7 USC 2008v - Strategic economic and community development

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 09, 2024

§ 2008v.

Strategic economic and community development

(a)

In general

In the case of any program under this chapter or administered by the Secretary, acting through the rural development mission area, as determined by the Secretary (referred to in this section as a “covered program”), the Secretary shall give priority to an application for a project that, as determined and approved by the Secretary—

(1)

meets the applicable eligibility requirements of this chapter or the other applicable authorizing law;

(2)

will be carried out in a rural area; and

(3)

supports the implementation of a strategic community investment plan described in subsection (d) on a multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis, to include considerations for improving and expanding broadband services as needed.

(b)

Reserve

(1)

In general

(2)

Period

(c)

Approved applications

(1)

In general

(2)

Rural utilities

Any applicant who submitted an application under paragraph (2), (14), or (24) of section 1926(a) of this title, or section 1926a or 1932(b) of this title, that was approved by the Secretary before the date of enactment of this section ¹ shall be eligible for the funds reserved under subsection (b)—

(A)

on the same basis as an application submitted under this section; and

(B)

until September 30, 2019.

(d)

Strategic community investment plans

(1)

In general

(2)

Plans

A strategic community investment plan described in paragraph (1) shall include—

(A)

a variety of activities designed to facilitate the vision of a rural community for the future, including considerations for improving and expanding broadband services as needed;

(B)

participation by multiple stakeholders, including local and regional partners;

(C)

leverage of applicable regional resources;

(D)

investment from strategic partners, such as—

(i)

private organizations;

(ii)

cooperatives;

(iii)

other government entities;

(iv)

Indian Tribes; and

(v)

philanthropic organizations;

(E)

clear objectives with the ability to establish measurable performance metrics;

(F)

action steps for implementation; and

(G)

any other elements necessary to ensure that the plan results in a comprehensive and strategic approach to rural economic development, as determined by the Secretary.

(3)

Coordination

(4)

Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 87–128, title III, § 379H, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title VI, § 6025, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 848; amended Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6401, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4756.)

cite as: 7 USC 2008v