[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3891 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3891
To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to
update and expand Federal economic development investment in the
economic recovery, resiliency, and competitiveness of communities,
regions, and States across the United States, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 7, 2024
Mr. Carper (for himself, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Cramer)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to
update and expand Federal economic development investment in the
economic recovery, resiliency, and competitiveness of communities,
regions, and States across the United States, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Economic
Development Reauthorization Act of 2024''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 101. Findings and declarations.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Sec. 103. Increased coordination.
Sec. 104. Grants for public works and economic development.
Sec. 105. Grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses.
Sec. 106. Cost sharing.
Sec. 107. Regulations on relative needs and allocations.
Sec. 108. Research and technical assistance; university centers.
Sec. 109. Investment priorities.
Sec. 110. Grants for economic adjustment.
Sec. 111. Renewable energy program.
Sec. 112. Workforce training grants.
Sec. 113. Congressional notification requirements.
Sec. 114. Specific flexibilities related to deployment of high-speed
broadband.
Sec. 115. Critical supply chain site development grant program.
Sec. 116. Updated distress criteria and grant rates.
Sec. 117. Comprehensive economic development strategies.
Sec. 118. Office of Tribal Economic Development.
Sec. 119. Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience.
Sec. 120. Establishment of technical assistance liaisons.
Sec. 121. Annual report to Congress.
Sec. 122. Modernization of environmental reviews.
Sec. 123. GAO report on economic development programs.
Sec. 124. GAO report on Economic Development Administration regulations
and policies.
Sec. 125. GAO study on rural communities.
Sec. 126. General authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 127. Technical correction.
TITLE II--REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 201. Regional commission authorizations.
Sec. 202. Regional commission modifications.
Sec. 203. Transfer of funds among Federal agencies.
Sec. 204. Economic and infrastructure development grants.
Sec. 205. Financial assistance.
Sec. 206. Northern Border Regional Commission area.
Sec. 207. Southwest Border Regional Commission area.
Sec. 208. Great Lakes Authority area.
Sec. 209. Additional regional commission programs.
Sec. 210. Tribal and colonia participation in southwest border region.
Sec. 211. Establishment of Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.
Sec. 212. Establishment of Southern New England Regional Commission.
Sec. 213. Denali Commission reauthorization.
Sec. 214. Denali Housing Fund.
Sec. 215. Delta Regional Authority reauthorization.
Sec. 216. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority reauthorization.
TITLE I--PUBLIC WORKS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 101. 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 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. 102. 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. 103. 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. 104. 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. 105. 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; and
``(3) 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. 106. 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. 107. 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. 108. 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. 109. 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. 110. GRANTS FOR ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT.
Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by inserting ``, travel and tourism,
natural resource-based, blue economy, or
agricultural'' after ``manufacturing''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) economic dislocation in the steel industry due to the
closure of a steel plant, primary steel economy contraction
events (including temporary layoffs and shifts to part-time
work), or job losses in the steel industry or associated with
the departure or contraction of the steel industry, for help in
economic restructuring of the communities.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(f) and (g), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after section (c) the following:
``(d) Assistance to Coal Communities.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Coal economy.--The term `coal economy' means
the complete supply chain of coal-reliant industries,
including--
``(i) coal mining;
``(ii) coal-fired power plants;
``(iii) transportation or logistics; and
``(iv) manufacturing.
``(B) Contraction event.--The term `contraction
event' means the closure of a facility or a reduction
in activity relating to a coal-reliant industry,
including an industry described in any of clauses (i)
through (iv) of subparagraph (A).
``(2) Authorization.--On the application of an eligible
recipient, the Secretary may make grants for projects in areas
adversely impacted by a contraction event in the coal economy.
``(3) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Secretary shall determine the eligibility of an
area based on whether the eligible recipient can
reasonably demonstrate that the area--
``(i) has been adversely impacted by a
contraction event in the coal economy within
the previous 25 years; or
``(ii) will be adversely impacted by a
contraction event in the coal economy.
``(B) Prohibition.--No regulation or other policy
of the Secretary may limit the eligibility of an
eligible recipient for a grant under this subsection
based on the date of a contraction event except as
provided in subparagraph (A)(i).
``(C) Demonstrating adverse impact.--For the
purposes of this paragraph, an eligible recipient may
demonstrate an adverse impact by demonstrating--
``(i) a loss in employment;
``(ii) a reduction in tax revenue; or
``(iii) any other factor, as determined to
be appropriate by the Secretary.
``(e) Assistance to Nuclear Host Communities.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
``(B) Community advisory board.--The term
`community advisory board' means a community committee
or other advisory organization that aims to foster
communication and information exchange between a
licensee planning for and involved in decommissioning
activities and members of the community that
decommissioning activities may affect.
``(C) Decommission.--The term `decommission' has
the meaning given the term in section 50.2 of title 10,
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
``(D) Licensee.--The term `licensee' has the
meaning given the term in section 50.2 of title 10,
Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
``(E) Nuclear host community.--The term `nuclear
host community' means an eligible recipient that has
been impacted, or reasonably demonstrates to the
satisfaction of the Secretary that it will be impacted,
by a nuclear power plant licensed by the Commission
that--
``(i) is not co-located with an operating
nuclear power plant;
``(ii) is at a site with spent nuclear
fuel; and
``(iii) as of the date of enactment of the
Economic Development Reauthorization Act of
2024--
``(I) has ceased operations; or
``(II) has provided a written
notification to the Commission that it
will cease operations.
``(2) Authorization.--On the application of an eligible
recipient, the Secretary may make grants--
``(A) to assist with economic development in
nuclear host communities; and
``(B) to fund community advisory boards in nuclear
host communities.
``(3) Requirement.--In carrying out this subsection, to the
maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall implement the
recommendations described in the report submitted to Congress
under section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and
Modernization Act (Public Law 115-439; 132 Stat. 5577) entitled
`Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of Local
Community Advisory Boards Associated with Decommissioning
Activities at Nuclear Power Plants'.
``(4) Distribution of funds.--The Secretary shall establish
a methodology to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable,
geographic diversity among grant recipients under this
subsection.''.
SEC. 111. 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. 112. 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. 113. 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 112) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 220. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of a project described in subsection
(b), the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives notice, in accordance
with subsection (c), of the award of a grant for the project not less
than 3 business days before notifying an eligible recipient of their
selection for that award.
``(b) Projects Described.--A project referred to in subsection (a)
is a project that the Secretary has selected to receive a grant
administered by the Economic Development Administration in an amount
not less than $100,000.
``(c) Requirements.--A notification under subsection (a) shall
include--
``(1) the name of the project;
``(2) the name of the applicant;
``(3) the region in which the project is to be carried out;
``(4) the State in which the project is to be carried out;
``(5) the amount of the grant awarded;
``(6) a description of the project; and
``(7) any additional information, as determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(d) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make a notification
under subsection (a) publicly available not later than 60 days after
the date on which the Secretary provides the notice.''.
SEC. 114. 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 113) 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. 115. 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 114) 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. 116. UPDATED DISTRESS CRITERIA AND GRANT RATES.
Section 301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:
``(3) Unemployment, underemployment, or economic adjustment
problems.--The area is an area that the Secretary determines
has experienced or is about to experience a special need
arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment,
underemployment, or economic adjustment problems resulting from
severe short-term or long-term changes in economic conditions.
``(4) Low median household income.--The area has a median
household income of 80 percent or less of the national average.
``(5) Workforce participation.--The area has--
``(A) a labor force participation rate of 90
percent or less of the national average; or
``(B) a prime-age employment gap of 5 percent or
more.
``(6) Expected economic dislocation and distress from
energy industry transitions.--The area is an area that is
expected to experience actual or threatened severe unemployment
or economic adjustment problems resulting from severe short-
term or long-term changes in economic conditions from energy
industries that are experiencing accelerated contraction.''.
SEC. 117. 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. 118. 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. 119. 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 118) 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. 120. 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 119) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 510. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LIAISONS.
``(a) In General.--A Regional Director of a regional office of the
Economic Development Administration may designate a staff member to act
as a `Technical Assistance Liaison' for any State served by the
regional office.
``(b) Role.--A Technical Assistance Liaison shall--
``(1) work in coordination with an Economic Development
Representative to provide technical assistance, in addition to
technical assistance under section 207, to eligible recipients
that are underresourced communities, as determined by the
Technical Assistance Liaison, that submit applications for
assistance under title II; and
``(2) at the request of an eligible recipient that
submitted an application for assistance under title II, provide
technical feedback on unsuccessful grant applications.
``(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may enter into a
contract or cooperative agreement with an eligible recipient for the
purpose of providing technical assistance to eligible recipients that
are underresourced communities that have submitted or may submit an
application for assistance under this Act.''.
SEC. 121. 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. 122. 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. 123. 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. 124. 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) 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
(4) 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. 125. GAO STUDY ON RURAL COMMUNITIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States (referred to
in this section as the ``Comptroller General'') shall conduct a study
to evaluate the impacts of funding provided by the Economic Development
Administration to distressed communities (as described in section
301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3161(a))) located in rural areas.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall--
(1) identify not less than 5 geographically diverse
distressed communities in rural areas; and
(2) for each distressed community identified under
paragraph (1), examine the impacts of funding provided by the
Economic Development Administration on--
(A) the local jobs and unemployment of the
community; and
(B) the availability of affordable housing in the
community.
(c) Report.--On completion of the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Environment and
Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings
of the study and any recommendations that result from the study.
SEC. 126. 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. 127. 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 II--REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 201. 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. 202. 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.
``(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. 203. 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. 204. 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. 205. 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. 206. 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. 207. 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 ``Roosevelt,'' after ``Otero,'';
and
(E) 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. 208. 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. 209. 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;
``(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.--
``(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. 210. 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 205(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 205(b)), is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 15507 the
following:
``15508. Waiver of matching requirement for Indian tribes and colonias
in Southwest Border Regional Commission
programs.''.
SEC. 211. 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 State 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. 212. ESTABLISHMENT OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--Section 15301(a) of title 40, United States
Code (as amended by section 211(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 211(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.--The counties of Barnstable, Bristol,
Essex, Hampden, Plymouth, and Worcester in the State of
Massachusetts.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of
chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by
section 211(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 211(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. 213. 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) Establishment of Commission.--Section 303 of the Denali
Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105-277) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``who shall be appointed by
the Secretary of Commerce (referred to in this
title as the `Secretary'),''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``who
shall be selected in accordance with the
requirements of paragraph (2)'' and inserting
``appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(2);
(2) by striking subsection (c); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as
subsections (c) through (f), respectively.
(c) Duties of the Commission.--Section 304 of the Denali Commission
Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105-277) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``to the Secretary,
the Federal Cochairperson, and the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget,'' and inserting ``to the Federal
Cochairperson and the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``the Secretary, acting through the
Federal Cochairperson,'' each place it appears and
inserting ``the Federal Cochairperson''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``the Secretary acting
through the Federal Cochairperson,'' and inserting
``the Federal Cochairperson''.
(d) 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) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a construction
project carried out with amounts provided by the Commission shall be 80
percent.
``(f) 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.''.
(e) 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''.
(f) 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. 214. 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 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. 215. 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. 216. 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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