Sec. 401. Grants for construction of usable public water features
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/bill/117/hr/7949/ih/section-401A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the Secretary ) shall carry out a program under this section to make grants to eligible entities for the construction of eligible water features in overburdened communities. Grants under the program under this section may be made only to a State, Indian tribe, unit of general local government, or nonprofit organization. Amounts from a grant under the program under this section may be used only for costs of constructing water features that— provide recreation or cooling for users, such as splash parks, wading pools, swimming pools, misting systems, and fountains; can be used to provide relief to users from extreme heat conditions; and are available for use by anyone without charge.
The Secretary shall provide for eligible entities to apply for grants under the program under this section and shall require applications to include a statement identifying the estimated number of people to be served by the feature. The Secretary shall require eligible entities to develop a public participation plan to ensure that residents of the area in which a project is to be implemented are involved in the project, which plan— shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities, low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; shall involve residents of the area in decision making regarding the project; and may— provide opportunities for local nonprofits to be involved in the project; provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and include demonstrated support from the community.
The Secretary shall select applicant eligible entities to receive grants under the program under this section based on a competition, in accordance with such criteria as the Secretary shall establish, which shall provide preference for selection for grants for eligible entities that will construct eligible water features in areas without access, or with limited access, to cooling centers. There is authorized to be appropriated for grants under the program under this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2033.