Sec. 402. Grant program to develop and improve high quality urban green spaces
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/bill/117/hr/7949/ih/section-402·A 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 ), in coordination with the Director of the National Park Service, shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities under subsection
(c)to improve or develop high quality urban green spaces located in overburdened communities to lower surface temperatures through increased urban vegetation. Projects and activities funded with grant amounts under this section shall provide environmental and cooling benefits to overburdened communities, including through planting trees, increasing the urban forestry canopy, improving stormwater management, increasing green infrastructure, employing water conservation measures, and adding green spaces. A grant under this section may only be made to— a State; an Indian Tribe; a unit of general local government; and a nonprofit organization. An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under subsection
(a)shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. An application submitted under paragraph
(1)shall— describe how the projects and activities to be funded with grant amounts will comply with the requirement under subsection (b); and include a 5-year timeline and budget for the development and improvement of urban green space. 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 determine which eligible entities shall receive a grant under this section. In awarding grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority in selection for grants to eligible entities based on— the extent to which the eligible entity will contribute matching funds for activities conducted with amounts from a grant under this section; and based on the extent to which the project funded with grant amounts would— address demonstrated deficiencies in the condition of and access to cooling green space in the project neighborhood; build green spaces located within half of a mile of a public housing that is not within half of a mile of any green space; work collaboratively with local governments, colleges, universities, and other institutions to study urban heat island effects and benefits of cooling green spaces; use environmentally beneficial components, such as sustainable landscape features, upcycled and recycled materials, and materials with low carbon footprint; contain safe trails or routes, such as trails, bikeways, and sidewalks, that connect to neighborhoods and enhance access to green spaces. An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection
(a)shall use amounts provided to cover costs associated with— rebuilding, remodeling, expanding, integrating, or developing existing or building new green spaces, including improvements in park landscapes, infrastructure, buildings, and support facilities; planting vegetation in project areas, including maintaining and monitoring planted vegetation for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment; preparing the project site and conducting construction, including the costs of labor and costs associated with use of machinery; training activities associated with the construction; and other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2033.