Authorizes the Authority to hold hearings, take testimony, receive evidence and require oaths as it deems necessary. Requires Federal agencies to cooperate with the Authority. Permits the Authority to request and receive Federal, State and local government personnel as employees.
Stipulates that Authority grants for infrastructure development may be made only to State or local governments. Permits other Authority grants for job training, employment-related education, business development, assisting severely distressed and poor areas in improving basic services, or for other purposes in accordance with the Act.
Allows the Authority to annually designate: (1) distressed counties; and (2) isolated areas of distress in nondistressed counties.
Directs the Authority to garner public participation in the development, revision and implementation of its plans and programs.
[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3618 Introduced in House (IH)]
107th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 3618
To provide a framework for coordinating Federal, State, and local
efforts to meet the special needs of the SouthEast Crescent Region.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 23, 2002
Mr. McIntyre (for himself, Mr. Shows, Mr. Burr of North Carolina, Mr.
Hilliard, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Goode, Ms. McKinney, and Mr. Towns)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on
Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide a framework for coordinating Federal, State, and local
efforts to meet the special needs of the SouthEast Crescent Region.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress hereby finds and declares the
following:
(1) The SouthEast Crescent Region, while abundant in
natural resources and rich in potential, lags behind the rest
of the Nation in its economic growth and that its people have
not shared properly in the Nation's prosperity.
(2) The State and local governments and the people of the
SouthEast Crescent Region understand their problems and have
been working and will continue to work purposefully toward
their solution.
(3) Regionwide development of the SouthEast Crescent Region
is feasible, desirable and urgently needed.
(4) The SouthEast Crescent Region has the opportunity, in
accommodating future growth and development, to demonstrate
local leadership and coordinated planning so that public
services, transportation, communications infrastructure, and
other community resources will be provided in a way compatible
with the traditions of the region and so as to enhance the
quality of life for the people of the region.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are the following:
(1) To assist the SouthEast Crescent Region in addressing
its problems, to promote its economic development, and to
establish a framework for joint Federal and State efforts
toward providing the basic facilities essential to its growth
and attacking its common problems and addressing its common
needs on a coordinated and concerted regional basis.
(2) To provide a framework for coordinating Federal, State,
and local efforts toward--
(A) planning for growth and change in the SouthEast
Crescent Region so as to maximize the economic benefits
and minimize future social and environmental costs; and
(B) implementing programs and projects carried out
in the region by Federal, State, and local governmental
agencies so as to better meet the problems of the
region.
(3) To assist the SouthEast Crescent Region in--
(A) providing the infrastructures necessary for
economic and human resources development;
(B) developing the region's economic base;
(C) building entrepreneurial communities;
(D) generating a diversified regional economy; and
(E) making the region's human, economic, and
natural resources more competitive in national and
world markets.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means the SouthEast
Crescent Authority established by section 3.
(2) Region.--The term ``region'' means the area covered by
the Authority (as described in section 16).
(3) Federal grant program.--The term ``Federal grant
program'' means a Federal grant program to provide assistance
in carrying out economic and community development activities.
SEC. 3. SOUTHEAST CRESCENT AUTHORITY.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is established the SouthEast
Crescent Authority.
(2) Composition.--The Authority shall be composed of--
(A) a Federal member, to be appointed by the
President, with the advice and consent of the Senate;
and
(B) the Governor of each State in the region that
elects to participate in the Authority.
(3) Cochairpersons.--The Authority shall be headed by--
(A) the Federal member, who shall serve--
(i) as the Federal cochairperson; and
(ii) as a liaison between the Federal
Government and the Authority; and
(B) a State cochairperson, who--
(i) shall be a Governor of a participating
State in the region; and
(ii) shall be elected by the State members
for a term of not less than 1 year.
(b) Alternate Members.--
(1) State alternates.--The State member of a participating
State may have a single alternate, who shall be appointed by
the Governor of the State from among his Cabinet or personal
staff.
(2) Alternate federal cochairperson.--The President shall
appoint an alternate Federal cochairperson.
(3) Quorum.--The Authority shall determine what constitutes
a quorum for regular or special Authority meetings. However, a
State alternate shall not be counted toward the establishment
of a quorum of the Authority in any instance in which a quorum
of the State members is required to be present.
(4) Delegation of power.--No power or responsibility of the
Authority specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection
(c), and no voting right of any Authority member, shall be
delegated to any person--
(A) who is not a Authority member; or
(B) who is not entitled to vote in Authority
meetings.
(c) Voting.--
(1) In general.--A decision by the Authority shall require
a majority vote of the Authority (not including any member
representing a State that is delinquent under subsection
(g)(2)(C)) to be effective.
(2) Quorum.--A quorum of State members shall be required to
be present in person or by agreed upon electronic means for the
Authority to make any policy decision, including--
(A) a modification or revision of a Authority
policy decision;
(B) approval of a State or regional development
plan; and
(C) any allocation of funds among the States.
(3) Project and grant proposals.--The approval of project
and grant proposals shall be--
(A) a responsibility of the Authority; and
(B) conducted in accordance with section 10.
(4) Voting by alternate members.--An alternate member shall
vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal, or
resignation of the Federal or State representative for which
the alternate member is an alternate.
(d) Duties.--The Authority shall--
(1) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and
coordinated plans and programs to establish priorities and
approve grants for the economic development of the region,
giving due consideration to other Federal, State, and local
planning and development activities in the region;
(2) not later than 365 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, establish priorities in a development plan for the
region (including 5-year regional outcome targets);
(3) assess the needs and assets of the region based on
available research, demonstrations, investigations,
assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by Federal,
State, and local agencies, universities, local development
districts, and other nonprofit groups;
(4) formulate and recommend to the Governors and
legislatures of States that participate in the Authority forms
of interstate cooperation;
(5) work with State and local agencies in developing
appropriate model legislation;
(6)(A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for,
local development districts in the region; or
(B) if no local development district exists in an area in a
participating State in the region, foster the creation of a
local development district;
(7) encourage private investment in industrial, commercial,
and other economic development projects in the region; and
(8) cooperate with and assist State governments with
economic development programs of participating States.
(e) Administration.--In carrying out subsection (d), the Authority
may--
(1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and
places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print
or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the
proceedings and reports on actions by the Authority as the
Authority considers appropriate;
(2) authorize, through the Federal or State cochairperson
or any other member of the Authority designated by the
Authority, the administration of oaths if the Authority
determines that testimony should be taken or evidence received
under oath; and
(3) request from any Federal, State, or local department or
agency such information as may be available to or procurable by
the department or agency that may be of use to the Authority in
carrying out duties of the Authority;
(4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and rules governing the
conduct of Authority business and the performance of Authority
duties;
(5) request the head of any Federal department or agency to
detail to the Authority such personnel as the Authority
requires to carry out duties of the Authority, each such detail
to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status;
(6) request the head of any State department or agency or
local government to detail to the Authority such personnel as
the Authority requires to carry out duties of the Authority,
each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other
employee status;
(7) provide for coverage of Authority employees in a
suitable retirement and employee benefit system by--
(A) making arrangements or entering into contracts
with any participating State government; or
(B) otherwise providing retirement and other
employee benefit coverage;
(8) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of
services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property;
(9) enter into and perform such contracts, leases,
cooperative agreements, or other transactions as are necessary
to carry out Authority duties, including any contracts, leases,
or cooperative agreements with--
(A) any department, agency, or instrumentality of
the United States;
(B) any State (including a political subdivision,
agency, or instrumentality of the State); or
(C) any person, firm, association, or corporation;
and
(10) establish and maintain a central office and field
offices at such locations as the Authority may select.
(f) Federal Agency Cooperation.--A Federal agency shall--
(1) cooperate with the Authority; and
(2) provide, on request of the Federal cochairperson,
appropriate assistance in carrying out this Act, in accordance
with applicable Federal laws (including regulations).
(g) Administrative Expenses.--
(1) In general.--Administrative expenses of the Authority
(except for the expenses of the Federal cochairperson,
including expenses of the alternate and staff of the Federal
cochairperson, which shall be paid solely by the Federal
Government) shall be paid--
(A) by the Federal Government, in an amount equal
to 50 percent of the administrative expenses; and
(B) by the States in the region participating in
the Authority, in an amount equal to 50 percent of the
administrative expenses.
(2) State share.--
(A) In general.--The share of administrative
expenses of the Authority to be paid by each State
shall be determined by the Authority.
(B) No federal participation.--The Federal
cochairperson shall not participate or vote in any
decision under subparagraph (A).
(C) Delinquent states.--If a State is delinquent in
payment of the State's share of administrative expenses
of the Authority under this subsection--
(i) no assistance under this Act shall be
furnished to the State (including assistance to
a political subdivision or a resident of the
State); and
(ii) no member of the Authority from the
State shall participate or vote in any action
by the Authority.
(h) Compensation.--
(1) Federal cochairperson.--The Federal cochairperson shall
be compensated by the Federal Government at level III of the
Executive Schedule in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title V,
United States Code.
(2) Alternate federal cochairperson.--The alternate Federal
cochairperson--
(A) shall be compensated by the Federal Government
at level V of the Executive Schedule described in
paragraph (1); and
(B) when not actively serving as an alternate for
the Federal cochairperson, shall perform such functions
and duties as are delegated by the Federal
cochairperson.
(3) State members and alternates.--
(A) In general.--A State shall compensate each
member and alternate representing the State on the
Authority at the rate established by law of the State.
(B) No additional compensation.--No State member or
alternate member shall receive any salary, or any
contribution to or supplementation of salary from any
source other than the State for services provided by
the member or alternate to the Authority.
(4) Detailed employees.--
(A) In general.--No person detailed to serve the
Authority under subsection (e)(6) shall receive any
salary or any contribution to or supplementation of
salary for services provided to the Authority from--
(i) any source other than the State, local,
or intergovernmental department or agency from
which the person was detailed; or
(ii) the Authority.
(B) Violation.--Any person that violates this
paragraph shall be fined not more than $5,000,
imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(C) Applicable law.--The Federal cochairperson, the
alternate Federal cochairperson, and any Federal
officer or employee detailed to duty on the Authority
under subsection (e)(5) shall not be subject to
subparagraph (A), but shall remain subject to sections
202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code.
(5) Additional personnel.--
(A) Compensation.--
(i) In general.--The Authority may appoint
and fix the compensation of an executive
director and such other personnel as are
necessary to enable the Authority to carry out the duties of the
Authority.
(ii) Exception.--Compensation under clause
(i) shall not exceed the maximum rate for the
Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of
title 5, United States Code, including any
applicable locality-based comparability payment
that may be authorized under section
5304(h)(2)(C) of that title.
(B) Executive director.--The executive director
shall be responsible for--
(i) the carrying out of the administrative
duties of the Authority;
(ii) direction of the Authority staff; and
(iii) such other duties as the Authority
may assign.
(C) No federal employee status.--No member,
alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority
(except the Federal cochairperson of the Authority, the
alternate and staff for the Federal cochairperson, and
any Federal employee detailed to the Authority under
subsection (e)(5)) shall be considered to be a Federal
employee for any purpose.
(i) Conflicts of Interest.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), no
State member, alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority
shall participate personally and substantially as a member,
alternate, officer, or employee of the Authority, through
decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, the rendering
of advice, investigation, or otherwise, in any proceeding,
application, request for a ruling or other determination,
contract, claim, controversy, or other matter in which, to
knowledge of the member, alternate, officer, or employee--
(A) the member, alternate, officer, or employee;
(B) the spouse, minor child, partner, or
organization (other than a State or political
subdivision of the State) of the member, alternate,
officer, or employee, in which the member, alternate,
officer, or employee is serving as officer, director,
trustee, partner, or employee; or
(C) any person or organization with whom the
member, alternate, officer, or employee is negotiating
or has any arrangement concerning prospective
employment; has a financial interest.
(2) Disclosure.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the State
member, alternate, officer, or employee--
(A) immediately advises the Authority of the nature
and circumstances of the proceeding, application,
request for a ruling or other determination, contract,
claim, controversy, or other particular matter
presenting a potential conflict of interest;
(B) makes full disclosure of the financial
interest; and
(C) before the proceeding concerning the matter
presenting the conflict of interest, receives a written
determination by the Authority that the interest is not
so substantial as to be likely to affect the integrity
of the services that the Authority may expect from the
State member, alternate, officer, or employee.
(3) Violation.--Any person that violates this subsection
shall be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned not more than
2 years, or both.
(j) Validity of Contracts, Loans, and Grants.--The Authority may
declare void any contract, loan, or grant of or by the Authority in
relation to which the Authority determines that there has been a
violation of any provision under subsection (h)(4), subsection (i), or
sections 202 through 209 of title 18, United States Code.
SEC. 4. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Authority may approve grants to States and
public and nonprofit entities for projects, approved in accordance with
section 10--
(1) to develop the infrastructures of the region for the
purpose of facilitating economic development in the region
(except that grants for this purpose may only be made to a
State or local government);
(2) to assist the region in obtaining the job training,
employment-related education, and business development that are
needed to build and maintain strong local economies;
(3) to provide assistance to severely distressed and
underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for
improving basic public services; and
(4) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this Act.
(b) Funding.--
(1) In general.--Funds for grants under subsection (a) may
be provided--
(A) entirely from appropriations to carry out this
section;
(B) in combination with funds available under
another State or Federal grant program; or
(C) from any other source.
(2) Priority of funding.--To best build the foundations for
long-term economic development and to complement other Federal
and State resources in the region, Federal funds available
under this Act shall be focused on the following activities to
enhance the economic capacity of the region including:
(A) Basic public infrastructures in distressed
counties and isolated areas of distress.
(B) Infrastructures for the purpose of facilitating
economic development in the region.
(C) Business development, with emphasis on
entrepreneurship.
(D) Job training or employment-related education,
with emphasis on use of existing public educational
institutions located in the region.
(E) Access for residents to affordable, quality
health care.
(F) Local planning and leadership development.
(3) Federal share in grant programs.--Notwithstanding any
provision of law limiting the Federal share in any grant
program, funds appropriated to carry out this section may be
used to increase a Federal share in a grant program, as the
Authority determines appropriate.
SEC. 5. SUPPLEMENTS TO FEDERAL GRANT PROGRAMS.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that certain States and local
communities of the region, including local development districts, may
be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal grant programs for which
the States and communities are eligible because--
(1) they lack the economic resources to meet the required
matching share; or
(2) there are insufficient funds available under the
applicable Federal grant law authorizing the program to meet
pressing needs of the region.
(b) Federal Grant Program Funding.--In accordance with subsection
(c), the Federal cochairperson may use amounts made available to carry
out this Act, without regard to any limitations on areas eligible for
assistance or authorizations for appropriation under any other Act, to
fund all or any portion of the basic Federal contribution to a project
or activity under a Federal grant program in the region in an amount
that is above the fixed maximum portion of the cost of the project
otherwise authorized by applicable law, but not to exceed 80 percent of
the costs of the project.
(c) Certification.--
(1) In general.--In the case of any program or project for
which all or any portion of the basic Federal contribution to
the project under a Federal grant program is proposed to be
made under this section, no Federal contribution shall be made
until the Federal official administering the Federal law
authorizing the contribution certifies that the program or
project--
(A) meets the applicable requirements of the
applicable Federal grant law; and
(B) could be approved for Federal contribution
under the law if funds were available under the law for
the program or project.
(2) Certification by authority.--
(A) In general.--The certifications and
determinations required to be made by the Authority for
approval of projects under this Act in accordance with
section 10--
(i) shall be controlling; and
(ii) shall be accepted by the Federal
agencies.
(B) Acceptance by federal cochairperson.--Any
finding, report, certification, or documentation
required to be submitted to the head of the department,
agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government
responsible for the administration of any Federal grant
program shall be accepted by the Federal cochairperson
with respect to a supplemental grant for any project
under the program.
SEC. 6. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS; CERTIFICATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE
EXPENSES.
(a) Definition of Local Development District.--In this section, the
term ``local development district'' means an entity designated by the
State that--
(1) is--
(A) a planning district in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act that is recognized by the
Economic Development Administration of the Department
of Commerce; or
(B) a development district recognized by the State;
or
(C) where an entity described in subparagraph (A)
or (B) does not exist--
(i) organized and operated in a manner that
ensures broad-based community participation and
an effective opportunity for other nonprofit
groups to contribute to the development and
implementation of programs in the region;
(ii) governed by a policy board with at
least a simple majority of members consisting
of elected officials or employees of a general
purpose unit of local government who have been
appointed to represent the government;
(iii) certified to the Authority as having
a charter or authority that includes the
economic development of counties or parts of
counties or other political subdivisions within
the region--
(I) by the Governor of each State
in which the entity is located; or
(II) by the State officer
designated by the appropriate State law
to make the certification; and
(iv)(I) a nonprofit incorporated body
organized or chartered under the law of the
State in which the entity is located;
(II) a nonprofit agency or instrumentality
of a State or local government;
(III) a public organization established
before the date of enactment of this Act under
State law for creation of multijurisdictional,
areawide planning organizations; or
(IV) a nonprofit association or combination
of bodies, agencies, and instrumentalities
described in subclauses (I) through (III); and
(2) has not, as certified by the Federal cochairperson--
(A) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from
any Federal source; or
(B) appointed an officer who, during the period in
which another entity inappropriately used Federal grant
funds from any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity.
(b) Grants to Local Development Districts.--
(1) In general.--The Authority may make grants for
administrative expenses under this section.
(2) Conditions for grants.--
(A) Maximum amount.--The amount of any grant
awarded under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 80 percent
of the administrative expenses of the local development
district receiving the grant.
(B) Local share.--The contributions of a local
development district for administrative expenses may be
in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space,
equipment, and services.
(c) Duties of Local Development Districts.--A local development
district shall--
(1) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty
areas in the region at the local level; and
(2) serve as a liaison between State and local governments,
nonprofit organizations (including community-based groups and
educational institutions), the business community, and citizens
that--
(A) are involved in multijurisdictional planning;
(B) provide technical assistance to local
jurisdictions and potential grantees; and
(C) provide leadership and civic development
assistance.
SEC. 7. DISTRESSED COUNTIES AND AREAS AND NONDISTRESSED COUNTIES.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Authority, in accordance with such criteria as
the Authority may designate--
(1) as distressed counties, counties in the region that are
the most severely and persistently distressed and
underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty, low per capita
income, or high rates of unemployment; and
(2) as isolated areas of distress, areas located in
nondistressed counties in the region that are severely and
persistently distressed as documented by comparable statistical
measures.
SEC. 8. DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PROCESS.
(a) State Development Plan.--In accordance with policies
established by the Authority, each State member shall submit a
development plan for the area of the region represented by the State
member.
(b) Content of Plan.--A State development plan submitted under
subsection (a) shall reflect the goals, objectives, and priorities
identified in the regional development plan developed under section
3(d)(2).
(c) Consultation With Interested Local Parties.--In carrying out
the development planning process (including the selection of programs
and projects for assistance), a State may--
(1) consult with--
(A) local development districts;
(B) local units of government; and
(C) institutions of higher learning; and
(2) take into consideration the goals, objectives,
priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in
paragraph (1).
(d) Public Participation.--
(1) In general.--The Authority and applicable State and
local development districts shall encourage and assist, to the
maximum extent practicable, public participation in the
development, revision, and implementation of all plans and
programs under this Act.
(2) Regulations.--The Authority shall develop guidelines
for providing public participation described in paragraph (1),
including public hearings.
SEC. 9. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA.
(a) In General.--In considering programs and projects to be
provided assistance under this Act, and in establishing a priority
ranking of the requests for assistance provided by the Authority, the
Authority shall follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent
practicable, consideration of--
(1) the relationship of the project or class of projects to
overall regional development;
(2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment
rates and other socioeconomic indicators in an area;
(3) the financial resources available to the applicants for
assistance seeking to carry out the project, with emphasis on
ensuring that projects are adequately financed to maximize the
probability of successful economic development;
(4) the importance of the project or class of projects in
relation to other projects or classes of projects that may be
in competition for the same funds;
(5) the prospects that the project for which assistance is
sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a temporary
basis, the opportunities for employment, the average level of
income, or the economic development of the area served by the
project; and
(6) the extent to which the project design provides for
detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and
the results of the expenditures may be evaluated.
(b) No Relocation Assistance.--No financial assistance authorized
by this Act shall be used to assist an establishment in relocating from
1 area to another.
(c) Reduction of Funds.--Funds may be provided for a program or
project in a State under this Act only if the Authority determines that
the level of Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law
other than this Act, for the same type of program or project in the
same area of the State within the region, will not be reduced as a
result of funds made available by this Act.
SEC. 10. APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--A State or regional development plan or any
multistate subregional plan that is proposed for development under this
Act shall be reviewed by the Authority.
(b) Evaluation by State Member.--An application for a grant or any
other assistance for a project under this Act shall be made through and
evaluated for approval by the State member of the Authority
representing the applicant.
(c) Certification.--An application for a grant or other assistance
for a project shall be approved only on certification by the State
member that the application for the project--
(1) describes ways in which the project complies with any
applicable State development plan;
(2) meets applicable criteria under section 9;
(3) provides adequate assurance that the proposed project
will be properly administered, operated, and maintained; and
(4) otherwise meets the requirements of this Act.
(d) Votes for Decisions.--On certification by a State member of the
Authority of an application for a grant or other assistance for a
specific project under this section, an affirmative vote of the
Authority under section 3(c) shall be required for approval of the
application.
SEC. 11. CONSENT OF STATES.
Nothing in this Act requires any State to engage in or accept any
program under this Act without the consent of the State.
SEC. 12. RECORDS.
(a) Records of the Authority.--
(1) In general.--The Authority shall maintain accurate and
complete records of all transactions and activities of the
Authority.
(2) Availability.--All records of the Authority shall be
available for audit and examination by the Comptroller General
of the United States and the Inspector General of the
Department of Agriculture (including authorized representatives
of the Comptroller General and the Inspector General of the
Department of Agriculture).
(b) Records of Recipients of Federal Assistance.--
(1) In general.--A recipient of Federal funds under this
Act shall, as required by the Authority, maintain accurate and
complete records of transactions and activities financed with
Federal funds and report on the transactions and activities to
the Authority.
(2) Availability.--All records required under paragraph (1)
shall be available for audit by the Comptroller General of the
United States, and the Authority (including authorized
representatives of the Comptroller General, and the Authority).
(c) Annual Audit.--The Authority shall secure an independent
auditor to audit the activities, transactions, and records of the
Authority on an annual basis.
SEC. 13. ANNUAL REPORT.
Not later than 180 days after the end of each fiscal year, the
Authority shall submit to the President and to Congress a report
describing the activities carried out under this Act.
SEC. 14. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Authority to carry out this Act $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2003 through 2007, to remain available until expended.
(b) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 5 percent of the amount
appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year shall be used for
administrative expenses of the Authority.
SEC. 15. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
This Act shall have no force or effect on or after October 1, 2007.
SEC. 16. AREA COVERED BY SOUTHEAST CRESCENT AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--The SouthEast Crescent Authority shall include all
parts of the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida not already served by the
Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional Authority.
(b) Additional Areas Eligible for Inclusion.--Upon adoption by the
government of any of the following counties in Alabama of a formal
resolution indicating the decision of the county to be included in the
SouthEast Crescent Authority, the county shall be so included: Barbour,
Bullock, Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon,
Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Russell, Sumter, Washington, Wilcox.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy, Technology and Economic Growth.
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