SEC. 2101. Short Title.
This title may be cited as the “Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024”.
Division B — Other Matters
DIVISION B Other Matters
TITLE I Fiscally Responsible Highway Funding Act of 2024
SEC. 2102. Definitions.
In this title:
Secretary.— The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
State.— The term “State” means any of the 50 States and the District of Columbia.
TIFIA program.— The term “TIFIA program” means the program for credit assistance under chapter 6 of title 23, United States Code.
SEC. 2103. Redistribution of Prior Tifia Funding.
In General.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall distribute the amount of contract authority described in subsection (b)(1) to States in accordance with this section.
Funding.—
Amount described.— Subject to paragraph (2), the amount of contract authority referred to in subsection (a) is $1,800,000,000, which shall be derived from the unobligated amounts of contract authority made available for credit assistance under—
the transportation infrastructure finance and innovation program under subchapter II of chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code (as in effect before the date of enactment of SAFETEA–LU (Public Law 109–59; 119 Stat. 1144)); and
the TIFIA program.
Treatment.— The amount distributed under subsection (a) shall—
be subject to the obligation limitation for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs;
remain available until September 30, 2028; and
be in addition to any other funding apportioned to States under section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code.
Distribution.— The amount distributed under subsection (a) shall be distributed so that each State receives an amount equal to the proportion that—
the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2025 under subsection (b) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code; bears to
the total amount apportioned to all States for fiscal year 2025 under that subsection.
Requirements.— Amounts distributed to States under subsection (a) shall be—
except as otherwise provided in this section, administered as if apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code;
available for any purpose described in section 133(b) of such title;
subject to the set aside under section 133(h) of such title;
suballocated in the same manner described in section 133(d) of such title; and
subject to the requirements of section 11101(e) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 117–58).
Effective Date.— This section shall take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2024.
SEC. 2104. Redistribution of Fiscal Year 2025 Tifia Funding.
Determination.—
In general.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), on April 1, 2025, the Secretary shall—
determine the amount of contract authority made available for credit assistance under the TIFIA program for fiscal year 2025 pursuant to section 11101(a)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 135 Stat. 443) that is estimated to remain unobligated in that fiscal year; and
distribute to States, in accordance with this section, 75 percent of the amount of contract authority determined under subparagraph (A).
Treatment.— The amounts distributed under paragraph (1)(B) shall—
be subject to the obligation limitation for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs;
remain available until September 30, 2028; and
be in addition to any other funding apportioned to States under section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code.
Distribution.— The amount distributed under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall be distributed so that each State receives an amount equal to the proportion that—
the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2025 under subsection (b) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code; bears to
the total amount apportioned to all States for fiscal year 2025 under that subsection.
Requirements.— Amounts distributed to States under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall be—
except as otherwise provided in this section, administered as if apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code;
available for any purpose described in section 133(b) of that title;
subject to the set aside under section 133(h) of such title;
suballocated in the same manner described in section 133(d) of that title; and
subject to the requirements of section 11101(e) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 117–58).
SEC. 2105. Redistribution of Fiscal Year 2026 Tifia Funding.
Determination.—
In general.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), on April 1, 2026, the Secretary shall—
determine the amount of contract authority made available for credit assistance under the TIFIA program for fiscal year 2026 pursuant to section 11101(a)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 135 Stat. 443) that is estimated to remain unobligated in that fiscal year; and
distribute to States, in accordance with this section, 75 percent of the amount of contract authority determined under subparagraph (A).
Treatment.— The amounts distributed under paragraph (1)(B) shall—
be subject to the obligation limitation for Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs;
remain available until September 30, 2029; and
be in addition to any other funding apportioned to States under section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code.
Distribution.— The amount distributed under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall be distributed so that each State receives an amount equal to the proportion that—
the amount apportioned to the State for fiscal year 2026 under subsection (b) of section 104 of title 23, United States Code; bears to
the total amount apportioned to all States for fiscal year 2026 under that subsection.
Requirements.— Amounts distributed to States under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall be—
except as otherwise provided in this section, administered as if apportioned under chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code;
available for any purpose described in section 133(b) of that title;
subject to the set aside under section 133(h) of such title;
suballocated in the same manner described in section 133(d) of that title; and
subject to the requirements of section 11101(e) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (23 U.S.C. 101 note; Public Law 117–58).
TITLE II Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024
SEC. 2201. Short Title.
This title may be cited as the “Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024”.
Subtitle A Public Works and Economic Development
SEC. 2211. Definitions.
In General.— Section 3 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122) is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (12) as paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (12), (13), (14), (16), and (17), respectively;
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.”
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”;
in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph (A)—
in clause (v), by striking “ or” at the end;
in clause (vi), by striking the period at end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(vii) an economic development organization; or
“(viii) a public-private partnership for public infrastructure.”
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.”
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.”
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, including activities relating to public or nonprofit entertainment venues in the United States.”
; and
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)”.
Conforming Amendment.— Section 207(a)(3) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3147(a)(3)) is amended by striking “ section 3(4)(A)(vi)” and inserting “ section 3(6)(A)(vi)”.
SEC. 2212. Increased Coordination.
Section 103 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3133) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
“(b) Meetings.—
“(1) In general.—To carry out subsection (a), or for any other purpose relating to economic development activities, the Secretary may convene meetings with Federal agencies, State and local governments, economic development districts, Indian tribes, and other appropriate planning and development organizations.
“(2) Regional commissions.—
“(A) In general.—In addition to meetings described in paragraph (1), not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024, and not less frequently than every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall convene a meeting with the Regional Commissions in furtherance of subsection (a).
“(B) Attendees.—The attendees for a meeting convened under this paragraph shall consist of—
“(i) the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, serving as Chair;
“(ii) the Federal Cochairpersons of the Regional Commissions, or their designees; and
“(iii) the State Cochairpersons of the Regional Commissions, or their designees.
“(C) Purpose.—The purposes of a meeting convened under this paragraph shall include—
“(i) to enhance coordination between the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in carrying out economic development programs;
“(ii) to reduce duplication of efforts by the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions in carrying out economic development programs;
“(iii) to develop best practices and strategies for fostering regional economic development; and
“(iv) any other purposes as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
“(D) Report.—Where applicable and pursuant to subparagraph (C), not later than 1 year after a meeting under this paragraph, the Secretary shall prepare and make publicly available a report detailing, at a minimum—
“(i) the planned actions by the Economic Development Administration and the Regional Commissions to enhance coordination or reduce duplication of efforts and a timeline for implementing those actions; and
“(ii) any best practices and strategies developed.”
SEC. 2213. Grants for Public Works and Economic Development.
In General.— Section 201 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1), by inserting “ or for the improvement of waste management and recycling systems” after “ development facility”; and
in paragraph (2), by inserting “ increasing the resilience” after “ expansion,”;
in subsection (b)(1)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking “ successful establishment or expansion” and inserting “ successful establishment, expansion, or retention,”; and
in subparagraph (C), by inserting “ and underemployed” after “ unemployed”;
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
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 economic impacts from extreme weather events, including development of resilient infrastructure, products, and processes;
“(3) benefit highly rural communities without adequate tax revenues to invest in long-term or costly infrastructure;
“(4) increase access to high-speed broadband;
“(5) support outdoor recreation to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities;
“(6) promote job creation or retention relative to the population of the impacted region with outsized significance;
“(7) promote travel and tourism; or
“(8) promote blue economy activities.”
SEC. 2214. 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—
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
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 economic recovery plans in response to disasters; and
“(E) carrying out economic development and predevelopment activities in accordance with professional economic development best practices.”
; and
in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), in paragraph (4)—
in subparagraph (E), by striking “ ; and” and inserting “ (including broadband);”;
by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); and
by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
“(F) address and mitigate economic impacts of extreme weather; and”
SEC. 2215. Cost Sharing.
Section 204 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3144) is amended—
in subsection (a)(1), by striking “ 50” and inserting “ 60”;
in subsection (b)—
by striking “ In determining” and inserting the following:
“(1) In general.—In determining”
; and
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
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (2), by inserting “ or can otherwise document that no local matching funds are reasonably obtainable” after “ or political subdivision”;
in paragraph (3)—
by striking “ section 207” and inserting “ section 203 or 207”; and
by striking “ project if” and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting “ project.”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(4) 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.”
SEC. 2216. 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—
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
in paragraph (4), by inserting “ and retention” after “ creation”.
SEC. 2217. 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—
in subsection (a)(2)(A), by inserting “ , project predevelopment,” after “ planning”; and
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—
“(A) 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; and
“(B) the location of the university center in or near a distressed community.”
SEC. 2218. Investment Priorities.
Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) the following:
“SEC. 208. INVESTMENT PRIORITIES.
“(a) In General.—Subject to subsection (b), for a project to be eligible for assistance under this title, the project shall be consistent with 1 or more of the following investment priorities:
“(1) Critical infrastructure.—Economic development planning or implementation projects that support development of public facilities, including basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, or telecommunications infrastructure.
“(2) Workforce.—Economic development planning or implementation projects that—
“(A) support job skills training to meet the hiring needs of the area in which the project is to be carried out and that result in well-paying jobs; or
“(B) otherwise promote labor force participation.
“(3) Innovation and entrepreneurship.—Economic development planning or implementation projects that—
“(A) support the development of innovation and entrepreneurship-related infrastructure;
“(B) promote business development and lending; or
“(C) foster the commercialization of new technologies that are creating technology-driven businesses and high-skilled, well-paying jobs of the future.
“(4) Economic recovery resilience.—Economic development planning or implementation projects that enhance the ability of an area to withstand and recover from adverse short-term or long-term changes in economic conditions, including effects from industry contractions or economic impacts from natural disasters.
“(5) Manufacturing.—Economic development planning or implementation projects that encourage job creation, business expansion, technology and capital upgrades, and productivity growth in manufacturing, including efforts that contribute to the competitiveness and growth of domestic suppliers or the domestic production of innovative, high-value products and production technologies.
“(b) Conditions.—If the Secretary plans to use an investment priority that is not described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a written notification that explains the basis for using that investment priority.
“(c) Savings Clause.—Nothing in this section waives any other requirement of this Act.”
SEC. 2219. Grants for Economic Adjustment.
Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is amended—
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (4), by striking “ or” at the end;
in paragraph (5)—
by inserting “ , travel and tourism, natural resource-based, blue economy, or agricultural” after “ manufacturing”; and
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
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; or
“(7) limited water for industrial consumption in areas impacted by decreased water supplies due to drought or extreme heat.”
by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and
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—
“(i) primarily focuses on the economic impacts of decommissioning activities; and
“(ii) 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 economically impacted, or reasonably demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that it will be economically impacted, by a nuclear power plant licensed by the Commission that—
“(i) is not co-located with an operating nuclear power plant;
“(ii) is at a site with spent nuclear fuel; and
“(iii) as of the date of enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024—
“(I) has ceased operations; or
“(II) has provided a written notification to the Commission that it will cease operations.
“(2) Authorization.—On the application of an eligible recipient, the Secretary may make grants—
“(A) to assist with economic development in nuclear host communities; and
“(B) to fund community advisory boards in nuclear host communities.
“(3) Requirement.—In carrying out this subsection, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall implement the recommendations described in the report submitted to Congress under section 108 of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (Public Law 115–439; 132 Stat. 5577) entitled ‘Best Practices for Establishment and Operation of Local Community Advisory Boards Associated with Decommissioning Activities at Nuclear Power Plants’.
“(4) Distribution of funds.—The Secretary shall establish a methodology to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, geographic diversity among grant recipients under this subsection.”
SEC. 2220. Renewable Energy Program.
Section 218 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3154d) is amended—
in the section heading, by striking “ brightfields demonstration” and inserting “ renewable energy”;
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.”
in subsection (b)—
in the subsection heading, by striking “ Demonstration Program” and inserting “ Establishment”;
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “ brightfield” and inserting “ renewable energy”; and
in paragraph (1), by striking “ solar energy technologies” and inserting “ renewable energy technologies described in subsection (a),”; and
by striking subsection (d).
SEC. 2221. Workforce Training Grants.
Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 219. WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANTS.
“(a) In General.—On the application of an eligible recipient, the Secretary may make grants to support the development and expansion of innovative workforce training programs through sectoral partnerships leading to quality jobs and the acquisition of equipment or construction of facilities to support workforce development activities.
“(b) Eligible Uses.—Funds from a grant under this section may be used for—
“(1) acquisition or development of land and improvements to house workforce training activities;
“(2) acquisition, design and engineering, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of such a facility, including related equipment and machinery;
“(3) acquisition of machinery or equipment to support workforce training activities;
“(4) planning, technical assistance, and training;
“(5) sector partnerships development, program design, and program implementation; and
“(6) in the case of an eligible recipient that is a State, subject to subsection (c), a State program to support individual trainees 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) State Grant Pilot 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 funds under the program established by the applicable State, 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 funds 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).
“(7) Termination.—The authority provided under this subsection shall expire on September 30, 2029.
“(d) Coordination.—The Secretary shall coordinate the development of new workforce development models with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education.”
SEC. 2222. 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 2221) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 220. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
“(a) In General.—In the case of a project described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives notice, in accordance with subsection (c), of the award of a grant for the project not less than 3 business days before notifying an eligible recipient of their selection for that award.
“(b) Projects Described.—A project referred to in subsection (a) is a project that the Secretary has selected to receive a grant administered by the Economic Development Administration in an amount not less than $100,000.
“(c) Requirements.—A notification under subsection (a) shall include—
“(1) the name of the project;
“(2) the name of the applicant;
“(3) the region in which the project is to be carried out;
“(4) the State in which the project is to be carried out;
“(5) the 1 or more counties or political subdivisions in which the project is to be carried out;
“(6) the number of jobs expected to be created or retained as a result of the project;
“(7) the estimated date of completion of the project;
“(8) the amount of the grant awarded;
“(9) a description of the project; and
“(10) any additional information, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.
“(d) Public Availability.—The Secretary shall make a notification under subsection (a) publicly available not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary provides the notice.”
SEC. 2223. 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 2222) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 221. HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT INITIATIVE.
“(a) Definitions.—In this section:
“(1) Broadband project.—The term ‘broadband project’ means, for the purposes of providing, extending, expanding, or improving high-speed broadband service to further the goals of this Act—
“(A) planning, technical assistance, or training;
“(B) the acquisition or development of land; or
“(C) the acquisition, design and engineering, construction, rehabilitation, alteration, expansion, or improvement of facilities, including related machinery, equipment, contractual rights, and intangible property.
“(2) Eligible recipient.—
“(A) In general.—The term ‘eligible recipient’ means an eligible recipient.
“(B) Inclusions.—The term ‘eligible recipient’ includes—
“(i) a public-private partnership; and
“(ii) a consortium formed for the purpose of providing, extending, expanding, or improving high-speed broadband service between 1 or more eligible recipients and 1 or more for-profit organizations.
“(3) High-speed broadband.—The term ‘high-speed broadband’ means the provision of 2-way data transmission with sufficient downstream and upstream speeds to end users to permit effective participation in the economy and to support economic growth, as determined by the Secretary.
“(b) Broadband Projects.—
“(1) In general.—On the application of an eligible recipient, the Secretary may make grants under this title for broadband projects, which shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
“(2) Considerations.—In reviewing applications submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration geographic diversity of grants provided, including consideration of underserved markets, in addition to data requested in paragraph (3).
“(3) Data requested.—In reviewing an application submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall request from the Federal Communications Commission, the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission data on—
“(A) the level and extent of broadband service that exists in the area proposed to be served; and
“(B) the level and extent of broadband service that will be deployed in the area proposed to be served pursuant to another Federal program.
“(4) Interest in real or personal property.—For any broadband project carried out by an eligible recipient that is a public-private partnership or consortium, the Secretary shall require that title to any real or personal property acquired or improved with grant funds, or if the recipient will not acquire title, another possessory interest acceptable to the Secretary, be vested in a public partner or eligible nonprofit organization or association for the useful life of the project, after which title may be transferred to any member of the public-private partnership or consortium in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
“(5) Procurement.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person or entity shall be disqualified from competing to provide goods or services related to a broadband project on the basis that the person or entity participated in the development of the broadband project or in the drafting of specifications, requirements, statements of work, or similar documents related to the goods or services to be provided.
“(6) Broadband project property.—
“(A) In general.—The Secretary may permit a recipient of a grant for a broadband project to grant an option to acquire real or personal property (including contractual rights and intangible property) related to that project to a third party on such terms as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, subject to the condition that the option may only be exercised after the Secretary releases the Federal interest in the property.
“(B) Treatment.—The grant or exercise of an option described in subparagraph (A) shall not constitute a redistribution of grant funds under section 217.
“(c) Non-Federal Share.—In determining the amount of the non-Federal share of the cost of a broadband project, the Secretary may provide credit toward the non-Federal share for the present value of allowable contributions over the useful life of the broadband project, subject to the condition that the Secretary may require such assurances of the value of the rights and of the commitment of the rights as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.”
SEC. 2224. 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 2223) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 222. CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAIN SITE DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM.
“(a) In General.—On the application of an eligible recipient, the Secretary may make grants under the ‘Critical Supply Chain Site Development grant program’ (referred to in this section as the ‘grant program’) to carry out site development or expansion projects for the purpose of making the site ready for manufacturing projects.
“(b) Considerations.—In providing a grant to an eligible recipient under the grant program, the Secretary may consider whether—
“(1) the proposed improvements to the site will improve economic conditions for rural areas, Tribal communities, or areas that meet 1 or more of the criteria described in section 301(a);
“(2) the project is consistent with regional economic development plans, which may include a comprehensive economic development strategy;
“(3) the eligible recipient has initiatives to prioritize job training and workforce development; and
“(4) the project supports industries determined by the Secretary to be of strategic importance to the national or economic security of the United States.
“(c) Priority.—In awarding grants to eligible recipients under the grant program, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible recipients that propose to carry out a project that—
“(1) has State, local, private, or nonprofit funds being contributed to assist with site development efforts; and
“(2) if the site development or expansion project is carried out, will result in a demonstrated interest in the site by commercial entities or other entities.
“(d) Use of Funds.—A grant provided under the grant program may be used for the following activities relating to the development or expansion of a site:
“(1) Investments in site utility readiness, including—
“(A) construction of on-site utility infrastructure;
“(B) construction of last-mile infrastructure, including road infrastructure, water infrastructure, power infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, and other physical last-mile infrastructure;
“(C) site grading; and
“(D) other activities to extend public utilities or services to a site, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
“(2) Investments in site readiness, including—
“(A) land assembly;
“(B) environmental reviews;
“(C) zoning;
“(D) design;
“(E) engineering; and
“(F) permitting.
“(3) Investments in workforce development and sustainability programs, including job training and retraining programs.
“(4) Investments to ensure that disadvantaged communities have access to on-site jobs.
“(e) Prohibition.—
“(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), 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.
“(2) Safeguards.—In awarding grants under the grant program, the Secretary shall include necessary safeguards to ensure that—
“(A) the site development is fully completed within a reasonable timeframe; and
“(B) the eligible recipient has sufficiently demonstrated private sector interest.”
SEC. 2225. Updated Distress Criteria and Grant Rates.
Section 301 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161) is amended—
in subsection (a), 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.”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(e) Transparency.—To the extent the Secretary includes neighboring counties and communities in an economic development district in accordance with subsection (a)(3), the Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available online, a notification describing the justification for such inclusion and detailing the economic indicators of such neighboring counties and communities.”
SEC. 2226. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies.
Section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3162) is amended—
in subsection (a)(3)(A), by inserting “ including to mitigate and adapt to the economic impacts of extreme weather,” after “ enhances and protects the environment,”; and
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) for areas to which more than one comprehensive economic development strategy may apply.”
SEC. 2227. Office of Tribal Economic Development.
Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3191 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 508. OFFICE OF TRIBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
“(a) Establishment.—There is established within the Economic Development Administration an Office of Tribal Economic Development (referred to in this section as the ‘Office’).
“(b) Purposes.—The purposes of the Office shall be—
“(1) to coordinate all Tribal economic development activities carried out by the Secretary;
“(2) to help Tribal communities access economic development assistance programs, including the assistance provided under this Act;
“(3) to coordinate Tribal economic development strategies and efforts with other Federal agencies; and
“(4) to be a participant in any negotiated rulemakings or consultations relating to, or having an impact on, projects, programs, or funding that benefit Tribal communities.
“(c) Tribal Economic Development Strategy.—
“(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Office shall initiate a Tribal consultation process to develop, and not less frequently than every 3 years thereafter, update, a strategic plan for Tribal economic development for the Economic Development Administration.
“(2) Submission to congress.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 and not less frequently than every 3 years thereafter, the Office shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate the strategic plan for Tribal economic development developed under paragraph (1).
“(d) Outreach.—The Secretary shall establish a publicly facing website to help provide a comprehensive, single source of information for Indian tribes, Tribal leaders, Tribal businesses, and citizens in Tribal communities to better understand and access programs that support economic development in Tribal communities, including the economic development programs administered by Federal agencies or departments other than the Department.
“(e) Dedicated Staff.—The Secretary shall ensure that the Office has sufficient staff to carry out all outreach activities under this section.”
SEC. 2228. 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 2227) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 509. OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE.
“(a) Establishment.—The Secretary shall establish an Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience—
“(1) to direct and implement the post-disaster economic recovery responsibilities of the Economic Development Administration pursuant to subsections (c)(2) and (e) of section 209 and section 703;
“(2) to direct and implement economic recovery and enhanced resilience support function activities as directed under the National Disaster Recovery Framework; and
“(3) support long-term economic recovery in communities in which a major disaster or emergency has been declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), or otherwise impacted by an event of national significance, as determined by the Secretary, through—
“(A) convening and deploying an economic development assessment team;
“(B) hosting or attending convenings related to identification of additional Federal, State, local, and philanthropic entities and resources;
“(C) exploring potential flexibilities related to existing awards;
“(D) provision of technical assistance through staff or contractual resources; and
“(E) other activities determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
“(b) Appointment 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.
“(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, a temporary employee appointed under this subsection may be selected by the Secretary for a permanent appointment in the competitive service in the Economic Development Administration under internal competitive 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) Status upon conversion.—An individual converted under this subsection shall become a career-conditional employee, unless the employee has already completed the service requirements for career tenure.
“(4) Reporting.—For any fiscal year during which the Secretary exercises the authority under this subsection, 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 that describes the use of that authority including, at a minimum—
“(A) the number of employees hired under the authority during the fiscal year;
“(B) the positions and grades for which employees were hired;
“(C) the number of employees converted to career-conditional;
“(D) a description of how the Secretary assessed employee performance to determine the eligibility of the employee for conversion under paragraph (2)(B);
“(E) the number of employees who were hired under that authority as temporary employees who have met the continuous service requirements described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) but not the performance requirements described in subparagraph (B) of that paragraph; and
“(F) the number of employees who were hired under that authority who have separated from the Economic Development Administration.
“(5) Rule of construction.—Nothing in this subsection waives any requirement relating to qualifications of applicants for positions in the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience under this subsection.
“(6) Termination.—The authority provided by this subsection shall expire on September 30, 2029.
“(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.
“(d) Annual Reports.—Not later than July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, 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 that includes—
“(1) a summary of the activities of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience and any disaster teams established pursuant to subsection (c);
“(2) the number and details of the disasters in which the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience and permanent and temporary personnel, including disaster teams, were involved and deployed;
“(3) the locations and length of any deployments;
“(4) the number of personnel deployed, broken down by category, including permanent and temporary personnel; and
“(5) a breakdown of expenses, with or without reimbursement.”
SEC. 2229. 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 2228) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 510. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LIAISONS.
“(a) In General.—A Regional Director of a regional office of the Economic Development Administration may designate a staff member to act as a ‘Technical Assistance Liaison’ for any State served by the regional office.
“(b) Role.—A Technical Assistance Liaison shall—
“(1) work in coordination with an Economic Development Representative to provide technical assistance, in addition to technical assistance under section 207, to eligible recipients that are underresourced communities, as determined by the Technical Assistance Liaison, that submit applications for assistance under title II; and
“(2) at the request of an eligible recipient that submitted an application for assistance under title II, provide technical feedback on unsuccessful grant applications.
“(c) Technical Assistance.—The Secretary may enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with an eligible recipient for the purpose of providing technical assistance to eligible recipients that are underresourced communities that have submitted or may submit an application for assistance under this Act.”
SEC. 2230. Annual Report to Congress.
Section 603 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3213) is amended—
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting “ areas” after “ rural”; and
in subparagraph (B), by striking “ and” at the end;
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and
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.”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(c) Additional Reporting.—As part of the annual report to Congress of the Economic Development Administration, the Secretary shall include a report on project completions and close outs for construction awards that includes the following information on individual construction projects:
“(1) The award date of the project.
“(2) The completion date of the project.
“(3) The close out date of the project.
“(4) The total amount of the project, including non-Federal cost share and funding from other sources, including a breakdown by source.
“(5) The number of jobs anticipated to be created or retained as a result of the investment.
“(d) Public Availability.—Not later than the date of the submission of the report under subsection (c), the Secretary shall make the report under subsection (c) publicly available.
“(e) Additional Reporting Requirement.—To ensure that projects are meeting expected timelines, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024, 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 that, at a minimum—
“(1) includes an analysis of Economic Development Administration construction project timeline estimates and actual project durations; and
“(2) describes the frequency with which project timelines are delayed and the sources of those delays, including cases in which a project scope or schedule requires an award amendment.”
SEC. 2231. Economic Development Representatives.
Sense of Congress.— It is the sense of Congress that the Economic Development Administration should continue to promote access to economic development assistance programs of that agency through the use of Economic Development Representatives in underresourced communities, particularly coal communities.
Economic Development Representatives.— In assigning Economic Development Representatives, the Secretary of Commerce may take into account the needs of coal communities.
SEC. 2232. Modernization of Environmental Reviews.
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 or programmatic environmental documents (as those terms are defined in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e)).
Requirements.— In completing the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
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);
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
consider—
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.);
the adoption of new programmatic environmental documents 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
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.).
Rulemaking.— Not later than 2 years after the submission of the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall promulgate a final rule implementing, to the maximum extent practicable, measures considered by the Secretary under subsection (b) that are necessary to streamline the environmental review of projects funded by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.).
SEC. 2233. Gao Report on Economic Development Programs.
Definitions.— In this section:
Comptroller general.— The term “Comptroller General” means the Comptroller General of the United States.
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).
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.
Contents.— In carrying out the report under subsection (b), the Comptroller General shall—
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;
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);
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);
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
make legislative recommendations for improvements to programs described in subsection (b) as applicable.
SEC. 2234. Gao Report on Economic Development Administration Regulations and Policies.
Definitions.— In this section:
Comptroller general.— The term “Comptroller General” means the Comptroller General of the United States.
Small community.— The term “small community” means a community of less than 10,000 year-round residents.
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.
Contents.— In carrying out the report under subsection (b), the Comptroller General shall—
review regulations and grant application processes promulgated by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development;
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;
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;
identify barriers to small communities applying for Economic Development Administration grants, in consultation with—
State economic development representatives;
secretaries of State departments of economic development;
representatives for small communities that have received Economic Development Administration grants; and
representatives for small communities that have never applied for Economic Development Administration grants; and
provide recommendations for simplifying and easing the ability for grant applicants to navigate the Economic Development Administration grant application process, including through a review of regulations, including environmental regulations, not in the jurisdiction of the Economic Development Administration to identify possible grant application process improvements.
SEC. 2235. Gao Study on Rural Communities.
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.
Contents.— In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall—
identify not less than 5 geographically diverse distressed communities in rural areas; and
for each distressed community identified under paragraph (1), examine the impacts of funding provided by the Economic Development Administration on—
the local jobs and unemployment of the community; and
the availability of affordable housing in the community.
Report.— On completion of the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study and any recommendations that result from the study.
SEC. 2236. General Authorization of Appropriations.
In General.— Section 701 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231) is amended—
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (k); and
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.”
Conforming Amendment.— Title VII of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3231 et seq.) is amended by striking section 704.
SEC. 2237. 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.”.
Subtitle B Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development
SEC. 2241. Regional Commission Authorizations.
Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
“(a) In General.—There is authorized to be appropriated to each Commission to carry out this subtitle $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.”
SEC. 2242. Regional Commission Modifications.
in subsection (b)(2)(C)—
by striking “ An alternate member” and inserting the following:
“(i) In general.—An alternate member”
; and
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
in subsection (f), by striking “ a Federal employee” and inserting “ an employee”.
in subsection (a), by inserting “ or alternate State members, including designees” after “ State members”; and
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)).”
Administrative Powers and Expenses of Commissions.— Section 15304(a) of title 40, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (5), by inserting “ , which may be done without a requirement for the Commission to reimburse the agency or local government” after “ status”;
by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs (9) and (10), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
“(8) collect fees for services provided and retain and expend such fees;”
; and
in paragraph (10) (as so redesignated), by striking “ maintain a government relations office in the District of Columbia and”.
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:
“(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.”
Annual Reports.— Section 15308(a) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking “ 90” and inserting “ 180”.
SEC. 2243. Transfer of Funds Among Federal Agencies.
by redesignating section 15308 as section 15309; and
by inserting after section 15307 the following:
Ҥ 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.”
Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 153 of subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 15308 and inserting the following:
“15308. Transfer of funds among Federal agencies.
“15309. Annual reports.”.
SEC. 2244. Financial Assistance.
In General.— Chapter 155 of subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 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.”
Clerical Amendment.— The analysis for chapter 155 of subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“15507. Payment of non-Federal share for certain Federal grant programs.”.
SEC. 2245. Northern Border Regional Commission Area.
Section 15733 of title 40, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1), by inserting “ Lincoln,” after “ Knox,”;
in paragraph (2), by inserting “ Merrimack,” after “ Grafton,”; and
in paragraph (3)—
by inserting “ Schoharie,” after “ Schenectady,”; and
by inserting “ Wyoming,” after “ Wayne,”.
SEC. 2246. Southwest Border Regional Commission Area.
Section 15732 of title 40, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (3)—
by inserting “ Bernalillo,” before “ Catron,”;
by inserting “ Cibola, Curry, De Baca,” after “ Chaves,”;
by inserting “ Guadalupe,” after “ Grant,”;
by inserting “ Lea,” after “ Hidalgo,”;
by inserting “ Roosevelt,” after “ Otero,”; and
by striking “ and Socorro” and inserting “ Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia”; and
in paragraph (4)—
by inserting “ Guadalupe,” after “ Glasscock,”; and
by striking “ Tom Green Upton,” and inserting “ Tom Green, Upton,”.
SEC. 2247. Great Lakes Authority Area.
Section 15734 of title 40, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “ the counties which contain, in part or in whole, the” after “ consist of”.
SEC. 2248. Additional Regional Commission Programs.
In General.— Subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“CHAPTER 159— ADDITIONAL REGIONAL COMMISSION PROGRAMS
“15901. State capacity building grant program.
“15902. Demonstration health projects.
Ҥ 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 in eligible counties to train new professionals in fields for which there is a shortage of workers;
“(B) to increase local capacity in eligible counties for project management, project execution, and financial management; and
“(C) to leverage funding sources for eligible counties;
“(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 in eligible counties to support resilient infrastructure projects;
“(8) to develop initiatives to increase the effectiveness of local development districts in eligible counties; and
“(9) to implement new or innovative economic development practices that will better position eligible counties to compete in the global economy.
“(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).
Ҥ 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 to serve distressed areas (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.”
Repeal.— Section 6304(c) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (40 U.S.C. 15501 note; Public Law 115–334) is repealed.
Clerical Amendment.— The table of chapters for subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 157 the following:
“159. Additional Regional Commission Programs 15901”.
SEC. 2249. Establishment of Mid-Atlantic Regional Commission.
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.”
Designation of Region.—
In general.— Subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 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.”
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.”.
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
“(3) Application.—Paragraph (2) shall not apply to a county described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 15735.”
SEC. 2250. Establishment of Southern New England Regional Commission.
Establishment.— Section 15301(a) of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 2249(a)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(6) The Southern New England Regional Commission.”
Designation of Region.—
In general.— Subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 2249(b)(1)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 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.”
Clerical amendment.— The analysis for subchapter II of chapter 157 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 2249(b)(2)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“15736. Southern New England Regional Commission.”.
Application.— Section 15702(c)(3) of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 2249(c)), is amended—
by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; or”;
by striking “ to a county” and inserting the following:
“(A) a county”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(B) the Southern New England Regional Commission.”
SEC. 2251. Denali Commission Reauthorization.
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”.
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—
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
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.”
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—
by striking subsection (a);
by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (a) through (d), respectively; and
in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by inserting “ , including interagency transfers,” after “ payments”.
Conforming Amendment.— Section 309(c)(1) of the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; Public Law 105–277) is amended by inserting “ of Transportation” after “ Secretary”.
SEC. 2252. Denali Housing Fund.
Definitions.— In this section:
Eligible entity.— The term “eligible entity” means—
a nonprofit organization;
a limited dividend organization;
a cooperative organization;
an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)); and
a public entity, such as a municipality, county, district, authority, or other political subdivision of a State.
Federal cochair.— The term “Federal Cochair” means the Federal Cochairperson of the Denali Commission.
Fund.— The term “Fund” means the Denali Housing Fund established under subsection (b)(1).
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.
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.
Secretary.— The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.
Denali Housing Fund.—
Establishment.— There shall be established in the Treasury of the United States the Denali Housing Fund, to be administered by the Federal Cochair.
Source and use of amounts in fund.—
In general.— Amounts allocated to the Federal Cochair for the purpose of carrying out this section shall be deposited in the Fund.
Uses.— The Federal Cochair shall use the Fund as a revolving fund to carry out the purposes of this section.
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.
General expenses.— The Federal Cochair may charge the general expenses of carrying out this section to the Fund.
Authorization of appropriations.— There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
Purposes.— The purposes of this section are—
to encourage and facilitate the construction or rehabilitation of housing to meet the needs of low-income households and moderate-income households; and
to provide housing for public employees.
Loans and Grants.—
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.
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.
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).
Loans.—
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.
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.
Payment.—
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.
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).
Grants.—
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—
may not be made to an eligible entity established for profit; and
may not exceed 90 percent of those expenses.
Site development costs and offsite improvements.—
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—
is essential to ensuring that housing is constructed on the site in the future; and
otherwise meets the requirements for assistance under this section.
Maximum amounts.— The amount of a grant under this paragraph may not—
with respect to the construction of housing, exceed 40 percent of the cost of the construction; and
with respect to the rehabilitation of housing, exceed 10 percent of the reasonable value of the rehabilitation, as determined by the Federal Cochair.
Information, Advice, and Technical Assistance.— The Federal Cochair may provide, or contract with public or private organizations to provide, information, advice, and technical assistance with respect to the construction, rehabilitation, and operation by nonprofit organizations of housing for low-income or moderate-income households, or for public employees, in rural Alaska villages under this section.
SEC. 2253. Delta Regional Authority Reauthorization.
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”.
Termination of Authority.— Section 382N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13) is repealed.
Fees.— Section 382B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–1(e)) is amended—
in paragraph (9)(C), by striking “ and” at the end;
in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(11) collect fees for the Delta Doctors program of the Authority and retain and expend those fees.”
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—
in clause (ii), by striking “ and” at the end;
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
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”
Indian Tribes.— Section 382C(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–2(a)) is amended—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “ , Indian Tribes,” after “ States”; and
in paragraph (1), by inserting “ , Tribal,” after “ State”.
Clarification.— Section 4(2)(D) of the Delta Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 100–460) is amended by inserting “ Sabine, Vernon, Terrebonne,” after “ Webster,”.
SEC. 2254. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority Reauthorization.
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”.
Termination of Authority.— Section 383O of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb–13) is repealed.
TITLE III Public Buildings Reforms
SEC. 2301. Amendments to the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
Purposes.— Section 2 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
in paragraph (9), by striking “ and” at the end;
in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting “ ; and”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(11) implementing innovative methods for the sale, redevelopment, consolidation, or lease of Federal buildings and facilities, including the use of no cost, nonappropriated contracts for expert real estate services to obtain the highest and best value for the taxpayer.”
Definitions.— Section 3(5)(B)(viii) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by inserting “ , other than office buildings and warehouses,” after “ Properties”.
Board.— Section 4(c)(3) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
by striking “ The term” and inserting the following:
“(A) In general.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the term”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(B) Limitation.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the term of a member of the Board shall continue beyond 6 years until such time as the President appoints a replacement member of the Board.”
Board Meetings.— Section 5(b) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ Five Board members” and inserting “ 4 Board members”.
Executive Director.— Section 7 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(c) Return to Civil Service.—An Executive Director selected from the civil service (as defined in section 2101 of title 5, United States Code) shall be entitled to return to the civil service (as so defined) after service to the Board ends if the service of the Executive Director to the Board ends for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.”
Staff.— Section 8 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
in subsection (b)—
by striking “ and the Director of OMB”; and
by inserting “ for a period of not less than 1 year” before “ to assist the Board”;
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
“(c) Hiring of Term Employees.—The Executive Director, with approval of the Board, may use the Office of Personnel Management to hire employees for terms not to exceed 2 years pursuant to the Office of Personnel Management guidance for nonstatus appointments in the competitive service.”
Termination.— Section 10 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ 6 years after the date on which the Board members are appointed pursuant to section 4” and inserting “ on December 31, 2026”.
Development of Recommendations to Board.— Section 11 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “ the Administrator and the Director of OMB” and inserting “ the Administrator, the Director of OMB, and the Board”;
in paragraph (1)—
by striking “ and square” and inserting “ number of Federal employees physically reporting to the respective property each work day, square”; and
by inserting “ , amount of acreage associated with the respective property, and whether the respective property is on a campus or larger facility” before the period at the end; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(3) Consolidation plans.—Any Federal agency plans to consolidate, reconfigure, or otherwise reduce the use of owned and leased Federal civilian real property of the Federal agency.”
in subsection (b)(3)(J), by inserting “ , including access by members of federally recognized Indian Tribes,” after “ public access”; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(e) Disclosure of Information.—
“(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Board may not publicly disclose any information received under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) until the Board, the Administrator, and the Director of OMB enter into an agreement describing what information is ready to be publicly disclosed.
“(2) Application.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any disclosure of information to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate or the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.”
Board Duties.— Section 12 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
in subsection (b)(2), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: “ In the case of a failure by a Federal agency to comply with a request of the Board, the Board shall notify the committees listed in section 5(c), the relevant congressional committees of jurisdiction for the Federal agency, and the inspector general of the Federal agency of that failure.”;
in subsection (d)—
in paragraph (1), by inserting “ , Tribal,” after “ State”; and
in paragraph (2), by inserting “ , Tribal,” after “ State”;
by redesignating subsections (d) through (i) as subsections (e) through (j), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
“(d) Preparation of Properties for Disposal.—At the request of, and in coordination with, the Board, a Federal agency may undertake any analyses and due diligence as necessary, to supplement the independent analysis of the Board under subsection (c), to prepare a property for disposition so that the property may be included in the recommendations of the Board under subsection (h), including completion of the requirements of section 306108 of title 54, United States Code, for historic preservation and identification of the likely highest and best use of the property subsequent to disposition.”
in subsection (h) (as so redesignated)—
in paragraph (1)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking “ and” at the end;
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
“(B) the process to be followed by Federal agencies to carry out the actions described in subparagraph (A), including the use of no cost, nonappropriated contracts for expert real estate services and other innovative methods, to obtain the highest and best value for the taxpayer; and”
; and
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
“(C) Third round.—During the period beginning on the day after the transmittal of the second report and ending on the day before the date on which the Board terminates under section 10, the Board shall transmit to the Director of OMB a third report required under paragraph (1).”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(4) Community notification.—45 days before the date on which the Board transmits the third report required under paragraph (1), the Board shall notify—
“(A) any State or local government of any findings, conclusions, or recommendations contained in that report that relate to a Federal civilian real property located in the State or locality, as applicable; and
“(B) any federally recognized Indian Tribe of any findings, conclusions, or recommendations contained in that report that relate to a Federal civilian real property that—
“(i) is in close geographic proximity to a property described in section 3(5)(B)(v); or
“(ii) relates to a Federal civilian real property that is known to be accessed at regular frequency by members of the federally recognized Indian Tribe for other reasons.”
; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(k) Report to Congress.—The Board shall periodically 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 containing any recommendations on consolidations, exchanges, sales, lease reductions, and redevelopments that are not included in the transmissions submitted under subsection (h), or approved by the Director of OMB under section 13, but that the majority of the Board concludes meets the goals of this Act.”
Review by OMB.— Section 13 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking “ subsections (b) and (g)” and inserting “ subsections (b) and (h)”; and
in subsection (c)(4)—
by inserting “ , in whole or in part,” before “ received under paragraph (3)”; and
by striking “ revised” the second place it appears.
Agency Retention of Records.— Section 20 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
“(b) Effective Date.—The provisions of this section, including the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date on which the Board transmits the second report under section 12(h)(2)(B) and shall apply to proceeds from—
“(1) transactions contained in that report; and
“(2) any transactions conducted after the date on which the Board terminates under section 10.”
Federal Real Property Database.— Section 21(b) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(9)
(A) Whether the Federal real property is on a campus or similar facility; and
“(B) if applicable, identification of the campus or facility and related details, including total acreage of the campus or facility.”
Access to Federal Real Property Council Meetings and Reports.—
In general.— The Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“SEC. 26. ACCESS TO FEDERAL REAL PROPERTY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
“(a) In General.—The Federal Real Property Council established by subsection (a) of section 623 of title 40, United States Code, shall ensure that the Board has access to any meetings of the Federal Real Property Council and any reports required under that section, subject to the condition that the Board enters into a memorandum of understanding relating to public disclosure with the Administrator and the Federal Real Property Council before the Board has access to those meetings and reports.
“(b) Notification.—The Board shall notify the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives if the Administrator and the Federal Real Property Council described in subsection (a) have not entered into a memorandum of understanding pursuant to that subsection by the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, and every 60 days thereafter until the memorandum of understanding is entered into.”
Clerical amendment.— The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–287; 130 Stat. 1463) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25 the following:
“Sec. 26. Access to Federal Real Property Council meetings and reports.”.
Conforming Amendments.—
Section 3(9) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ section 12(e)” and inserting “ section 12(f)”.
Section 14(g)(1)(A) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ section 12(g)” and inserting “ section 12(h)”.
Technical Amendments.—
Section 16(b)(1) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking “ of General Services”.
Section 21(a) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ of General Services”.
Section 24 of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended, in each of subsections (a), (b), and (c), by striking “ of General Services”.
Section 25(b) of the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (40 U.S.C. 1303 note; Public Law 114–287) is amended by striking “ of General Services”.
SEC. 2302. Utilizing Space Efficiently and Improving Technologies Act.
Definitions.— In this section:
Actual utilization rate.— The term “actual utilization rate” means the total usable square footage of a public building or federally-leased space divided by the occupancy.
Administrator.— The term “Administrator” means the Administrator of General Services.
Building utilization.— The term “building utilization” means the percentage of utilization generated by comparing the actual utilization rate with the capacity based on a utilization benchmark of 150 useable square feet per person.
Capacity.— The term “capacity” means the total usable square footage of a public building or federally-leased space divided by a utilization benchmark.
Director.— The term “Director” means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Federal agency.— The term “Federal agency” means an executive department covered by the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–576; 104 Stat. 2838).
Occupancy.— The term “occupancy” means the average number of employees actually performing duties in person in a public building or federally-leased space at least 40 hours per week over a 2-month period.
Public building.— The term “public building” has the meaning given the term in section 3301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
Identification and Deployment of Building Usage Technology.—
In general.— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Director, shall establish standard methodologies and identify technologies available for measuring occupancy in public buildings and federally-leased space.
Measurement of utilization.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the heads of Federal agencies shall work with the Administrator to identify, deploy, and use Personal Identity Verification badge swipe data isolating only the first credential use of the day for each cardholder and other technologies that the Administrator determines to be appropriate, such as sensors, in public buildings and federally-leased space where the Federal agency occupies space to measure the occupancy of public buildings and federally-leased space.
Protection of personally identifiable information.— In carrying out paragraph (2), the Administrator shall ensure any sensors used for the purposes of determining occupancy are designed to protect of all personally identifiable information.
Reporting on Usage of Real Property.—
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the heads of Federal agencies shall submit to the Director, the Administrator, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on—
the occupancy and the actual utilization rates of space in public buildings and federally-leased space occupied by the respective agency of the Federal agency head broken down by building and lease;
the methodology used for determining occupancy, including the period of time and other parameters used to determine occupancy on a regular basis;
the utilization percentage of each public building and federally-leased space by the respective agency of the Federal agency head, comparing the capacity to the actual utilization rate based on a utilization benchmark of 150 usable square feet per person; and
any costs associated with capacity that exceeds occupancy with respect to the respective agency of the Federal agency head.
Publishing requirement.—
In general.— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the heads of Federal agencies shall make each report required under paragraph (1) available on a publicly accessible website of the General Services Administration.
Exception.— The publishing requirements of subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the head of the respective Federal agency makes a determination that making the report required under paragraph (1) available on a publicly accessible website would be detrimental to national security.
Reducing Unneeded Space.—
Target utilization metrics.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director, in consultation with the Administrator, shall ensure building utilization in each public building and federally-leased space is not less than 60 percent on average over each 1-year period.
Actions.— In the event that building utilization is below 60 percent on average over a 1-year period described in paragraph (1) for any particular public building or federally-leased space, the Administrator shall—
provide notice to the tenant agency informing the agency of the excess in capacity along with associated costs of such excess; and
notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the excess capacity and associated costs.
Subsequent failure.— If the tenant agency fails to meet the 60 percent target under paragraph (1) in the reporting period subsequent to the reporting period under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall, in consultation with the Director, take steps to reduce the space of the tenant agency, including consolidating the tenant agency with another agency, selling or disposing of excess capacity space, and adjusting space requirements, as appropriate, for any replacement space.
Prioritization.— The Administrator, in coordination with the Director, shall prioritize to the maximum extent practicable capital investments in public buildings where Federal agencies meet or exceed building utilization metrics, except that prioritization may be given to projects that will result in building utilization of 60 percent or more.
Exceptions.—
In general.— The Director may provide exceptions to building utilization metrics based on the amount of non-standard office space a Federal agency demonstrates is required to meet the mission of the agency, including warehouse space, laboratories critical to the mission of the agency, and public customer-facing spaces driven by agency missions.
Reporting.— The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on any exceptions granted under subparagraph (A), including the justification for the exception.
Headquarters Buildings.—
Headquarters consolidations.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director, in consultation with the Administrator, shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and the Comptroller General of the United States a plan to consolidate department and agency headquarters buildings in the National Capital Region that will result in building utilizations of 60 percent or greater.
Contents.— The plan submitted under paragraph (1) shall include details on the following:
Which departments and agencies will collocate and consolidate and into which buildings and associated details before and after plan implementation related to building utilization, building capacities, and actual utilization.
Details on the strategies for the sale or disposal of buildings that will no longer be needed for Federal use.
A detailed breakdown of any costs associated with the proposed consolidations and collocations.
An estimate of future savings as a result of space reductions and consolidations, including costs associated with energy savings and building operations.
Implementation.— Not later than 1 year after the submission of the plan under paragraph (1), the Administrator and Director shall begin implementing the plan.
Federal Use It or Lose It Leases Act.—
Definitions.— In this subsection:
Federal tenant.—
In general.— The term “Federal tenant” means a Federal agency that has an occupancy agreement with the Administrator to occupy a commercial lease for office space secured by the Administrator on behalf of the Federal Government.
Exclusion.— The term “Federal tenant” does not include an element of the intelligence community.
Intelligence community.— The term “intelligence community” has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Reporting of space utilization and occupancy data for office space.— An occupancy agreement between the Administrator and a Federal tenant for office space shall—
include language that requires the Federal tenant to submit to the Administrator an annual report for the duration of the agreement containing data on—
monthly total occupancy of such office space;
the actual utilization of such office space;
monthly space utilization rates; and
any other office space utilization data considered important by the Administrator; and
include language that requires the Federal tenant to have written procedures in place governing the return of office space to the Administrator if the occupancy of the Federal tenant falls below a 60 percent space utilization rate for 6 months within any 1-year period, beginning on the date on which the agreement takes effect.
Requirements for federal agencies with independent leasing authorities.— The head of any agency with independent leasing authorities with leases for office space shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, and each congressional committee of jurisdiction of the applicable independent leasing authority an annual report for the duration of the agreement containing data on—
monthly total occupancy of the office space;
the actual utilization of the office space;
monthly space utilization rates; and
any other office space utilization data considered important for collection by Congress.
Exceptions to reporting and occupancy agreement requirements.— This subsection shall not apply to properties used by an element of the intelligence community.
Applicability.— The requirements of this subsection shall apply to any occupancy or novation agreement entered into on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
GAO Report.—
In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the cost to each Federal agency of measuring the occupancy and actual utilization rates of space in public buildings and federally-leased space to prepare the reports required under subsection (d).
Requirements.— The Comptroller General of the United States shall include in the report required under paragraph (1) the cost of deploying sensors and technologies pursuant to subsection (c) but shall exclude any such technologies that were in place before the date of enactment of this Act.
Investigation of Underutilized Space.—
Reporting requirement.— Not later than 90 days after the submission of each report under subsection (d), the head of each Federal agency shall submit to the inspector general of each respective agency a report detailing any public building or federally-leased space with a capacity of 500 or more employees under the jurisdiction of the agency that has a utilization rate below 20 percent during the reporting period that is not a vacant office building.
Inspector general investigation.— On receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the relevant Federal agency shall conduct an investigation to determine whether there is any evidence of fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement with respect to the use of the public building or federally-leased space identified in the report.
SEC. 2303. Impact of Crime on Public Building Usage Act.
Report on Impact of Crime on Public Building Usage.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review and 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 outlining—
the effects of increased crime rates and safety concerns, including the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs and substances, in areas surrounding Federal buildings on building usage for in-person work at Federal buildings;
how usage of different commuting modes of transportation to Federal buildings are affected by increased crime rates;
the effects of low office utilization rates on safety around Federal buildings;
any agency exceptions given to the policy set forth in the memorandum of the Office of Management and Budget entitled “Measuring, Monitoring, and Improving Organizational Health and Organizational Performance in the Context of Evolving Agency Work Environments” and issued on April 13, 2023, due to unsafe commuting conditions; and
any costs associated with safety issues impacting Federal building.
Report on Costs of Crime Around Public Buildings.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the General Services Administration, in coordination with inspectors general of other relevant Federal agencies, 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 impacts on and costs associated with building operations related to crime and public safety in and around Federal buildings.
SEC. 2304. Federal Oversight of Construction Use and Safety Act.
Eliminating Project Escalations.— Section 3307(c) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “ The Administrator shall notify, in writing, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate of any increase of more than 5 percent of an estimated maximum cost or of any increase or decrease in the scope or size of a project of 5 or more percent. Such notification shall include an explanation regarding any such increase or decrease. The scope or size of a project shall not increase or decrease by more than 10 percent unless an amended prospectus is submitted and approved pursuant to this section.”
Public Safety at Federal Buildings.—
Data collection.— The Administrator of General Services shall collect data from tenant Federal agencies reports of any safety incidents as a result of criminal or other activity impacting public safety in and around public buildings, as defined in section 3301 of title 40, United States Code.
Report.— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that—
contains the data collected under paragraph (1); and
describes any actions taken or planned, if necessary, to improve building management and operations to address such incidents.
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting “ (referred to in this section as the ‘Administrator’)” after “ Administrator of General Services”;
in paragraph (7), by striking “ and” at the end;
in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
“(9) information on any space occupied by the relevant agency in the geographical area of the proposed facility, including uses, utilization rates, any proposed consolidations, and, if not proposed to be consolidated, a justification for such determination;
“(10) a statement by the Administrator of whether the public building needs of the Government for the proposed space to be leased were formerly met by a federally owned building, including any building identified for disposal or sale; and
“(11) details on actual utilization rates, including number of personnel assigned to the facility, number of personnel expected to work in-person at the facility and whether all personnel identified reflect filled and authorized positions.”
Review of Special Use Space.—
Review.— The Comptroller General of the United States shall review the use of special use spaces in Federal buildings, including conference centers, fitness centers, and similar spaces to determine levels of utilization, opportunities for sharing, collocating, and other efficiencies.
Report.— Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report containing the review under paragraph (1).
Interagency Space Coordination.—
In general.— Chapter 33 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Ҥ 3319. Interagency space coordination
“Unless a Federal agency specifically restricts the sharing of the information described in this section for national security purposes, the Administrator of General Services shall share with tenant Federal agencies pursuing new or replacement office space information on any other Federal agencies located in the same geographical area for purposes of determining opportunities for consolidations, collocations, or other space sharing to reduce the costs of space and maximize space utilization.”
Clerical amendment.— The analysis for chapter 33 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“3319. Interagency space coordination.”.
Notification of Milestones.— Section 3307 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(i) Notification Required.—For each project approved under this section, the Administrator shall notify, in writing, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate of any project milestones that are accomplished, including—
“(1) the solicitation and award of design and construction services;
“(2) the completion of any actions required for the project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
“(3) any ceremonies for the beginning or completion of the project;
“(4) a naming ceremony for the project; and
“(5) the completion of the project.”
SEC. 2305. Public Buildings Accountability Act.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the Public Buildings Service and submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report containing the results of that review, including—
a review of the administration and management of all Public Buildings Service real estate programs and activities, including—
a review and accounting of the number of employees and contract workers, including functions and the sources of funding (for example building operations, reimbursable work, project-specific funding) categorized by region and organizational, management, and oversight structure within the Public Building Service, including identification of components, programs, and reporting structures;
an accounting of in-person attendance by employee category and function;
an analysis, trends, and comparisons of staffing numbers and associated costs and other administrative costs over the 10 years preceding the review; and
an analysis of the effectiveness of organizational structure, management, and oversight in carrying out the mission of the Public Buildings Service; and
a review of the building operations account of the Federal Buildings Fund established by section 592(a) of title 40, United States Code, including activities and costs associated with conferences, training, and travel and transportation.
SEC. 2306. Sale of Webster School.
Sale.— Not later than December 31, 2025, the Administrator of General Services (referred to in this section as the “Administrator”) shall sell the property described in subsection (b) at fair market value and for the highest and best use.
Property Described.— The property referred to in subsection (a) is the property generally consisting of Lot 822 of Square 375 at 940 H Street Northwest in Washington, District of Columbia, including the building known as the Webster School, subject to a survey, as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
Treatment of Net Proceeds; Future Appropriation.—
In general.— Any net proceeds received from the sale under this section shall be deposited into an account in the Federal Buildings Fund established by section 592(a) of title 40, United States Code (referred to in this subsection as the “Fund”).
Future appropriation.— On deposit of net proceeds into the Fund under paragraph (1), those net proceeds may only be expended pursuant to a specific future appropriation.
SEC. 2307. Real Property Conveyance.
In General.— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services, on behalf of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons of the Department of Justice, shall sell, by quitclaim deed, the property described in subsection (b) at fair market value and at highest and best use.
Property Described.— The property to be sold under this section is all property, including all buildings and improvements thereon, located in the State of Missouri in connection with the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas, and administered by the United States Bureau of Prisons.
Survey Required.— As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the exact legal description, including buildings, improvements, and acreage of the property to be sold under this section shall be determined by a survey that is satisfactory to the Administrator.
Deferred Maintenance.— Any deferred maintenance required pursuant to the agreement between the United States and the Farley-Beverly Drainage District and entered into on April 18, 1967, shall be addressed before sale of the property under this section.
Costs.— Any costs incurred for the completion of the survey or other activities undertaken to prepare the property for sale under this section, including costs related to the deferred maintenance requirements described in subsection (d), shall be reimbursed from the gross proceeds of the sale.
Net Proceeds.—
In general.— Any net proceeds received from the sale of the property under this section shall be deposited into an account in the Federal Buildings Fund established by section 592(a) of title 40, United States Code.
Future appropriation.— On deposit of net proceeds into the Fund under paragraph (1), the net proceeds may be expended only subject to a specific future appropriation.
Prohibition on Foreign Ownership.—
Definitions.— In this subsection, the terms “beneficial owner”, “foreign entity”, and “foreign person” have the meanings given those terms in section 2 of the Secure Federal LEASEs Act (40 U.S.C. 585 note; Public Law 116–276).
Prohibition.— The property described in subsection (b) may not be sold to any foreign person or foreign entity, including if the foreign person or foreign entity is a beneficial owner of the foreign person or foreign entity.
SEC. 2308. Think Differently About Building Accessibility Act.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate on the compliance under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) of all office buildings under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the General Services Administration.
SEC. 2309. Revision of Design Standards.
In General.— Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services (referred to in this section as the “Administrator”) shall revise the process by which the Administrator updates or changes the P100 facilities standards guidance document for federally owned buildings under the custody and control of the General Services Administration.
Process.— The Administrator shall ensure that the process revised under subsection (a) requires—
a public comment period for any updates or changes to the documents described in such subsection;
publication of those updates or changes in the Federal Register and on the website of the General Services Administration; and
a summary of any comments received during the public comment period.
Report.— The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report describing the revisions to the process required under subsection (a).
SEC. 2310. Limitation on Authorizations.
Section 3307 of title 40, United States Code (as amended by section 2304(f)), is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(j) Expiration of Committee Resolutions.—
“(1) In general.—Unless a lease is awarded or a construction, alteration, repair, design, or acquisition project is initiated not later than 5 years after the resolution approvals adopted by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate pursuant to subsection (a), the resolutions shall be deemed expired.
“(2) Application.—This subsection shall only apply to resolutions approved after the date of enactment of this subsection.”
SEC. 2311. Conveyance of Federal Courthouse to the City of Huntsville, Alabama.
In General.— Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall offer to convey to the City of Huntsville, Alabama, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the property described in subsection (b).
Property Description.— The property referred to in subsection (a) is the parcel of land and building located at 101 E. Holmes Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama, which is known as the “Huntsville Courthouse and Post Office”.
Consideration.— In exchange for the conveyance of the Huntsville Courthouse and Post Office to the City of Huntsville, Alabama under this title, the Administrator of General Services shall require the City of Huntsville, Alabama, to pay to the Administrator of General Services, subject to subsection (d), consideration in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Huntsville Courthouse and Post Office, as determined based on an appraisal that is acceptable to the Administrator of General Services.
Credits.— In lieu of all or a portion of the amount of consideration for the Huntsville Courthouse and Post Office, the Administrator of General Services shall accept as consideration for the conveyance of such Huntsville Courthouse and Post Office any credits related to the appraised value of the 4.76-acre parcel of land located at 660 Gallatin Street, Huntsville, Alabama.
Costs.— As a condition of the conveyance under this section, the City shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance.
SEC. 2312. Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building.
Sale.— Not later than 2 years after the vacancy of existing Federal agencies, the Administrator of General Services shall sell for fair market value at highest and best use, the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal building located at 330 Independence Avenue SW in Washington, D.C.
Net Proceeds.—
In general.— Any net proceeds received from the sale of the property under this section shall be deposited into an account in the Federal Buildings Fund established by section 592(a) of title 40, United States Code.
Future appropriation.— On deposit of net proceeds into the Fund under paragraph (1), such net proceeds may be expended only subject to a specific future appropriation.
Prohibition on Foreign Ownership.—
Definitions.— In this subsection, the terms “beneficial owner”, “foreign entity”, and “foreign person” have the meanings given those terms in section 2 of the Secure Federal LEASEs Act (40 U.S.C. 585 note; Public Law 116–276).
Prohibition.— The property described in subsection (a) may not be sold to any foreign person or foreign entity, including if the foreign person or foreign entity is a beneficial owner of the foreign person or foreign entity.
SEC. 2313. Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex.
Designation.— The United States courthouse annex located at 310 South Main Street in London, Kentucky, shall be known and designated as the “Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the United States courthouse annex referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Eugene E. Siler, Jr. United States Courthouse Annex”.
SEC. 2314. Senator Dianne Feinstein Federal Building.
Designation.— The Federal building located at 50 United Nations Plaza in San Francisco, California, shall be known and designated as the “Senator Dianne Feinstein Federal Building”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Senator Dianne Feinstein Federal Building”.
SEC. 2315. Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building.
Findings.— Congress finds that—
Reuben E. Lawson dedicated his life and career to promoting the ideals of equality and inclusion as a lawyer for the Roanoke chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (commonly known as the “NAACP”) who actively worked to end segregation in Southwest Virginia;
arguing a number of significant cases in the Western District of Virginia, Reuben E. Lawson fought to ensure the enforcement of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954), so that schools in the Roanoke region would be fully integrated; and
Southwest Virginians are indebted to Reuben E. Lawson for his important work in ending segregation, and it is fitting that he be remembered in the current home of the court in which he valiantly fought.
Redesignation.— The Richard H. Poff Federal Building located at 210 Franklin Road Southwest in Roanoke, Virginia, shall be known and designated as the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Richard H. Poff Federal Building shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building”.
SEC. 2316. Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse.
Designation.— The United States courthouse located at 500 West Pike Street in Clarksburg, West Virginia, shall be known and designated as the “Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse”.
SEC. 2317. Virginia Smith Federal Building.
Designation.— The Federal building located at 300 E. 3rd Street in North Platte, Nebraska, shall be known and designated as the “Virginia Smith Federal Building”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Virginia Smith Federal Building”.
SEC. 2318. Harold L. Murphy Federal Building and United States Courthouse.
Findings.— Congress finds that—
Judge Harold L. Murphy was born in Felton, Georgia, in 1927;
Judge Murphy attended West Georgia College before serving in the United States Navy during the closing years of World War II;
Judge Murphy resumed his studies at the University of Mississippi and the University of Georgia School of Law, where he graduated in 1949;
Judge Murphy began a law practice in Haralson County, Georgia, and in 1950 was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives as the youngest Member at the time;
Judge Murphy served five consecutive terms before stepping down in 1961 to focus on practicing law;
in 1971, Judge Murphy was appointed by Governor Jimmy Carter to the Superior Court for the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit, and following his election in 1976, President Carter nominated Judge Murphy to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia;
Judge Murphy was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 28, 1977;
for 45 years, Judge Murphy served his country on the Federal bench and became an acclaimed jurist and legal icon with a stellar reputation that extended far beyond Georgia;
Judge Murphy always displayed a quick wit and a keen sense of humor, was kind and empathetic, and treated all those who appeared before him with courtesy and respect;
Judge Murphy worked tirelessly and carried a full docket until the age of 90, when he took senior judge status in the Northern District of Georgia;
Judge Murphy continued to preside over cases until his death on December 28, 2022;
Judge Murphy received many professional awards and recognitions, including from the State Bar of Georgia and the University of Georgia School of Law;
in 2014, Alabama State University renamed its graduate school after Judge Murphy in recognition of his landmark ruling in Knight v. Alabama, a long-running case that the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals asked him to handle involving the vestiges of racial segregation then present in the Alabama University System; and
above all else, Judge Murphy was a loving and devoted husband and father—and a strong role model.
Designation.— The Federal building and United States courthouse located at 600 East First Street in Rome, Georgia, shall be known and designated as the “Harold L. Murphy Federal Building and United States Courthouse”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building and United States courthouse referred to in subsection (b) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Harold L. Murphy Federal Building and United States Courthouse”.
SEC. 2319. Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse.
Designation.— The United States courthouse located at 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, shall be known and designated as the “Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the United States courthouse referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse”.
SEC. 2320. Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center.
Designation.— The Department of Energy Integrated Engineering Research Center Federal Building located at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, shall be known and designated as the “Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center”.
References.— Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Federal building referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the “Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center”.