and
       ``(2) that is consistent with the authorities of the 
     applicable Commission.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 155 of 
     subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``15507. Payment of non-Federal share for certain Federal grant 
              programs.''.

     SEC. 5206. NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION AREA.

       Section 15733 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Lincoln,'' after 
     ``Knox,'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``Merrimack,'' after 
     ``Grafton,''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``Wyoming,'' after 
     ``Wayne,''.

     SEC. 5207. SOUTHWEST BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION AREA.

       Section 15732 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by inserting ``Bernalillo,'' before ``Catron,'';
       (B) by inserting ``Cibola, Curry, De Baca,'' after 
     ``Chaves,'';
       (C) by inserting ``Guadalupe,'' after ``Grant,'';
       (D) by inserting ``Lea,'' after ``Hidalgo,'';
       (E) by inserting ``Roosevelt,'' after ``Otero,''; and
       (F) by striking ``and Socorro'' and inserting ``Socorro, 
     Torrance, and Valencia''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by inserting ``Guadalupe,'' after ``Glasscock,''; and
       (B) by striking ``Tom Green Upton,'' and inserting ``Tom 
     Green, Upton,''.

     SEC. 5208. GREAT LAKES AUTHORITY AREA.

       Section 15734 of title 40, United States Code, is amended, 
     in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``the 
     counties which contain, in part or in whole, the'' after 
     ``consist of''.

     SEC. 5209. ADDITIONAL REGIONAL COMMISSION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle V of title 40, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

         ``CHAPTER 159--ADDITIONAL REGIONAL COMMISSION PROGRAMS

``Sec.
``15901. State capacity building grant program.
``15902. Demonstration health projects.

     ``Sec. 15901. State capacity building grant program

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Commission state.--The term `Commission State' means 
     a State that contains 1 or more eligible counties.
       ``(2) Eligible county.--The term `eligible county' means a 
     county described in subchapter II of chapter 157.
       ``(3) Program.--The term `program' means a State capacity 
     building grant program established by a Commission under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(b) Establishment.--Each Commission shall establish a 
     State capacity building grant program to provide grants to 
     Commission States in the area served by the Commission for 
     the purposes described in subsection (c).
       ``(c) Purposes.--The purposes of a program are to support 
     the efforts of the Commission--
       ``(1) to better support business retention and expansion in 
     eligible counties;
       ``(2) to create programs to encourage job creation and 
     workforce development in eligible counties, including 
     projects and activities, in coordination with other relevant 
     Federal agencies, to strengthen the water sector workforce 
     and facilitate the sharing of best practices;
       ``(3) to partner with universities in distressed counties 
     (as designated under section 15702(a)(1))--
       ``(A) to strengthen the capacity to train new professionals 
     in fields for which there is a shortage of workers;
       ``(B) to increase local capacity for project management, 
     project execution, and financial management; and
       ``(C) to leverage funding sources;
       ``(4) to prepare economic and infrastructure plans for 
     eligible counties;
       ``(5) to expand access to high-speed broadband in eligible 
     counties;
       ``(6) to provide technical assistance that results in 
     Commission investments in transportation, water, wastewater, 
     and other critical infrastructure;
       ``(7) to promote workforce development to support resilient 
     infrastructure projects;
       ``(8) to develop initiatives to increase the effectiveness 
     of local development districts in eligible counties;
       ``(9) to implement new or innovative economic development 
     practices that will better position eligible counties to 
     compete in the global economy; and
       ``(10) to identify and address important regional 
     impediments to prosperity and to leverage unique regional 
     advantages to create

[[Page S4828]]

     economic opportunities for the region served by the 
     Commission.
       ``(d) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Funds from a grant under a program may 
     be used to support a project, program, or related expense of 
     the Commission State in an eligible county.
       ``(2) Limitation.--Funds from a grant under a program shall 
     not be used for--
       ``(A) the purchase of furniture, fixtures, or equipment;
       ``(B) the compensation of--
       ``(i) any State member of the Commission (as described in 
     section 15301(b)(1)(B)); or
       ``(ii) any State alternate member of the Commission (as 
     described in section 15301(b)(2)(B)); or
       ``(C) the cost of supplanting existing State programs.
       ``(e) Annual Work Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--For each fiscal year, before providing a 
     grant under a program, each Commission State shall provide to 
     the Commission an annual work plan that includes the proposed 
     use of the grant.
       ``(2) Approval.--No grant under a program shall be provided 
     to a Commission State unless the Commission has approved the 
     annual work plan of the State.
       ``(f) Amount of Grant.--
       ``(1) In general.--The amount of a grant provided to a 
     Commission State under a program for a fiscal year shall be 
     based on the proportion that--
       ``(A) the amount paid by the Commission State (including 
     any amounts paid on behalf of the Commission State by a 
     nonprofit organization) for administrative expenses for the 
     applicable fiscal year (as determined under section 
     15304(c)); bears to
       ``(B) the amount paid by all Commission States served by 
     the Commission (including any amounts paid on behalf of a 
     Commission State by a nonprofit organization) for 
     administrative expenses for that fiscal year (as determined 
     under that section).
       ``(2) Requirement.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     a program for a fiscal year, a Commission State (or a 
     nonprofit organization on behalf of the Commission State) 
     shall pay the amount of administrative expenses of the 
     Commission State for the applicable fiscal year (as 
     determined under section 15304(c)).
       ``(3) Approval.--For each fiscal year, a grant provided 
     under a program shall be approved and made available as part 
     of the approval of the annual budget of the Commission.
       ``(g) Grant Availability.--Funds from a grant under a 
     program shall be available only during the fiscal year for 
     which the grant is provided.
       ``(h) Report.--Each fiscal year, each Commission State 
     shall submit to the relevant Commission and make publicly 
     available a report that describes the use of the grant funds 
     and the impact of the program in the Commission State.
       ``(i) Continuation of Program Authority for Northern Border 
     Regional Commission.--With respect to the Northern Border 
     Regional Commission, the program shall be a continuation of 
     the program under section 6304(c) of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 (40 U.S.C. 15501 note; Public Law 
     115-334) (as in effect on the day before the date of 
     enactment of this section).

     ``Sec. 15902. Demonstration health projects

       ``(a) Purpose.--To demonstrate the value of adequate health 
     facilities and services to the economic development of the 
     region, a Commission may make grants for the planning, 
     construction, equipment, and operation of demonstration 
     health, nutrition, and child care projects (referred to in 
     this section as a `demonstration health project'), including 
     hospitals, regional health diagnostic and treatment centers, 
     and other facilities and services necessary for the purposes 
     of this section.
       ``(b) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to receive a 
     grant under this section is--
       ``(1) an entity described in section 15501(a);
       ``(2) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001(a)));
       ``(3) a hospital (as defined in section 1861 of the Social 
     Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x)); or
       ``(4) a critical access hospital (as defined in that 
     section).
       ``(c) Planning Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission may make grants for 
     planning expenses necessary for the development and operation 
     of demonstration health projects for the region served by the 
     Commission.
       ``(2) Maximum commission contribution.--The maximum 
     Commission contribution for a demonstration health project 
     that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall be made in 
     accordance with section 15501(d).
       ``(3) Sources of assistance.--A grant under paragraph (1) 
     may be provided entirely from amounts made available to carry 
     out this section or in combination with amounts provided 
     under other Federal grant programs.
       ``(4) Federal share for grants under other federal grant 
     programs.--Notwithstanding any provision of law limiting the 
     Federal share in other Federal grant programs, amounts made 
     available to carry out this subsection may be used to 
     increase the Federal share of another Federal grant up to the 
     maximum contribution described in paragraph (2).
       ``(d) Construction and Equipment Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grant under this section for 
     construction or equipment of a demonstration health project 
     may be used for--
       ``(A) costs of construction;
       ``(B) the acquisition of privately owned facilities--
       ``(i) not operated for profit; or
       ``(ii) previously operated for profit if the Commission 
     finds that health services would not otherwise be provided in 
     the area served by the facility if the acquisition is not 
     made; and
       ``(C) the acquisition of initial equipment.
       ``(2) Standards for making grants.--A grant under paragraph 
     (1)--
       ``(A) shall be approved in accordance with section 15503; 
     and
       ``(B) shall not be incompatible with the applicable 
     provisions of title VI of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 291 et seq.), the Developmental Disabilities 
     Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15001 et 
     seq.), and other laws authorizing grants for the construction 
     of health-related facilities, without regard to any 
     provisions in those laws relating to appropriation 
     authorization ceilings or to allotments among the States.
       ``(3) Maximum commission contribution.--The maximum 
     Commission contribution for a demonstration health project 
     that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall be made in 
     accordance with section 15501(d).
       ``(4) Sources of assistance.--A grant under paragraph (1) 
     may be provided entirely from amounts made available to carry 
     out this section or in combination with amounts provided 
     under other Federal grant programs.
       ``(5) Contribution to increased federal share for other 
     federal grants.--Notwithstanding any provision of law 
     limiting the Federal share in another Federal grant program 
     for the construction or equipment of a demonstration health 
     project, amounts made available to carry out this subsection 
     may be used to increase Federal grants for component 
     facilities of a demonstration health project to a maximum of 
     90 percent of the cost of the facilities.
       ``(e) Operation Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grant under this section for the 
     operation of a demonstration health project may be used for--
       ``(A) the costs of operation of the facility; and
       ``(B) initial operating costs, including the costs of 
     attracting, training, and retaining qualified personnel.
       ``(2) Standards for making grants.--A grant for the 
     operation of a demonstration health project shall not be made 
     unless the facility funded by the grant is--
       ``(A) publicly owned;
       ``(B) owned by a public or private nonprofit organization;
       ``(C) a private hospital described in section 501(c)(3) of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation 
     under section 501(a) of that Code; or
       ``(D) a private hospital that provides a certain amount of 
     uncompensated care, as determined by the Commission, and 
     applies for the grant in partnership with a State, local 
     government, or Indian Tribe.
       ``(3) Maximum commission contribution.--The maximum 
     Commission contribution for a demonstration health project 
     that receives a grant under paragraph (1) shall be made in 
     accordance with section 15501(d).
       ``(4) Sources of assistance.--A grant under paragraph (1) 
     may be provided entirely from amounts made available to carry 
     out this section or in combination with amounts provided 
     under other Federal grant programs for the operation of 
     health-related facilities or the provision of health and 
     child development services, including parts A and B of title 
     IV and title XX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et 
     seq., 621 et seq., 1397 et seq.).
       ``(5) Federal share.--Notwithstanding any provision of law 
     limiting the Federal share in the other Federal programs 
     described in paragraph (4), amounts made available to carry 
     out this subsection may be used to increase the Federal share 
     of a grant under those programs up to the maximum 
     contribution described in paragraph (3).
       ``(f) Priority Health Programs.--If a Commission elects to 
     make grants under this section, the Commission shall 
     establish specific regional health priorities for such grants 
     that address--
       ``(1) addiction treatment and access to resources helping 
     individuals in recovery;
       ``(2) workforce shortages in the healthcare industry; or
       ``(3) access to services for screening and diagnosing 
     chronic health issues.''.
       (b) Repeal.--Section 6304(c) of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018 (40 U.S.C. 15501 note; Public Law 115-334) is 
     repealed.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of chapters for subtitle 
     V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to chapter 157 the following:

``159.  Additional Regional Commission Programs............15901''.....

     SEC. 5210. TRIBAL AND COLONIA PARTICIPATION IN SOUTHWEST 
                   BORDER REGION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 155 of subtitle V of title 40, 
     United States Code (as amended by section 5205(a)), is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 15508. Waiver of matching requirement for Indian 
       tribes and colonias in Southwest Border Regional Commission 
       programs

       ``(a) Definition of Colonia.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `colonia' 
     means a community--
       ``(A) that is located--
       ``(i) in the State of Arizona, California, New Mexico, or 
     Texas;

[[Page S4829]]

       ``(ii) not more than 150 miles from the border between the 
     United States and Mexico; and
       ``(iii) outside a standard metropolitan statistical area 
     that has a population exceeding 1,000,000;
       ``(B) that--
       ``(i) lacks a potable water supply;
       ``(ii) lacks an adequate sewage system; or
       ``(iii) lacks decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and
       ``(C) that has been treated or designated as a colonia by a 
     Federal or State program.
       ``(b) Waiver.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     in the case of assistance provided to a colonia or an Indian 
     tribe under this subtitle by the Southwest Border Regional 
     Commission, the Federal share of the cost of the project 
     carried out with that assistance may be up to 100 percent, as 
     determined by the selection official, the State Cochairperson 
     (or an alternate), and the Federal Cochairperson (or an 
     alternate).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 155 of 
     subtitle V of title 40, United States Code (as amended by 
     section 5205(b)), is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 15507 the following:

``15508. Waiver of matching requirement for Indian tribes and colonias 
              in Southwest Border Regional Commission programs.''.

     SEC. 5211. ESTABLISHMENT OF MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--Section 15301(a) of title 40, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) The Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.''.
       (b) Designation of Region.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 15735. Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.

       ``The region of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission shall 
     include the following counties:
       ``(1) Delaware.--Each county in the State of Delaware.
       ``(2) Maryland.--Each county in the State of Maryland that 
     is not already served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
       ``(3) Pennsylvania.--Each county in the Commonwealth of 
     Pennsylvania that is not already served by the Appalachian 
     Regional Commission.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of 
     chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

``15735. Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.''.
       (c) Application.--Section 15702(c) of title 40, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Application.--Paragraph (2) shall not apply to a 
     county described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 15735.''.

     SEC. 5212. ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL 
                   COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--Section 15301(a) of title 40, United 
     States Code (as amended by section 5211(a)), is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) The Southern New England Regional Commission.''.
       (b) Designation of Region.--
       (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, 
     United States Code (as amended by section 5211(b)(1)), is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 15736. Southern New England Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Southern New England Regional 
     Commission shall include the following counties:
       ``(1) Rhode island.--Each county in the State of Rhode 
     Island.
       ``(2) Connecticut.--The counties of Hartford, Middlesex, 
     New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham in the State of 
     Connecticut.
       ``(3) Massachusetts.--Each county in the Commonwealth of 
     Massachusetts.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of 
     chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by 
     section 5211(b)(2)), is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

``15736. Southern New England Regional Commission.''.
       (c) Application.--Section 15702(c)(3) of title 40, United 
     States Code (as amended by section 5211(c)), is amended--
       (1) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or'';
       (2) by striking ``to a county'' and inserting the 
     following: ``to--
       ``(A) a county''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) the Southern New England Regional Commission.''.

     SEC. 5213. DENALI COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Reauthorization.--Section 312(a) of the Denali 
     Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105-
     277) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2017 through 2021'' and inserting ``$35,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029''.
       (b) Powers of the Commission.--Section 305 of the Denali 
     Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105-
     277) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d), in the first sentence, by inserting 
     ``enter into leases (including the lease of office space for 
     any term),'' after ``award grants,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Use of Funds Toward Non-Federal Share of Certain 
     Projects.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law 
     regarding payment of a non-Federal share in connection with a 
     grant-in-aid program, the Commission may use amounts made 
     available to the Commission for the payment of such a non-
     Federal share for programs undertaken to carry out the 
     purposes of the Commission.''.
       (c) Special Functions of the Commission.--Section 307 of 
     the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; 
     Public Law 105-277) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as 
     subsections (a) through (d), respectively; and
       (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``, including interagency transfers,'' after ``payments''.
       (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 309(c)(1) of the Denali 
     Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; Public Law 105-
     277) is amended by inserting ``of Transportation'' after 
     ``Secretary''.

     SEC. 5214. DENALI HOUSING FUND.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a nonprofit organization;
       (B) a limited dividend organization;
       (C) a cooperative organization;
       (D) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian 
     Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304)); and
       (E) a public entity, such as a municipality, county, 
     district, authority, or other political subdivision of a 
     State.
       (2) Federal cochair.--The term ``Federal Cochair'' means 
     the Federal Cochairperson of the Denali Commission.
       (3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Denali Housing Fund 
     established under subsection (b)(1).
       (4) Low-income.--The term ``low-income'', with respect to a 
     household means that the household income is less than 150 
     percent of the Federal poverty level for the State of Alaska.
       (5) Moderate-income.--The term ``moderate-income'', with 
     respect to a household, means that the household income is 
     less than 250 percent of the Federal poverty level for the 
     State of Alaska.
       (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (b) Denali Housing Fund.--
       (1) Establishment.--There shall be established in the 
     Treasury of the United States the Denali Housing Fund, to be 
     administered by the Federal Cochair.
       (2) Source and use of amounts in fund.--
       (A) In general.--Amounts allocated to the Federal Cochair 
     for the purpose of carrying out this section shall be 
     deposited in the Fund.
       (B) Uses.--The Federal Cochair shall use the Fund as a 
     revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this section.
       (C) Investment.--The Federal Cochair may invest amounts in 
     the Fund that are not necessary for operational expenses in 
     bonds or other obligations, the principal and interest of 
     which are guaranteed by the Federal Government.
       (D) General expenses.--The Federal Cochair may charge the 
     general expenses of carrying out this section to the Fund.
       (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Fund $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2025 through 2029.
       (c) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (1) to encourage and facilitate the construction or 
     rehabilitation of housing to meet the needs of low-income 
     households and moderate-income households; and
       (2) to provide housing for public employees.
       (d) Loans and Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Federal Cochair may provide grants and 
     loans from the Fund to eligible entities under such terms and 
     conditions the Federal Cochair may prescribe.
       (2) Purpose.--The purpose of a grant or loan under 
     paragraph (1) shall be for planning and obtaining federally 
     insured mortgage financing or other financial assistance for 
     housing construction or rehabilitation projects for low-
     income and moderate-income households in rural Alaska 
     villages.
       (e) Providing Amounts to States for Grants and Loans.--The 
     Federal Cochair may provide amounts to the State of Alaska, 
     or political subdivisions thereof, for making the grants and 
     loans described in subsection (d).
       (f) Loans.--
       (1) Limitation on available amounts.--A loan under 
     subsection (d) for the cost of planning and obtaining 
     financing (including the cost of preliminary surveys and 
     analyses of market needs, preliminary site engineering and 
     architectural fees, site options, application and mortgage 
     commitment fees, legal fees, and construction loan fees and 
     discounts) of a project described in that subsection may be 
     for not more than 90 percent of that cost.
       (2) Interest.--A loan under subsection (d) shall be made 
     without interest, except that a loan made to an eligible 
     entity established for profit shall bear interest at the 
     prevailing market rate authorized for an insured or 
     guaranteed loan for that type of project.
       (3) Payment.--
       (A) In general.--The Federal Cochair shall require payment 
     of a loan made under this

[[Page S4830]]

     section under terms and conditions the Secretary may require 
     by not later than the date of completion of the project.
       (B) Cancellation.--For a loan other than a loan to an 
     eligible entity established for profit, the Secretary may 
     cancel any part of the debt with respect to a loan made under 
     subsection (d) if the Secretary determines that a permanent 
     loan to finance the project cannot be obtained in an amount 
     adequate for repayment of a loan made under subsection (d).
       (g) Grants.--
       (1) In general.--A grant under this section for expenses 
     incidental to planning and obtaining financing for a project 
     described in this section that the Federal Cochair considers 
     unrecoverable from the proceeds of a permanent loan made to 
     finance the project--
       (A) may not be made to an eligible entity established for 
     profit; and
       (B) may not exceed 90 percent of those expenses.
       (2) Site development costs and offsite improvements.--
       (A) In general.--The Federal Cochair may make grants and 
     commitments for grants under terms and conditions the Federal 
     Cochair may require to eligible entities for reasonable site 
     development costs and necessary offsite improvements, such as 
     sewer and water line extensions, if the grant or commitment--
       (i) is essential to ensuring that housing is constructed on 
     the site in the future; and
       (ii) otherwise meets the requirements for assistance under 
     this section.
       (B) Maximum amounts.--The amount of a grant under this 
     paragraph may not--
       (i) with respect to the construction of housing, exceed 40 
     percent of the cost of the construction; and
       (ii) with respect to the rehabilitation of housing, exceed 
     10 percent of the reasonable value of the rehabilitation, as 
     determined by the Federal Cochair.
       (h) Information, Advice, and Technical Assistance.--The 
     Federal Cochair may provide, or contract with public or 
     private organizations to provide, information, advice, and 
     technical assistance with respect to the construction, 
     rehabilitation, and operation by nonprofit organizations of 
     housing for low-income or moderate-income households, or for 
     public employees, in rural Alaska villages under this 
     section.

     SEC. 5215. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 382M(a) of 
     the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     2009aa-12(a)) is amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' and inserting 
     ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029''.
       (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-
     13) is repealed.
       (c) Fees.--Section 382B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-1(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (9)(C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) collect fees for the Delta Doctors program of the 
     Authority and retain and expend those fees.''.
       (d) Succession.--Section 382B(h)(5)(B) of the Consolidated 
     Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-1(h)(5)(B)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
       (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) assuming the duties of the Federal cochairperson 
     and the alternate Federal cochairperson for purposes of 
     continuation of normal operations in the event that both 
     positions are vacant; and''.
       (e) Indian Tribes.--Section 382C(a) of the Consolidated 
     Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-2(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``, 
     Indian Tribes,'' after ``States''; and
       (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, Tribal,'' after 
     ``State''.

     SEC. 5216. NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL AUTHORITY 
                   REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 383N(a) of 
     the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     2009bb-12(a)) is amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting 
     ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029''.
       (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 383O of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-
     13) is repealed.
                                 ______