,i #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #eaia ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #g1 #bjba,mr4 ,lamb 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,wild1 ,mr4 ,evans1 and ,ms4 ,kuster7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij to establish a national service program that provides conservation opportunities on public and private lands1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,restore ,environmental ,vitality and ,improve ,volatile ,economy by the ,civilian ,conservation ,corps ,act or the ,,revive the ,,ccc ,act4 #b4 ,civilian ,conservation ,corps 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,e of title ,i of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abfaa et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking the heading for subtitle ,e and inserting the following3 ,e ,national ,corps #a ,national ,civilian ,community ,corps 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 #b ,civilian ,conservation ,corps #aff4 ,civilian ,conservation program 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this chapter are-- 7#a7 to help relieve the widespread distress and unemployment in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to train and support career advancement1 leading to long-term employment opportunities2 7#c7 to provide for the restoration of depleted natural resources in the ,united ,states2 7#d7 to conserve and improve community natural resources2 7#e7 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon2 and 7#f7 to enhance climate change adaptation and resilience4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this chapter3 7#a7 ,corporation ,the term ,corporation means the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aja71 or a partner described in subsection 7d71 to the extent provided in the memorandum referred to in subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,corps ,the term ,corps means the ,civilian ,conservation ,corps established under subsection 7c74 7#c7 ,eligible host entity ,the term eligible host entity means an organization1 entity1 or individual that-- 7,a7 administers the program at the local level2 and 7,b7 supervises ,corps members in partnership and coordination with the ,corporation1 including the relevant partnering ,federal agency specified in the memorandum for the issue area addressed by the program at the local level4 7#d7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the same meaning given such term in sections #aja7;a7 and #ajb7;a77#a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a71 #ajjb7;a77#a774 7#e7 ,partnering ,federal agency ,the term partnering ,federal agency means a ,federal agency described in subsection 7d77#a74 7#f7 ,program ,the term program means the ,civilian ,conservation program established under subsection 7c74 7#g7 ,state coordinating agency ,the term ,state coordinating agency means an agency in a ,state-- 7,a7 that is selected by the ,state to coordinate1 subject to the memorandum described in subsection 7d71 the implementation of activities under this chapter at eligible worksites in the ,state1 including providing services through ,state agencies and coordinating access to training 7including technical instruction7 and educational resources for ,corps members2 7,b7 may be a ,state department of environmental protection1 natural resources1 or agriculture1 or other department or commission 7as determined by the ,corporation72 and 7,c7 that coordinates and partners with ,tribal agencies 7such as ,tribal departments of environmental protection1 natural resources1 or agriculture7 regarding the implementation of activities under this chapter at eligible worksites associated with a ,tribe 7including for the provision of services through ,tribal agencies71 if the ,corporation determines such coordination and partnership is relevant for the ,state4 7c7 ,establishment of civilian conservation corps and program 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,corps ,the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aja7 may establish a ,civilian ,conservation ,corps4 7,b7 ,program ,the ,corporation 7as defined in subsection 7b77 may establish and administer a ,civilian ,conservation program1 to place unemployed and underemployed citizens of the ,united ,states in service positions related to conservation1 including conservation of private and public lands4 7#b7 ,conservation service positions ,the program shall provide conservation service positions1 and training 7including technical instruction7 and education related to such service positions1 in order to support-- 7,a7 the protection1 enhancement1 and restoration of natural resources2 7,b7 climate change mitigation and adaptation2 7,c7 investment in future generations of farmers1 foresters1 ranchers1 conservationists1 and other stewards of the ,nation's shared natural resources2 7,d7 the establishment1 improvement1 and rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation amenities and infrastructure2 or 7,e7 the reduction of environmental health disparities in communities of color1 low-income communities1 and ,tribal and indigenous communities1 that are experiencing disproportionate exposure to environmental harms and risks4 7d7 ,administration ,the program shall be administered1 as specified in a memorandum of understanding1 by the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aja71 in partnership with-- 7#a7 applicable ,federal agencies with the relevant issue area expertise and standards1 such as the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,department of the ,interior2 and 7#b7 applicable ,state or ,tribal agencies with the relevant issue area expertise and standards1 such as the ,state or ,tribal agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture1 natural resources1 or environmental protection4 7e7 ,grants to eligible host entities 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the program1 the ,corporation shall make grants to entities that own1 operate1 manage1 or support work on eligible worksites1 to serve as eligible host entities1 and to administer the program at the local level4 7#b7 ,waiver of cost sharing requirement 7,a7 ,in general ,in the event of a covered project carried out by an eligible host entity to which the cost sharing requirement under section #bab7;a77#a7 of the ,public ,land ,corps ,act of #aiic 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #agbi7;a77#a77 would otherwise apply1 notwithstanding that requirement1 a grant under this subsection1 combined with funds received under an ,act described in subparagraph 7,b71 may be used to fund costs of the project greater than #ge percent of the cost of such project4 7,b7 ,covered project ,in this paragraph1 the term covered project means a project carried out pursuant to-- 7i7 title ,i of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to establish a pilot program in the ,departments of the ,interior and ,agriculture designated as the ,youth ,conservation ,corps1 and for other purposes1 approved ,august #ac1 #aigj 7commonly known as the ,youth ,conservation ,corps ,act of #aigj2 #af ,u4,s4,c4 #agja et seq472 or 7ii7 the ,public ,lands ,corps ,act of #aiic 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #agba et seq474 7f7 ,eligible host entities and worksites 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant under subsection 7e7 and become an eligible host entity1 an entity shall own1 operate1 manage1 or support work on an eligible worksite for a ,corps project4 7#b7 ,entities ,entities eligible to receive such a grant and become an eligible host entity may include-- 7,a7 the board in charge of a local conservation district2 7,b7 a ,state or local office of the ,cooperative ,extension ,system or an equivalent ,tribal office2 7,c7 an individual farmer2 7,d7 a nonprofit organization1 farmer membership organization1 or other agriculture group1 with conservation expertise1 that can place a ,corps member on an individual farm2 7,e7 a ,state or ,tribal agency with jurisdiction over agriculture or natural resources2 7,f7 the trustee of a land trust2 7,g7 a forest or environmental consultant2 7,h7 the sponsor of an apprenticeship program that has been registered by the ,department of ,labor1 a ,state office of apprenticeship1 or an equivalent ,tribal office2 7,i7 an entity that hosts a ,corps member under a service program1 including-- 7i7 a program authorized under-- 7,i7 this ,act1 including the ,healthy ,futures ,corps described in section #abb2 7,,ii7 title ,i of the ,act entitled ,an ,act to establish a pilot program in the ,departments of the ,interior and ,agriculture designated as the ,youth ,conservation ,corps1 and for other purposes1 approved ,august #ac1 #aigj 7commonly known as the ,youth ,conservation ,corps ,act of #aigj2 #af ,u4,s4,c4 #agja et seq472 or 7,,iii7 the ,public ,lands ,corps ,act of #aiic 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #agba et seq472 7ii7 a program of the ,indian ,youth ,service ,corps authorized under section #baj of the ,public ,lands ,corps ,act of #aiic 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #agbg;b72 and 7iii7 a program of the ,urban ,youth ,corps authorized under section #ajf of the ,national and ,community ,service ,trust ,act of #aiic 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abfef72 7,j7 a local agriculture1 conservation1 watershed1 or wildlife nonprofit organization2 7,k7 a ,state or ,tribal park or forest foundation2 and 7,l7 another appropriate entity1 as determined by the ,corporation4 7#c7 ,worksites 7,a7 ,public or certain private land 7i7 ,in general ,an eligible worksite shall be located on public land or on private land determined to be eligible under clause 7ii74 7ii7 ,eligibility on private lands ,in the case of a proposed worksite located on private land1 the ,corporation1 in consultation with the partnering ,federal agencies described in subsection 7d77#a71 shall determine whether the site is an eligible worksite for purposes of this paragraph by determining the adequacy of the public conservation benefit of the related ,corps project4 ,in determining the adequacy of that benefit1 the ,corporation may consider1 among other factors1 the project's ability to address core ,state1 ,tribal1 or local conservation objectives such as addressing land conservation priorities1 promoting climate resiliency1 fulfilling watershed plans1 establishing stream buffers1 restoring critical wildlife habitat1 or promoting agricultural best management practices4 7iii7 ,worksite predominantly located on private land ,a proposed worksite that is predominantly located on private land will be treated as a proposed worksite located on private land for purposes of clause 7ii74 7,b7 ,eligibility of proposed worksite in environmental justice area ,in the case of a proposed worksite located in an environmental justice area identified under subsection 7j71 the ,corporation shall determine whether the site is an eligible worksite under this subsection by determining-- 7i7 the benefits of the related ,corps project for the health of the community living in the environmental justice area1 and whether those benefits are equitably distributed within such community1 including the ability of the project to-- 7,i7 effect reductions in hazardous air pollutants2 7,,ii7 improve water quality1 access1 and affordability2 7,,iii7 increase access to green space and outdoor recreation2 or 7,,iv7 expand access to and affordability of healthy food2 and 7ii7 whether the proposed host entity can demonstrate there was a meaningful public involvement process in the development of the proposed ,corps project4 7g7 ,applications 7#a7 ,in general ,in order for an entity described in subsection 7f7 to be eligible to receive a grant under subsection 7e7 for a ,corps project1 an entity shall submit an application to the ,corporation at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,corporation may require1 including-- 7,a7 information describing the ,corps project to be carried out at the entity's eligible worksite2 7,b7 7i7 information describing any contracts or agreements1 with the ,state in which the entity is located or ,indian tribe with which the entity is associated1 that will be necessary to enter into under paragraph 7#c71 in conjunction with the project2 and 7ii7 an assurance that the entity will carry out the project in cooperation with agencies who receive such a contract or agreement2 7,c7 whether such entity is seeking a waiver under subsection 7e77#b77;,b7 of the cost sharing requirement under section #bab of the ,public ,land ,corps ,act of #aiic 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #agbi72 7,d7 certification by the relevant ,state coordinating agency that the ,state coordinating agency-- 7i7 will provide services through agencies1 and other functions described in paragraph 7#c77;,a71 in accordance with a contract or agreement entered into under paragraph 7#c72 and 7ii7 will facilitate coordination between eligible host entities in the ,state for purpose of prioritizing participants as described in subsection 7h77#d72 7,e7 certification by the relevant ,state ,commission that the ,state ,commission has established an ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center under subsection 7j72 and 7,f7 as relevant1 certification by the ,state or ,tribal agency to provide the access and resources1 described in paragraph 7#c77;,b74 7#b7 ,geographic distribution of grants ,the ,corporation shall distribute grants in a geographically balanced manner across the country and regions of the country4 7#c7 ,contracts and arrangements with ,states or ,indian tribes 7,a7 ,in general ,on the approval of an application for an eligible host entity1 the eligible host entity shall enter into such contracts or agreements with the ,state coordinating agency as may be necessary to carry out this section1 including to arrange for the provision of services through ,state or ,tribal agencies 7which may be through providing access and resources under subparagraph 7,b774 7,b7 ,farmer eligible host entity ,on the approval of an application for an eligible host entity that is an individual farmer in a ,state or associated with an ,indian tribe1 the ,corporation shall notify the ,state or ,tribal agency with jurisdiction over agriculture1 which shall provide access to and resources for training and apprenticeships1 including from organizations and farmer groups in the ,state or associated with the ,indian tribe1 to support and provide coordination between such farmer host entities in the ,state or associated with an ,indian tribe4 7h7 ,eligible ,corps members 7#a7 ,eligibility 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to participate in and hold a service position in the ,corps1 an individual shall be an unemployed or underemployed individual4 7,b7 ,eligibility for subprograms ,within the program1 there shall be specific subprograms for-- 7i7 recent graduates1 as described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7ii7 returning citizens1 as described in paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,recent graduates 7,a7 ,in general ,the program shall have subprograms targeted to support1 through service positions and training 7including technical instruction7 and education related to the service positions in the program-- 7i7 individuals who have-- 7,i7 graduated from an institution of higher education within the #d months prior to beginning a term of service in the program2 and 7,,ii7 have been unemployed or underemployed during that time2 and 7ii7 individuals who have-- 7,i7 graduated high school within the #d months prior to beginning a term of service in the program2 and 7,,ii7 have been unemployed or underemployed during that time4 7#c7 ,returning citizens 7including justice-involved youth7 7,a7 ,returning citizen ,the term returning citizen means a citizen who1 within the #b years prior to beginning a term of service in the program1 returned from incarceration in a correctional institution or was subject to the juvenile or adult justice system4 7,b7 ,subprogram ,the program shall include an earn-while-you-learn career pathway subprogram for returning citizens 7including justice-involved youth7 to provide an accessible pathway into long-term careers in the conservation workforce4 7,c7 ,workforce preparation ,the eligible host entity shall ensure that the subprogram described in subparagraph 7,b7 includes-- 7i7 on-the-job training and mentoring from expert practitioners in conservation2 7ii7 continuing education courses2 and 7iii7 credit towards a postsecondary degree or certificate granted by an institution of higher education4 7#d7 ,underserved participants ,each eligible host entity that receives a grant under subsection 7e7 shall1 through coordination with other eligible host entities in the ,state of such eligible host entity facilitated by the ,state coordinating agency-- 7,a7 prioritize participants from underserved communities1 including participants-- 7i7 from communities of racial and ethnic minorities2 7ii7 from low-income communities2 7iii7 from ,tribal and indigenous communities2 and 7iv7 who are individuals with disabilities2 and 7,b7 prioritize participants residing in an environmental justice area 7identified under subsection 7j77 near a proposed worksite4 7#e7 ,service positions 7,a7 ,project objectives and service positions 7i7 ,locally established objectives and service positions ,each eligible host entity that receives a grant under this section shall establish project objectives1 position-specific criteria1 and service position descriptions for a ,corps project1 in order to ensure that the project is locally led and addresses specific local needs4 7ii7 ,templates and materials ,the ,corporation shall provide project templates and materials to support the establishment of the objectives1 criteria1 and descriptions4 7,b7 ,service position application process 7i7 ,materials ,the eligible host entity shall make the project objectives1 position-specific criteria1 and service position descriptions available to individuals seeking to apply for service positions in the ,corps project at the entity's worksite4 7ii7 ,application ,to be eligible to obtain a service position at the worksite1 an individual shall submit an application to the eligible host entity and obtain approval of the application4 ,an individual with an approved application shall be considered to be a ,corps member for purposes of this section4 7,c7 ,apprenticeships as service positions ,service positions under this section may include-- 7i7 an apprenticeship registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq472 and 7ii7 a preapprenticeship designed to lead to an apprenticeship described in clause 7i74 7i7 ,use of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible host entity that receives a grant under subsection 7e7 shall use the grant funds to provide1 for each ,corps member at the worksite-- 7,a7 a service position in which the ,corps member will carry out a service activity described in paragraph 7#b71 an allowance under paragraph 7#d7 for such service1 and 7on approval of an application7 an apprenticeship award under paragraph 7#e7 at the successful completion of that service2 and 7,b7 training 7including technical instruction7 and education related to the service position and described in paragraph 7#c77;,a71 an allowance under paragraph 7#d7 for such training1 technical instruction1 and education1 and connections and educational opportunities described in paragraph 7#c77;,b74 7#b7 ,service activities 7,a7 ,in general ,the service activities referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall include-- 7i7 for service positions with respect to preserving or restoring public land 7whether ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local7-- 7,i7 restoration of forest ecosystems1 and reforestation or tree planting2 7,,ii7 hazardous fuel treatments for the purpose of mitigating the risk of1 or suppressing1 wildfires in the western ,united ,states2 7,,iii7 management of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species2 7,,iv7 watershed restoration and wetlands management2 7,v7 coastal and inland ecosystem restoration2 7,,vi7 prescribed burning2 7,,vii7 park and infrastructure maintenance2 7,,viii7 facility expansion2 7,,ix7 recreation and trail work2 7,x7 public outreach and education2 7,,xi7 pollinator habitat establishment and management2 7,,xii7 accessibility improvement2 7,,xiii7 flood hazard mitigation2 7,,xiv7 road reconstruction and maintenance2 7,,xv7 maintenance or restoration of the native habitats of species listed as endangered species under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq47 and other habitat restoration2 and 7,,xvi7 provision of wildlife crossing programs2 7ii7 for service positions with respect to agriculture-- 7,i7 riparian buffer establishment and maintenance2 7,,ii7 grazing management2 7,,iii7 pollinator habitat establishment and management2 7,,iv7 integrated pest management2 7,v7 prescribed burning2 7,,vi7 prairie strip establishment2 7,,vii7 grassland restoration2 7,,viii7 soil health management2 7,,ix7 silvopasture2 7,x7 on-farm infrastructure development1 construction1 or repair1 that results in environmental benefits2 and 7,,xi7 other agricultural practices with significant environmental benefits2 7iii7 for service positions with respect to restoration and remediation of natural resources-- 7,i7 abandoned mine land reclamation2 7,,ii7 land and water quality restoration2 7,,iii7 tree planting and carrying out other low-tech treatments2 and 7,,iv7 plugging orphan oil and gas wells2 7iv7 for service positions with respect to urban and rural community resilience and sustainability-- 7,i7 community greening2 7,,ii7 promoting urban agriculture2 7,,iii7 promoting community gardens2 7,,iv7 local food economy development2 7,v7 heat island mitigation2 7,,vi7 establishing and maintaining pedestrian pathways2 7,,vii7 establishing and maintaining greenways and trails2 7,,viii7 hazard mitigation2 7,,ix7 water resources development2 7,x7 establishing and maintaining community solar projects2 and 7,,xi7 promoting energy efficiency through retrofitting2 and 7v7 for service positions with respect to administration and monitoring-- 7,i7 administrative activities to support the work at local conservation districts2 7,,ii7 project coordination and management2 7,,iii7 water quality monitoring2 7,,iv7 support of ,state or ,tribal agencies2 7,v7 support of land trusts and conservancies2 7,,vi7 support of local park and recreation offices2 7,,vii7 support of community and environmental justice organizations2 and 7,,viii7 volunteer coordination4 7,b7 ,funding for agricultural conservation practices 7i7 ,in general ,an eligible host entity that receives a grant under subsection 7e7 may use the funds to support the implementation of an agricultural conservation practice for which funding is provided through a program of the ,department of ,agriculture and that is carried out at the applicable worksite if the sum of the amount of funding received through that program and the amount of the grant under subsection 7e7 is not greater than the total cost of materials1 labor1 and income forgone from conservation practice adoption associated with the implementation of that practice4 7ii7 ,priority ,in providing grants under subsection 7e7 for projects that support the implementation of agricultural conservation practices described in clause 7i71 the ,corporation shall give priority to projects carried out on farming operations managed by beginning farmers or ranchers or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers4 7iii7 ,specialized crews ,a ,state1 local1 or ,tribal agency may host a specialized conservation crew to support the implementation of agricultural conservation practices described in clause 7i71 including fencing1 tree planting buffer installation1 or other practices approved by the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service of the ,department of ,agriculture across multiple farming operations in a region4 7,c7 ,nutrient reduction and agricultural conservation practices ,service activities described in subparagraph 7,a7 relating to agriculture or forestry that are carried out using funds from a grant under subsection 7e7 may be used to support ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local efforts to achieve nutrient reduction in impaired waterways4 7#c7 ,training and education 7,a7 ,in general ,the eligible host entity shall arrange for the provision of training 7including technical instruction and development of skills such as time management1 conflict resolution1 goal development1 and resume writing7 and education opportunities1 including workforce investment activities as defined in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb71 that are related to the service position1 for each participant at the worksite and specific to the specific training needs of each participant4 ,if the entity provides on-site training 7including technical instruction or skills development7 or education1 the entity shall provide training 7including technical instruction or skills development7 or education1 respectively1 that utilizes the skills and expertise of experienced conservationists and professionals1 including training 7including technical instruction or skills development7 or education by-- 7i7 established farmers2 7ii7 7,i7 institutions of higher education2 7,,ii7 the ,state system of higher education2 7,,iii7 land-grant colleges and universities 7as defined in section #adjd of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc772 7,,iv7 community colleges2 7,v7 ,historically ,black ,colleges and ,universities 7as defined by the term part ,b institution under section #cbb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa772 7,,vi7 ,hispanic-serving institutions 7as defined in section #ejb7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja;a7a7772 7,,vii7 ,tribal ,colleges or ,universities 7as defined in section #caf7;b7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b7772 7,,viii7 ,asian ,american and ,native ,american ,pacific ,islander-serving institutions 7as defined in section #cbj7;b7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;g7b772 and 7,,ix7 area career and technical education schools1 as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb72 7iii7 offices of the ,cooperative ,extension ,system2 7iv7 ,state and ,tribal agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture or natural resources2 or 7v7 nonprofit organizations with conservation expertise and training capacity4 7,b7 ,post-participation opportunities ,the eligible host entity shall ensure that each participant at the worksite receiving training 7including technical instruction7 and education is-- 7i7 connected to labor organizations1 nonprofit organizations1 ,state and ,tribal agencies1 and small businesses1 for future job opportunities following the term of service of the participant2 and 7ii7 provided with further educational opportunities throughout the term of service of the participant1 and after the term of service of the participant has concluded4 7,c7 ,corps member employment standard ,a participant shall be considered to be a participant 7as defined in section #aja of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abeaa77 of the eligible host entity for which the participant serves4 7#d7 ,corps member allowance and benefits 7,a7 ,allowance ,the eligible host entity shall provide to a participant1 as an allowance1 #ae for each hour of service in a service position and #ae for each hour of training 7including technical instruction7 and education under paragraph 7#c77;,a74 7,b7 ,health insurance 7i7 ,in general ,the eligible host entity shall provide or make available a basic health care policy for each full-time participant in a service position1 if the participant is not otherwise covered by a health care policy4 ,the ,corporation shall establish minimum standards that all plans must meet in order to qualify for payment under this section1 any circumstances in which an alternative health care policy may be substituted for the basic health care policy1 and mechanisms to prohibit participants from dropping existing coverage4 7ii7 ,option ,the eligible host entity may elect to provide from its own funds or make available a health care policy for participants that does not meet all of the standards established by the ,corporation if the fair market value of such policy is equal to or greater than the fair market value of a plan that meets the minimum standards established by the ,corporation1 and is consistent with other applicable laws4 7,c7 ,other benefits ,an eligible host entity may provide to a participant funds to be used for transportation1 child care1 mental health services1 and other support for such participants4 7#e7 ,apprenticeship award 7,a7 ,definition ,in this paragraph1 the term apprenticeship means-- 7i7 an apprenticeship registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq472 and 7ii7 a preapprenticeship designed to lead to an apprenticeship described in clause 7i74 7,b7 ,notification ,not later than #cj days after a participant completes a term of service in a service position under this subsection1 the corresponding eligible host entity shall inform the ,corporation4 ,on determining that a participant has completed that term of service1 the ,corporation shall notify the participant of the determination1 and the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship award under this paragraph4 7,c7 ,application ,not later than #ab months after receiving that notification1 a participant that seeks an apprenticeship award under this paragraph shall submit an application to the ,corporation at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,corporation may require1 including-- 7i7 information demonstrating the goods or services to be acquired for the apprenticeship1 and their cost2 and 7ii7 information establishing that the goods or services are described in section #dgb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhgll74 7,d7 ,award ,on approving an application under subparagraph 7,c71 the ,corporation shall make an award1 in an apprenticeship amount supported by the application but not more than #e1jjj1 for the participant4 ,the ,corporation shall make the award to the participant4 7#f7 ,conservation technical assistance ,of the funds appropriated under subsection 7l71 the ,corporation shall set aside #a percent which shall be used for conservation technical assistance 7as defined in section #aj of the ,soil ,conservation and ,domestic ,allotment ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #eij;j77 to support the implementation of a ,corps project on private land1 and when relevant1 adjacent public land related to the project4 7#g7 ,administration ,not more than #aj percent of a grant awarded under this section may be used for costs of administration1 including hiring and paying staff1 purchasing and leasing vehicles1 acquiring equipment1 and carrying out other related activities to support the work of participants4 7j7 ,environmental justice 7#a7 ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center ,a ,state ,commission that wishes to allow eligible host entities in the ,state1 or associated with a related ,indian tribe1 to receive grants under subsection 7c7 shall establish an ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center for purposes of-- 7,a7 screening for and identifying for purposes of this section environmental justice areas as described in paragraph 7#c72 7,b7 establishing a board as described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7,c7 providing technical assistance for eligible host entities with worksites in environmental justice areas 7as identified under this subsection71 including by conducting outreach1 providing coordination1 building capacity1 and supporting implementation of projects at such worksites4 7#b7 ,community advisory board 7,a7 ,in general ,an ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center established under paragraph 7#a7 shall establish a community advisory board for an area in which a ,corps project is occurring composed of representatives of-- 7i7 relevant local public health organizations2 7ii7 relevant local workforce development boards 7defined individually as a local board in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb77 within the ,state of the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center and the ,state workforce development board 7defined individually as a ,state board in such section7 of such ,state2 7iii7 relevant environmental and environmental justice organizations2 7iv7 relevant labor organizations2 7v7 relevant ,indian tribes2 7vi7 community members in an area in which a ,corps project is occurring2 and 7vii7 other organizations or individuals as determined relevant by the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center4 7,b7 ,duties ,the community advisory board established under this paragraph shall-- 7i7 ensure community engagement1 transparency1 and accountability in carrying out each stage of a project receiving funds under this section2 and 7ii7 track1 evaluate1 and report progress on clear and meaningful indicators related to the benefits of the project as described in subsection 7f77#c77;,b77i7 and other relevant factors4 7#c7 ,identification of environmental justice areas 7,a7 ,in general ,for purposes of this section1 the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center established by the ,state ,commission under paragraph 7#a7 shall1 in accordance with subparagraph 7,b7 or 7,c71 identify environmental justice areas4 7,b7 ,identification in ,states with environmental justice standards ,for ,states with environmental justice standards under ,state law1 the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center in such ,state shall identify environmental justice areas based on the ,state standards and the totality of the factors listed in subparagraph 7,c7 7with the factor in each clause weighing in favor of the area being an environmental justice area74 7,c7 ,identification in ,states without environmental justice standards ,for ,states without environmental justice standards under ,state law1 the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center in such ,state shall identify environmental justice areas based on the totality of the following factors 7with the factor in each clause weighing in favor of the area being an environmental justice area73 7i7 ,an area in the ,state that has a predominately minority1 low-income1 or ,tribal or indigenous population4 7ii7 ,an area in the ,state that has a disproportionate exposure to an environmental hazard or the cumulative effect of environmental hazards1 including hazards in the ,,ejscreen environmental indicators 7or any corresponding similar indicators7 developed by the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7iii7 ,an area in the ,state that has disproportionate vulnerability to an environmental hazard or the cumulative effect of environmental hazards1 including an area that meets ,,ejscreen demographic indicators 7or any corresponding similar indicators7 developed by the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7iv7 ,an area in the ,state with high rates of asthma prevalence and incidence4 7v7 ,an area in the ,state within which drinking water has been contaminated with lead or perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances4 7vi7 ,an area in the ,state with an additional demographic or environmental factor that the ,environmental ,equity ,resource ,center determines to be appropriate in identifying an area as an environmental justice area for the purpose of ,corps projects4 7,d7 ,interference with ,state environmental justice areas ,nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting a ,state from identifying1 using factors under this paragraph or otherwise1 an area as an environmental justice area for purposes other than under this section4 7k7 ,use of steel1 iron1 and manufactured goods produced in the ,united ,states 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 grant funds awarded under this section to an eligible host entity may be obligated for a project if the steel1 iron1 and manufactured goods used for such project are produced only in the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,exceptions 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 paragraph 7#a7 shall not apply in any case1 or category of cases1 in which the eligible host entity overseeing a project finds that-- 7i7 applying paragraph 7#a7 would be inconsistent with the public interest2 7ii7 the steel1 iron1 or manufactured goods needed for such project are not produced in the ,united ,states in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or in a satisfactory quality2 or 7iii7 use of steel1 iron1 or manufactured goods produced in the ,united ,states will increase the cost of the overall project by more than #be percent4 7,b7 ,waiver request ,if the ,corporation or a partnering ,federal agency receives a request by an eligible host entity for a waiver under this section for an exception listed in subparagraph 7,a71 the head of the ,corporation or partnering ,federal agency 7referred to in this subparagraph as the agency head7 shall make available to the public a copy of the request and information available to the head of such ,federal agency concerning the request1 and shall allow for public input on the request for at least #ae days prior to making a finding based on the request4 ,the agency head shall make the request and accompanying information available by electronic means1 including on the official public internet site of the ,federal agency involved4 7#c7 ,international agreements ,the requirements under this subsection shall be applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the ,united ,states under international agreements4 7#d7 ,applicability ,nothing in this subsection shall supersede or preempt any existing 7as of the date of enactment of this section7 requirement to buy or use goods produced only in the ,united ,states1 to the extent such requirement is more strict than this subsection4 7l7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbe4 7#b7 ,duration of availability ,amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall remain available until expended4 #afg4 ,corporation advisory council 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established in the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aja7 the ,corporation ,advisory ,council 7referred to in this section as the ,council74 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,appointment ,the ,chief ,executive ,officer shall appoint members of the ,council from the groups described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,composition ,the ,council shall be composed of representatives from-- 7,a7 eligible host entities 7as defined in section #aff72 and 7,b7 labor organizations4 7c7 ,period of appointment2 vacancies ,members shall be appointed for the life of the ,council4 ,any vacancy in the ,council shall not affect the powers of the ,council1 but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made4 7d7 ,duties 7#a7 ,study ,the ,council shall study-- 7,a7 the operation of the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aff72 7,b7 the impact of grants awarded under section #aff2 and 7,c7 the outcome of participants in the program created under section #aff4 7#b7 ,report ,the ,council shall prepare annual reports on the issues considered under paragraph 7#a7 and submit such reports to the ,corporation 7as defined in section #aja74 7e7 ,personnel 7#a7 ,travel expenses ,the members of the ,council shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the ,council1 but shall be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter ,i of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the ,council4 ,notwithstanding section #acdb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 the ,secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the ,council4 7#b7 ,detail of government employees ,any ,federal ,government employee may be detailed to the ,council without reimbursement1 and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege4 7f7 ,permanent council ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,council4 7g7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,council for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,availability ,any sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this subsection shall remain available1 without fiscal year limitation1 until expended4 4 7b7 ,excluding corps member allowance and awards from gross income 7#a7 ,in general ,part ,,iii of subchapter ,b of chapter #a of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting after section #aab the following new section3 #aac4 ,amounts received from ,civilian ,conservation ,corps ,in the case of an individual1 gross income shall not include any amount received under a civilian conservation corps allowance or award under paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 of section #aff7;i7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij4 4 7#b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of sections for part ,,iii of subchapter ,b of chapter #a of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #aab the following new item3 ,sec4 #aac4 ,amounts received from ,civilian ,conservation ,corps4 4 7#c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this subsection shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,references ,sections #aea 7in the first sentence71 #aeb7;a71 #aei7;c77#a77;,c71 #afc7;a71 #afd1 and #afe 7in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a77 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abfaa1 #abfab7;a71 #abfai7;c77#a77;,c71 #abfbc7;a71 #abfbd1 and #abfbe7 are amended by striking this subtitle and inserting this chapter4 7#b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij is amended in the items relating to subtitle ,e of title ,i-- 7,a7 by striking the item relating to the heading for subtitle ,e and inserting the following3 ,subtitle ,e--,national ,corps ,chapter #a--,national ,civilian ,community ,corps 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 ,chapter #b--;,civilian ,conservation ,corps ,sec4 #aff4 ,civilian ,conservation program4 ,sec4 #afg4 ,corporation ,advisory ,council4 4 #c4 ,on-farm apprenticeship program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,apprentice ,the term apprentice means an individual in an apprenticeship registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #ej ,stat4 #ffd1 chapter #ffc2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq474 7#b7 ,apprenticeship costs ,the term apprenticeship costs means the actual costs incurred by an agricultural business in employing an apprentice through the program1 including-- 7,a7 wages paid to the apprentice 7not including allowances that are funded through the ,civilian ,conservation ,corps established under section #aff of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij1 as added by section #b of this ,act72 7,b7 a reasonable allocation of fixed overhead expenses relating to the apprenticeship under the program2 and 7,c7 incidental costs directly relating to the apprenticeship under the program4 7#c7 ,program ,the term program means the agricultural workforce development program established under subsection 7b74 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall promulgate regulations to establish an agricultural workforce development program to provide incentives for agricultural businesses to employ apprentices1 including employing participants in or applicants for the ,civilian ,conservation ,corps established under section #aff of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij1 through partial reimbursement of the apprenticeship costs4 7c7 ,requirements ,in the regulations promulgated under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall specify1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 the criteria for selecting an agricultural business for participation in the program1 which shall include-- 7,a7 the ability of the agricultural business to effectively supervise an apprentice2 and 7,b7 the opportunity for an apprentice to obtain meaningful work experience through the apprenticeship2 7#b7 the process and timeline for selecting agricultural businesses and apprentices that are qualified to participate in the program2 7#c7 the accounting requirements for tracking apprenticeship costs under the program2 and 7#d7 the process for an agricultural business to seek reimbursements for apprenticeship costs under the program4 7d7 ,reimbursements ,under the program1 the ,secretary shall reimburse an agricultural business in an amount equal to not more than #ej percent of apprenticeship costs4 7e7 ,limitation ,an agricultural business may not be reimbursed under the program for the apprenticeship costs of more than #c apprentices for any #a fiscal year4 7f7 ,construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed to change the status of an individual participating in the ,civilian ,conservation ,corps established under section #aja7cj77;,b7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abeaa7cj77;,b77 for purposes of chapter #b of subtitle ,e of title ,i of that ,act1 as added by section #b of this ,act4 #d4 ,skilled trade nondisplacement ,section #agg7;b77#c77;,a7 of the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abfcg7;b77#c77;,a77 is amended by striking employee4 and inserting employee1 including any employee whose duties require that employee to have passed a trade examination in the skilled trades44