,,ii #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #djgg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #be1 #bjbb,ms4 ,cortez ,masto 7for herself and ,mr4 ,kelly7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize programs of the ,economic ,development ,administration1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,increasing our ,nation's ,value through ,economic ,support and ,tourism in ,our ,communities ,act or the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act4 #b4 ,administration 7a7 ,in general ,section #eja of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caia7 is amended by striking ,assistant ,secretary each place it appears and inserting ,under ,secretary4 7b7 ,transition ,the individual serving as the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act shall be deemed to have been confirmed as the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development4 7c7 ,references ,any reference in a law1 map1 regulation1 document1 paper1 or other record of the ,united ,states to the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development shall be deemed to be a reference to the ,under ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development4 #c4 ,definition of eligible recipient ,section #c7d7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cabb7d7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 ,capacity building grants and ,,host grants ,in the case of grants under sections #bjh and #bai1 the term eligible recipient also includes a tribal organization and a ,native ,hawaiian organization 7as those terms are defined in section #c of the ,,native ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dceb774 4 #d4 ,increase in ,federal share for ,tribal organizations and ,native ,hawaiian organizations ,section #bjd7;c77#a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadd7;c77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by inserting 1 ,tribal organizations1 or ,native ,hawaiian organizations after tribes2 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 a tribal organization 7as defined in section #c of the ,,native ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dceb771 or a ,native ,hawaiian organization 7as defined in that section7 after ,indian tribe4 #e4 ,capacity building grant program 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cada et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #bjg the following3 #bjh4 ,capacity building grant program 7a7 ,definition of predevelopment activity ,in this section1 the term predevelopment activity means an activity carried out before a project can proceed to the execution stage or the eligible recipient can secure financing and partners4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide to eligible recipients assistance for predevelopment activities4 7c7 ,use of funds ,an eligible recipient may use funds from a grant under this section-- 7#a7 to carry out certain predevelopment activities1 including-- 7,a7 planning and community asset mapping2 7,b7 training2 7,c7 technical assistance and organizational development2 7,d7 feasibility and market studies2 7,e7 demonstration projects2 7,f7 organizational capacity building2 7,g7 organizing and facilitating convenings2 and 7,h7 other predevelopment activities1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary2 and 7#b7 to hire and obtain qualified economic development professionals and services for a #c-year period to develop and carry out a comprehensive economic development strategy1 an economic development strategic plan1 or other predevelopment activities4 7d7 ,applications ,to be eligible for a grant under this section1 an eligible recipient shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including a specific plan-- 7#a7 on how the eligible recipient will carry out predevelopment activities using grant funds2 and 7#b7 for the continuation of the position created or services obtained as a result of the grant after the end of the #c-year term1 if applicable4 7e7 ,waiver of attorney's and consultant's fee prohibition ,in the case of a project under this section that is carried out using grant funds by #a or more eligible recipients with low organizational capacity1 in the determination of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary may waive the prohibition described in section #bac4 4 7b7 ,additional eligibility 7#a7 ,grants for public works and economic development ,section #bja7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cada7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 predevelopment activities 7as defined in section #bjh7;a774 4 7#b7 ,grants for economic adjustment ,section #bji7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadi7;a77 is amended by inserting predevelopment activities 7as defined in section #bjh7;a771 after training14 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #cjb7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cafb7;a77 is amended in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 by inserting and predevelopment activities 7as defined in section #bjh7;a77 under section #bja or #bji after section #bji4 7c7 ,increase in ,federal share ,section #bjd7;c77#c7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadd7;c77#c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the paragraph heading1 by inserting and capacity building after technical assistance2 and 7#b7 by striking section #bjg and inserting sections #bjg and #bjh4 7d7 ,direct expenditure or redistribution by recipient ,section #bag7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caed;c7a77 is amended by striking or #bjg and inserting #bjg1 or #bjh4 7e7 ,powers of the ,secretary ,section #fja7;a77#ab7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cbaa7;a77#ab77 is amended by striking section #bjg and inserting sections #bjg and #bjh4 7f7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig2 #aah ,stat4 #agfa7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bjg the following3 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,capacity building grant program4 4 #f4 ,grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses 7a7 ,administrative expenses ,section #bjc of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadc7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,administrative expenses ,administrative expenses described in subsection 7a7 shall include expenses relating to-- 7#a7 carrying out the planning process described in subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 hiring professional staff to assist communities or organizations in-- 7,a7 implementing projects and priorities included in-- 7i7 a comprehensive economic development strategy2 or 7ii7 an economic development planning grant2 7,b7 identifying and using other ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal economic development programs2 7,c7 leveraging private and philanthropic investment2 7,d7 preparing disaster coordination and preparation plans2 7,e7 collaborating with trade adjustment assistance centers1 ,hollings ,manufacturing ,extension ,partnership ,centers of the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology1 ,business ,centers and ,rural ,business ,centers of the ,minority ,business ,development ,agency1 and other relevant ,federal economic development technical assistance and service providers to promote domestic manufacturing2 and 7,f7 carrying out economic development activities in accordance with professional economic development best practices4 4 7b7 ,increase in ,federal share ,section #bjd7;c7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadd7;c77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,grants for planning and grants for administrative expenses ,in the case of a grant provided under section #bjc1 the ,secretary may increase the ,federal share above the percentage specified in subsection 7a7 up to #hj percent of the cost of the project4 4 #g4 ,hospitality and ,outdoor-,recreation ,supporting ,tourism 7,,host7 grants 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cada et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #bai4 ,hospitality and ,outdoor-,recreation ,supporting ,tourism 7,,host7 grants 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,outdoor recreation ,the term outdoor recreation means all recreational activities1 and the economic drivers of those activities1 such as businesses and local economic efforts1 undertaken for pleasure that-- 7,a7 generally involve some level of intentional physical exertion2 and 7,b7 occur in nature-based environments outdoors4 7#b7 ,tourism1 hospitality1 or special event activity ,the term tourism1 hospitality1 or special event activity means any economic activity that primarily serves to encourage recreational or business travel within the ,united ,states or from abroad1 including tourist attractions1 business and recreational conventions1 large entertainment events and venues1 and promotion or organization of any such activity4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible recipients to support outdoor recreation1 travel1 and tourism1 hospitality1 or special event activities to spur economic development4 7c7 ,goals ,a project carried out with a grant under this section shall be carried out for the goal of-- 7#a7 in the case of an infrastructure project-- 7,a7 leading to long-term increases in tourist activity in a region1 including in communities adjacent to ,national ,park ,system units1 ,state parks1 national marine sanctuaries1 ,national ,heritage ,areas1 ,tribal parks1 or other natural destinations2 and 7,b7 using nature-based infrastructure projects and other projects intended to enhance public access to outdoor recreation opportunities2 and 7#b7 in the case of other projects as determined appropriate by the ,secretary1 supporting the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event industries1 in a manner consistent with the ,national ,travel and ,tourism ,strategy or as recommended by the ,united ,states ,travel and ,tourism ,advisory ,board1 if any4 7d7 ,eligible uses 7#a7 ,in general ,a grant under this section may be used-- 7,a7 to pay costs associated with obtaining ,state1 ,tribal1 county1 city1 community1 or regional tourism marketing and promotion campaigns1 including through nonprofit or quasigovernmental ,destination ,marketing ,organizations 7,d,m,os72 7,b7 to carry out workforce training1 recruitment1 and research programs that support the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event industries to improve the skills of1 and job opportunities for1 workers in those industries1 including through a program registered under the ,act of ,august #af1 #aicg 7commonly known as the ,national ,apprenticeship ,act2 #bi ,u4,s4,c4 #ej et seq471 and other work and learn models2 7,c7 for short-term and long-term economic development planning and coordination for the purpose of responding to the effects of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic on the regional outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event industries2 7,d7 to carry out technical assistance projects1 including for small business concerns1 entrepreneurs1 and small and rural communities1 to assist regional economies in-- 7i7 the recovery from1 and response to1 damage to the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event industries as a result of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic2 and 7ii7 future development of the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event industries2 7,e7 to establish local programs to provide assistance to small business concerns in the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 or special events industries-- 7i7 for development2 7ii7 to recover from the impacts of a major disaster or emergency declared under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 or a public health emergency declared under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d72 or 7iii7 for expansion2 7,f7 to carry out construction activities at facilities or property owned by1 or held in trust by a ,federal or ,state government entity for1 the eligible recipient that support outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 or special events1 including activities involving-- 7i7 construction of new1 or improvements to existing1 outdoor recreation and trail infrastructure1 including public access enhancements to that infrastructure2 7ii7 nature-based infrastructure projects to improve access to outdoor recreation2 7iii7 improvement of cultural1 arts1 convention1 special event1 outdoor recreation1 and tourism facilities1 such as visitor or tourist information centers1 including through-- 7,i7 general accessibility upgrades1 such as increasing disability access2 7,,ii7 improving ventilation1 heating1 and cooling systems2 7,,iii7 increasing energy efficiency2 and 7,,iv7 incorporating additional renewable energy generation associated with that infrastructure1 including zero-emission vehicle fleets and charging infrastructure2 7iv7 construction of workforce training facilities in order to carry out capacity building programs2 7v7 water or wastewater and stormwater improvements2 7vi7 pier construction and improvements2 and 7vii7 accessibility enhancements2 7,g7 to pay costs associated with upgrades and retrofits to existing outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 and special event infrastructure1 such as convention centers1 to increase travel and tourism activity or to make the infrastructure more functional under social distancing conditions due to a public health emergency declaration under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d72 7,h7 to pay costs associated with providing information to visitors about the health and safety protections1 guidance1 or requirements of ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local governments and businesses to reduce the spread of ,,covid-#ai2 7,i7 to pay the increased costs of filtration and sanitation1 including physical modifications to facilities such as convention centers1 large event spaces1 campsites1 or community attractions associated with precautions to provide for safe worker1 traveler1 or event environments2 and 7,j7 to pay the costs of salaries and expenses associated with the operations of the eligible recipient1 other than salaries and expenses of the executives of the eligible recipient1 if the applicant-- 7i7 demonstrates the capacity to maintain the positions for which the funds are used2 or 7ii7 demonstrates that the positions for which the funds are used are temporary or seasonal4 7#b7 ,prohibition ,amounts provided under this section may not be used for recruitment efforts to bring in or host particular events1 such as sporting competitions or other activities4 7e7 ,priority ,the ,secretary shall give priority to eligible recipients that seek to carry out an activity that-- 7#a7 is based on long-term1 regionally oriented1 coordinated1 and collaborative economic development or redevelopment strategies that foster economic growth and resilience2 7#b7 will promote workforce development2 7#c7 will involve a minority-owned1 rural1 ,native ,american1 or otherwise underserved small business concern2 or 7#d7 implements strong labor standards1 including project labor agreements and community benefit agreements that include local hire provisions to promote effective and efficient delivery of high-quality infrastructure projects4 7f7 ,regional distribution 7#a7 ,in general ,in providing grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall distribute the funds to eligible recipients in each region served by the ,economic ,development ,administration in accordance with the formula described in paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7#b7 ,formula 7,a7 ,in general ,the formula referred to in paragraph 7#a7 shall include consideration of each of the following3 7i7 ,using the most recent data from the ,quarterly ,census of ,employment and ,wages and the ,current ,employment ,statistics1 employment in the leisure and hospitality sectors 7other than food service businesses7 as a percentage of total employment in ,states in the region1 using a #e-year average4 7ii7 ,using the most recent data from the ,arts and ,cultural ,production and ,outdoor ,recreation ,satellite ,account1 employment in arts and cultural production and outdoor recreation as a percentage of total employment in ,states in the region1 using a #e-year average4 7iii7 ,the number of international and domestic visitors in ,states in the region1 using data from the ,department or another source as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7iv7 ,the impacts of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic1 and other natural or economic disasters1 on the outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 or special event industries in ,states in the region4 7v7 ,any other data that the ,secretary determines reliably measures the impact of outdoor recreation1 travel1 tourism1 hospitality1 or special events to the economy of a ,state4 7,b7 ,out of date1 discontinued1 or inaccurate data sources ,if the ,secretary determines that a data source described in clause 7i7 or 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a7 is out of date1 discontinued1 or otherwise inaccurate1 the ,secretary may substitute other data sources to obtain the employment statistics described in those clauses1 subject to the condition that the ,secretary provides to ,congress a report describing the new data source used by the ,secretary4 7g7 ,rural set-,aside 7#a7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall ensure that not less than #bj percent is used to provide assistance to eligible recipients located in1 or that serve1 a rural area 7as defined in section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a7771 with a particular focus on rural areas that are located in distressed or underserved communities4 7#b7 ,waiver ,if there are not sufficient qualified eligible recipients located in1 or that serve1 a rural area 7as so defined71 to carry out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may waive the requirement under that paragraph4 7h7 ,native ,american set-,aside 7#a7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall ensure that not less than #e percent is used to provide assistance to eligible recipients that are ,indian tribes1 tribal organizations 7as defined in section #c of the ,,native ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dceb771 and ,native ,hawaiian organizations 7as defined in that section74 7#b7 ,waiver ,if there are not sufficient qualified eligible recipients that are ,indian tribes1 tribal organizations 7as so defined71 or ,native ,hawaiian organizations 7as so defined7 to carry out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may waive the requirement under that paragraph4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig2 #aah ,stat4 #agfg7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #bah the following3 ,sec4 #bai4 ,hospitality and ,outdoor-,recreation ,supporting ,tourism 7,,host7 grants4 4 #h4 ,tourism marketing 7a7 ,declaration ,section #b7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caba7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 tourism marketing is an economic development tool used by communities for economic development and should be considered an eligible use of economic development funding awarded by the ,federal ,government through the ,economic ,development ,administration4 4 7b7 ,grants for economic adjustment ,section #bji7;a7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadi7;a77 7as amended by section #c7;b77#b77 is amended by inserting travel promotion 7including funding for tourism marketing1 marketing research1 purchasing advertisements1 and attracting business meetings or convention travel71 after #bjh7;a7714 #i4 ,economic distress formula ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,commerce shall review the economic distress formula under section #cja of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cafa7 and submit to ,congress a report that includes-- 7#a7 recommendations for modifications to the formula to ensure that all areas1 including distressed areas1 are eligible to receive a higher percentage of ,federal funding than those areas currently are eligible to receive2 7#b7 a recommendation on whether to reduce the non-,federal share for projects carried out with grants under that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caba et seq472 and 7#c7 an analysis of the financial limitations of eligible recipients located within high-density public land counties 7as defined in section #g7;a77 in accessing ,economic ,development ,administration funding opportunities4 #aj4 ,high-density public land counties 7a7 ,definition of high-,density public land county ,in this section1 the term high-density public land county means a county 7or equivalent jurisdiction7 of a ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 or territory of the ,united ,states-- 7#a7 that has a population of not more than #ajj1jjj people1 according to the most recent annual estimates of population by the ,bureau of the ,census2 and 7#b7 in which more than #ej percent of the land is owned or managed by the ,federal ,government 7including land held in trust by the ,united ,states for the benefit of an ,indian ,tribe74 7b7 ,requirement ,for purposes of providing assistance under the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caba et seq47 7including sections #bji and #cja of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadi1 #cafa77 and other programs of the ,economic ,development ,administration1 a high-density public land county shall be considered to be-- 7#a7 an area with a special need arising from actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems resulting from severe changes in economic conditions2 7#b7 a distressed area2 and 7#c7 an underserved area4 #aa4 ,office of ,rural and ,native ,american ,economic ,development 7a7 ,in general ,title ,v of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caia et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #ejh4 ,office of ,rural and ,native ,american ,economic ,development 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,economic ,development ,administration an ,office of ,rural and ,native ,american ,economic ,development 7referred to in this section as the ,office74 7b7 ,under ,secretaries 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall be jointly headed by-- 7,a7 a ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,rural ,economic ,development2 and 7,b7 a ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,native ,american ,economic ,development4 7#b7 ,dedicated staffs 7,a7 ,in general 7i7 ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,rural ,economic ,development ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,rural ,economic ,development has a dedicated staff to carry out the purposes of the ,office with respect to rural communities4 7ii7 ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,native ,american ,economic ,development ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,deputy ,under ,secretary for ,native ,american ,economic ,development has a dedicated staff to carry out the purposes of the ,office with respect to tribal communities4 7,b7 ,existing staff and personnel 7i7 ,in general ,for purposes of carrying out clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary may reorganize and redesignate existing positions or staffing within the ,economic ,development ,administration4 7ii7 ,website ,any existing personnel reorganized or redesignated under clause 7i7 shall be recognized on the website of the ,economic ,development ,administration4 7c7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the ,office shall be-- 7#a7 to coordinate all rural and ,native ,american economic development activities carried out by the ,secretary2 7#b7 to provide resources to help rural and ,native ,american communities access economic development assistance programs1 including the grants provided by this ,act2 7#c7 7,a7 to develop rural and tribal economic development strategies and efforts1 including the strategies for rural and ,native ,american economic development described in subsection 7d72 and 7,b7 to coordinate those strategies and efforts with other ,federal agencies1 including the ,office of ,rural ,development of the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs2 and 7#d7 to be a participant in any negotiated rulemakings1 or consultations relating to1 or having an impact on1 projects1 programs1 or funding that benefit rural or ,native ,american communities4 7d7 ,strategies for rural and ,native ,american economic development 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall1 in consultation with rural communities1 develop a strategy for rural economic development and1 in consultation with ,native ,american communities1 develop a strategy for ,native ,american economic development1 which shall each1 as applicable-- 7,a7 identify the most pressing priorities and challenges of the ,united ,states in promoting rural and ,native ,american prosperity during the #aj-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act2 7,b7 describe the policy actions that will be taken by the ,economic ,development ,administration1 and any other ,federal agency implementing rural and ,native ,american economic development programs1 if applicable1 to accelerate and support social and economic prosperity in rural and tribal areas2 and 7,c7 identify opportunities to partner with other ,federal agencies or across ,federal agencies and programs to address the priorities and challenges identified under subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,submission to ,congress ,the ,office shall submit to the ,committees on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry1 ,environment and ,public ,works1 and ,indian ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committees on ,agriculture1 ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 and ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives the strategies for rural economic development and ,native ,american economic development developed under paragraph 7#a74 7e7 ,outreach 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,under ,secretaries shall establish within the ,office a public gateway to help provide a comprehensive1 single source of information for civic leaders1 economic development professionals1 businesses1 and individuals in rural and ,native ,american communities to better understand and access programs that support economic development in those communities1 including the economic development programs administered by ,federal agencies or departments other than the ,department4 7#b7 ,inclusions ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,under ,secretaries shall include the following activities3 7,a7 ,hotline ,the ,office shall establish a telephone hotline to offer information and answer questions about ,federal programs to assist rural and ,native ,american communities1 including the grants provided under this ,act and programs offered by other ,federal agencies4 7,b7 ,website and electronic mail ,the ,office shall establish a website and electronic mail portal through which to offer information and answer questions about ,federal programs to assist rural and tribal communities1 including the grants provided under this ,act and programs offered by other ,federal agencies1 to civic leaders1 economic development professionals1 businesses1 and individuals in rural and tribal communities4 7,c7 ,outreach and support materials ,the ,office shall develop printed and electronic outreach and support materials that offer information and answer questions about ,federal programs to assist rural and ,native ,american communities1 including the grants provided under this ,act and programs offered by other ,federal agencies1 to civic leaders1 economic development professionals1 businesses1 and individuals in rural and ,native ,american communities4 7,d7 ,other outreach activities ,the ,office may carry out additional activities that offer information and answer questions about ,federal programs to assist rural and ,native ,american communities4 7#c7 ,existing efforts ,the outreach efforts and activities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 shall be in coordination with existing efforts and activities of the rural development mission area ,department of ,agriculture and the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs4 7f7 ,dedicated staff ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,office has sufficient staff where appropriate1 including in each regional office of the ,economic ,development ,administration1 to carry out all outreach activities under subsection 7e7 in rural and ,native ,american communities4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ejg the following3 ,sec4 #ejh4 ,office of ,rural and ,native ,american ,economic ,development4 4 #ab4 ,flexible hiring and disaster authorities 7a7 ,in general ,title ,v of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caia et seq47 7as amended by section #aa7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #eji4 ,flexible hiring and disaster authorities 7a7 ,appointment and compensation authorities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may appoint and fix the compensation of such temporary personnel as may be necessary to carry out this ,act and to implement post-disaster economic recovery responsibilities1 without regard to the provisions of subchapter ,i of chapter #cc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 governing appointments in competitive service and compensation of personnel4 7#b7 ,appointment to position within ,,eda ,notwithstanding chapter #cc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 or any other provision of law relating to the examination1 certification1 and appointment of individuals in the competitive service1 the ,secretary may convert a temporary employee appointed under paragraph 7#a7 to a permanent appointment in the competitive service in the ,economic ,development ,administration under merit promotion procedures if-- 7,a7 the employee has served continuously in that appointment for not less than #b years2 and 7,b7 the performance of the employee has been at an acceptable level of performance throughout the period or periods referred to in subparagraph 7,a74 7b7 ,disaster team 7#a7 ,establishment ,as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a disaster team for the deployment of individuals to carry out post-disaster economic recovery efforts after a major disaster or emergency has been declared under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 and an agency has been activated by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,designation of staff ,as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act1 the ,secretary shall designate to serve on the disaster team1 in conjunction with staff of the ,department-- 7i7 employees of the ,department who are not employees of the agency2 and 7ii7 in consultation with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 employees of those agencies1 as appropriate4 7,b7 ,capabilities ,in designating individuals under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall ensure that the disaster team includes a sufficient number of-- 7i7 individuals who are capable of deploying rapidly and efficiently to respond to major disasters and emergencies2 and 7ii7 in conjunction with permanent agency staff1 highly trained individuals employed full-time to lead and manage the disaster team4 7#c7 ,training ,the ,secretary shall ensure that appropriate and ongoing training is provided to members of the disaster team designed under paragraph 7#b7 to ensure that the members are adequately trained with respect to the programs and policies of the agency relating to post-disaster economic recovery efforts4 7#d7 ,expenses ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary may-- 7,a7 use1 with or without reimbursement1 any service1 equipment1 personnel1 or facility of any ,federal agency with the explicit support of that agency1 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 ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq47 to direct ,federal agencies in any major disaster or emergency declared under that ,act2 and 7,b7 provide members of the disaster team with 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 relating to service as a member of the disaster team4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig7 7as amended by section #aa7;b77 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #ejh the following3 ,sec4 #eji4 ,flexible hiring and disaster authorities4 4 #ac4 ,,covid-era funding availability ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 any amounts made available to carry out the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #caba et seq47 during the period during which the public health emergency declared by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d7 on ,january #ca1 #bjbj1 with respect to ,,covid-#ai is in effect shall be available for obligation until ,september #cj1 #bjcj4 #ad4 ,funding for ,,host grants 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,vii of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cbca et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #gje4 ,funding for ,,host grants ,of the amounts made available under section #gja7;a7 for each of fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg1 #ajj1jjj1jjj shall be used to carry out section #bai1 of which #c percent shall be used for the administrative costs of carrying out that section1 including for maintaining the formula described in subsection 7f77#b7 of that section4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig2 #aah ,stat4 #aggb7 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gjd the following3 ,sec4 #gje4 ,funding for ,,host grants4 4 #ae4 ,set asides 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,vii of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cbca et seq47 7as amended by section #aa7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #gjf4 ,requirements for the use of funds 7a7 ,planning assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under section #gja7;a71 the ,secretary shall set aside an amount equal to #e percent to provide assistance to eligible recipients for the development of a comprehensive economic development strategy4 7#b7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the cost of an activity carried out with assistance under paragraph 7#a7 shall be not less than #hj percent4 7b7 ,technical and operational assistance ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under section #gja7;a71 the ,secretary shall set aside an amount equal to #e percent to provide to eligible recipients technical and operational capacity assistance to prepare those eligible recipients to better access ,federal funding from the ,economic ,development ,administration and other sources4 7c7 ,rural set-,aside 7#a7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under section #gja7;a71 the ,secretary shall ensure that not less than #ae percent is used to provide assistance to eligible recipients located in1 or that serve1 a rural area 7as defined in section #cdc7;a7 of the ,consolidated ,farm and ,rural ,development ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #aiia7;a7774 7#b7 ,waiver ,if there are not sufficient qualified eligible recipients located in1 or that serve1 a rural area 7as so defined7 to carry out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may waive the requirement under that paragraph4 7d7 ,maximum grant amounts ,the ,secretary shall consider increasing maximum grant amounts set by the ,secretary and increasing the average amount of funds distributed per grant provided under this ,act to increase the impact of those investments4 7e7 ,native ,american set-,aside 7#a7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available for each fiscal year under section #gja7;a71 the ,secretary shall ensure that not less than #e percent is used to provide assistance to eligible recipients that are ,indian tribes1 tribal organizations 7as defined in section #c of the ,,native ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dceb771 and ,native ,hawaiian organizations 7as defined in that section74 7#b7 ,waiver ,if there are not sufficient qualified eligible recipients that are ,indian tribes1 tribal organizations 7as so defined71 or ,native ,hawaiian organizations 7as so defined7 to carry out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may waive the requirement under that paragraph4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents contained in section #a7;b7 of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#gi ,stat4 #eeb2 #aab ,stat4 #ceig2 #aah ,stat4 #aggb7 7as amended by section #aa7;b77 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section #gje the following3 ,sec4 #gjf4 ,requirements for the use of funds4 4 #af4 ,cost sharing ,section #bjd of the ,public ,works and ,economic ,development ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cadd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting this section2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 by striking #cj percent and inserting #dj percent2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,high-,density public land counties ,in the case of a grant under this ,act to an eligible recipient that is located in or that serves a high-density public land county 7as defined in section #g7;a7 of the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act71 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 reduce the non-,federal share of the cost of the project carried out with the grant by #ej percent2 7#b7 provide to the eligible recipient direct and expanded technical assistance to improve applications from high-density public land counties 7as so defined72 and 7#c7 allow the eligible recipient to provide any required non-,federal share in the form of in-kind contributions4 7e7 ,communities affected by disasters ,in the case of a grant under section #bji7;c77#b71 the ,federal share of the cost of a project carried out with the grant shall be #ajj percent4 7f7 ,,covid-,era funding 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of a project carried out with a grant under this ,act made on or after the date of enactment of the ,,invest in ,our ,communities ,act from amounts made available during the period during which the public health emergency declared by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #cai of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bdg;d7 on ,january #ca1 #bjbj1 with respect to ,,covid-#ai is in effect1 the ,federal share of the cost of the project shall be not less than #ij percent4 7#b7 ,certain areas ,the ,secretary shall consider increasing the ,federal share set by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#a7 to be #ajj percent of the cost of the project if the project is to be carried out in an area that is experiencing1 in the determination of the ,secretary1 lasting economic impacts as a result of the ,,covid-#ai pandemic4 4