§14524 Program Development Criteria

Summary

When picking and ranking projects for funding, the Commission must use rules that make sure it looks at six things: how the project fits into regional development and whether it’s in a severely and persistently distressed county or area; who and how many people the project will serve, including per capita market income and local unemployment; how much money the State or its local governments can provide; how the project compares in importance to other projects seeking the same funds; whether the project will bring lasting (not temporary) gains in jobs, income, or economic and social development; and whether the project includes clear ways to measure results and spending. Grant money cannot pay for businesses moving from one place to another. The Commission may fund projects in a State only if other federal and State aid for the same project types in that part of the State will not be reduced because of these funds. Each year at least 50 percent of approved grant spending must go to projects that help severely and persistently distressed counties and areas.