§15501 Economic and Infrastructure Development Grants

Summary

A Commission can give grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public or nonprofit groups for projects that help a region grow and improve. Examples include building or fixing roads and bridges, basic public works, telecom systems, job training and business support, health and public services in very poor areas, conserving land and boosting tourism, renewable energy, and other community economic development work. Each fiscal year, at least 40 percent of the grant money must go to transportation, basic public infrastructure, telecom, or renewable energy projects. Money can come from this program’s appropriations, other federal grants, or other sources. The Commission can pay up to 50 percent of a project’s cost (up to 80 percent in federally designated distressed counties). If a project involves 3 or more counties or more than one State and gives big multi‑county or interstate benefits, those caps can rise to 60 percent and 90 percent. Grants are allowed only if other federal or State aid for the same work in the same area is not reduced. Funds may not be used to help people or businesses move from one area to another, except to attract businesses from outside the United States as the subtitle allows.