[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5415-S5426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 3103. Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mrs. Capito) 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--
``(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
[[Page S5416]]
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.''.
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;
[[Page S5417]]
``(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
``(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--
[[Page S5418]]
``(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 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:
[[Page S5419]]
``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
``(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.
[[Page S5420]]
``(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.
``(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.''.
[[Page S5421]]
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. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Economic Development Administration should continue to
promote access to economic development assistance programs of
that agency through the use of Economic Development
Representatives in underresourced communities, particularly
coal communities.
(b) Economic Development Representatives.--
(1) In general.--In accordance with paragraph (2), the
Secretary of Commerce shall maintain, or restore, as
necessary, State-level Economic Development Representative
positions occupied as of October 1, 2023.
(2) Continuation.--For each State in which there is an
Economic Development Representative position as of October 1,
2023, the Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that--
(A) that State continues to have that coverage from an
Economic Development Representative who is located within
that State; and
(B) the Economic Development Representative position
located within that State is dedicated solely to addressing
the economic needs of that State.
(c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce 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 describes the
implementation of this section by the Economic Development
Administration.
SEC. 5123. 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. 5124. 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. 5125. 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.
SEC. 5126. 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.
[[Page S5422]]
(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. 5127. 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. 5128. 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:
``(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.
[[Page S5423]]
``(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 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.--
[[Page S5424]]
``(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;
``(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:
[[Page S5425]]
``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 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
[[Page S5426]]
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.
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