§651 National Small Business Tree Planting Program

Summary

The Administrator must set up a national program to give grants or make contracts with States so States can hire small businesses to plant trees on land owned or controlled by State or local governments. Applicants must provide at least 25% of each project’s cost from non‑Federal sources; that can include things like in‑kind help and three years of care for the trees, but it cannot include the value of the land or be used to buy land. At least half of the money available must be split among each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico based on population. The other half can be awarded with priority to applicants who put up more than 25% and to projects restoring areas the President declared a major disaster within three years before the fiscal year. The Administrator will work with Federal agencies, accept State proposals, and require grantees to use and where possible divide work among small businesses. Federal agencies must provide free technical help about planting and growing trees. Money authorized: $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 and $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1995–1997, available until spent. The Administrator must publish proposed rules in the Federal Register within 60 days after November 5, 1990, and final rules within 120 days of that date. Definitions: local government (counties, cities, etc.), planting (watering, fertilizer, herbicide, pruning, and three years of care), State (any agency). The Administrator must report yearly to the President and Congress.