105 S3891 RS: Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024
U.S. Senate
2024-03-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
II
Calendar No. 345
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3891
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
March 12, 2024
Reported by Mr. Carper, with an amendment
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
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.
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.
I

Public Works and Economic Development
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:
“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.”.
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)”.
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.”.
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.”.
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”.
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:
“703.

Authorization of appropriations for disaster economic recovery activities
In addition”.
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”.
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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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).
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”.
II

Regional economic and infrastructure development
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.”.
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”.
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:
“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.”.
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)”.
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:
“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.”.
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,”.
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,”.
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”.
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:
“159

Additional regional commission programs
Sec.
15901. State capacity building grant program.
15902. Demonstration health projects.
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).
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”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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”.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
I

Public Works and Economic Development
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:
“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.”.
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)”.
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.”.
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.”.
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;
(3)
expenses related to updating economic development plans to align with other applicable State, regional, or local planning efforts; and
(4)
expenses related to hiring professional staff to assist communities in—
(A)
project predevelopment and implementing projects and priorities included in—
(i)
a comprehensive economic development strategy; or
(ii)
an economic development planning grant;
(B)
identifying and using other Federal, State, and Tribal economic development programs;
(C)
leveraging private and philanthropic investment;
(D)
preparing disaster coordination and preparation plans; and
(E)
carrying out economic development and predevelopment activities in accordance with professional economic development best practices.”; and
(3)
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), in paragraph (4)—
(A)
in subparagraph (E), by striking “; and” and inserting “(including broadband);”;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
“(F)
address and mitigate impacts of extreme weather; and”.
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:
“703.

Authorization of appropriations for disaster economic recovery activities
In addition”.
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”.
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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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).
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“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.”.
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.”.
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.).
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.
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)
provide recommendations for improving the administration and timely disbursement of grants awarded by the Economic Development Administration, including for improving the communication with grantees regarding timelines for disbursement of funds;
(4)
identify barriers to small communities applying for Economic Development Administration grants, in consultation with—
(A)
State economic development representatives;
(B)
secretaries of State departments of economic development;
(C)
representatives for small communities that have received Economic Development Administration grants; and
(D)
representatives for small communities that have never applied for Economic Development Administration grants; and
(5)
provide recommendations for simplifying and easing the ability for grant applicants to navigate the Economic Development Administration grant application process, including through a review of regulations, including environmental regulations, not in the jurisdiction of the Economic Development Administration to identify possible grant application process improvements.
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.
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.
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.”.
II

Regional economic and infrastructure development
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.”.
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”.
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:
“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.”.
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)”.
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:
“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.”.
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,”.
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,”.
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”.
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:
“159

Additional regional commission programs
Sec.
15901. State capacity building grant program.
15902. Demonstration health projects.
15901.

State capacity building grant program
(a)

Definitions
In this section:
(1)

Commission state
The term Commission State means a State that contains 1 or more eligible counties.
(2)

Eligible county
The term eligible county means a county described in subchapter II of chapter 157.
(3)

Program
The term program means a State capacity building grant program established by a Commission under subsection (b).
(b)

Establishment
Each Commission shall establish a State capacity building grant program to provide grants to Commission States in the area served by the Commission for the purposes described in subsection (c).
(c)

Purposes
The purposes of a program are to support the efforts of the Commission—
(1)
to better support business retention and expansion in eligible counties;
(2)
to create programs to encourage job creation and workforce development in eligible counties, including projects and activities, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, to strengthen the water sector workforce and facilitate the sharing of best practices;
(3)
to partner with universities in distressed counties (as designated under section 15702(a)(1))—
(A)
to strengthen the capacity to train new professionals in fields for which there is a shortage of workers;
(B)
to increase local capacity for project management, project execution, and financial management; and
(C)
to leverage funding sources;
(4)
to prepare economic and infrastructure plans for eligible counties;
(5)
to expand access to high-speed broadband in eligible counties;
(6)
to provide technical assistance that results in Commission investments in transportation, water, wastewater, and other critical infrastructure;
(7)
to promote workforce development to support resilient infrastructure projects;
(8)
to develop initiatives to increase the effectiveness of local development districts in eligible counties;
(9)
to implement new or innovative economic development practices that will better position eligible counties to compete in the global economy; and
(10)
to identify and address important regional impediments to prosperity and to leverage unique regional advantages to create economic opportunities for the region served by the Commission.
(d)

Use of funds
(1)

In general
Funds from a grant under a program may be used to support a project, program, or related expense of the Commission State in an eligible county.
(2)

Limitation
Funds from a grant under a program shall not be used for—
(A)
the purchase of furniture, fixtures, or equipment;
(B)
the compensation of—
(i)
any State member of the Commission (as described in section 15301(b)(1)(B)); or
(ii)
any State alternate member of the Commission (as described in section 15301(b)(2)(B)); or
(C)
the cost of supplanting existing State programs.
(e)

Annual work plan
(1)

In general
For each fiscal year, before providing a grant under a program, each Commission State shall provide to the Commission an annual work plan that includes the proposed use of the grant.
(2)

Approval
No grant under a program shall be provided to a Commission State unless the Commission has approved the annual work plan of the State.
(f)

Amount of grant
(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).
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”.
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:
“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.”.
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:
“15735.

Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.
The region of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission shall include the following counties:
(1)

Delaware
Each county in the State of Delaware.
(2)

Maryland
Each county in the State of Maryland that is not already served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
(3)

Pennsylvania
Each county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is not already served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.”.
(2)

Clerical amendment
The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“15735. Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.”.
(c)

Application
Section 15702(c) of title 40, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
“(3)

Application
Paragraph (2) shall not apply to a county described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 15735.”.
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:
“15736.

Southern New England Regional Commission
The region of the Southern New England Regional Commission shall include the following counties:
(1)

Rhode Island
Each county in the State of Rhode Island.
(2)

Connecticut
The counties of Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham in the State of Connecticut.
(3)

Massachusetts
Each county in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”.
(2)

Clerical amendment
The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 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.”.
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)

Powers of the commission
Section 305 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (d), in the first sentence, by inserting “enter into leases (including the lease of office space for any term),” after “award grants,”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
“(e)

Use of funds toward non-Federal share of certain projects
Notwithstanding any other provision of law regarding payment of a non-Federal share in connection with a grant-in-aid program, the Commission may use amounts made available to the Commission for the payment of such a non-Federal share for programs undertaken to carry out the purposes of the Commission.”.
(c)

Special functions of the commission
Section 307 of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; Public Law 105–277) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (a);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (a) through (d), respectively; and
(3)
in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by inserting “, including interagency transfers,” after “payments”.
(d)

Conforming amendment
Section 309(c)(1) of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; Public Law 105–277) is amended by inserting “of Transportation” after “Secretary”.
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.
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”.
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.
March 12, 2024
Reported with an amendment