Section 1719-J - Department of Community and Economic Development.The following apply to appropriations for the Department of Community and Economic Development:
(1) From money appropriated for general government operations:(i) At least $150,000 shall be used to build capacity and support for economic development initiatives related to the rehabilitation and marketing of commercial districts by a county economic development authority in a county of the sixth class with a population of at least 45,950, but not more than 46,500, under the most recent federal decennial census.(ii) At least $800,000 shall be used to support a manufacturing technology development effort in a county of the fourth class with a population of at least 143,679, but not more than 144,200, under the most recent Federal decennial census.(2) From money appropriated for marketing to attract tourists:(i) $4,067,000 to fund the activities of the tourism office within the department;(ii) The remaining money includes an allocation to be used to plan, market and conduct a series of arts and cultural activities that generate Statewide and regional economic impact, and $500,000 shall be used for an annual Statewide competition serving approximately 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from across this Commonwealth to be held in a county of the fourth class.(3) From money appropriated for Keystone Communities:(i) $6,357,000 shall be used to fund the Main Street Program, Elm Street Program, Enterprise Zone Program and accessible housing. The allocation for the Main Street Program, Elm Street Program, Enterprise Zone Program and accessible housing shall be distributed in the same proportion as amounts allocated in fiscal year 2012-2013.(ii) $500,000 shall be used for an antiviolence task force, in consultation with the Office of Attorney General, in a county of the second class a that is also a home rule county.(iii) No less than $300,000 shall be used to establish a broadband expansion pilot program that is a joint venture between two local development districts operating in the north central and north western regions of this Commonwealth.(iv) No less than $300,000 shall be used to provide funding for innovative pilot programs to provide or expand cost effective broadband services to underserved, rural areas. Pilot programs under this paragraph shall be implemented by the regional economic development entities that serve the Appalachia area of this Commonwealth.(v) The remaining money shall be used for projects supporting economic growth, community development and municipal assistance throughout this Commonwealth.(4) Funds appropriated for local municipal relief shall include an allocation to provide State assistance to individuals, persons or political subdivisions directly affected by natural or man-made disasters, public safety emergencies, other situations that pose a public safety danger or other situations at the discretion of the department. State assistance may be limited to grants for projects that do not qualify for federal assistance to help repair damages to primary residences, personal property and public facilities and structures. Grants shall be made available for reimbursement in a disaster emergency area only when a Presidential disaster declaration does not cover the area or when the department determines that a public safety emergency has occurred.(5) Notwithstanding section 4(1) of the act of October 11, 1984 ( P.L. 906, No.179), known as the Community Development Block Grant Entitlement program for nonurban counties and certain other municipalities, the Commonwealth may use up to 3% of the funds received pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 ( Public Law 93-383, 88 Stat. 633), for administrative costs. Added by P.L. TBD 2019 No. 20, § 22, eff. 7/1/2019.