§2009dd–5. Regional strategic investment planning grants
(a) In general
The National Board shall use amounts made available under section 2009dd–4(b)(1) of this title to make not fewer than 80 planning grants, on a competitive basis, to applicant Regional Boards to develop, maintain, evaluate, and report progress on regional strategic investment plans in accordance with section 2009dd–2 of this title and this section.
(b) Regional plans
A regional plan for a region covered by a Regional Board shall, to the maximum extent practicable, cover-
(1) basic infrastructure needs of the region;
(2) basic services within the region;
(3) opportunities for economic diversification and innovation within the region, with particular attention to entrepreneurial support and innovation;
(4) the current and future human resource capacity of the region;
(5) access to market-based financing and venture and equity capital in the region;
(6) the development of innovative public and private collaborations for investments in the region; and
(7) other appropriate matters, as determined by the National Board and the Secretary.
(c) Preferences
In awarding planning grants, the National Board shall give a preference to planning grants that will be used to address community capacity building and community sustainability.
(d) Amount
The total amount of a planning grant made to a Regional Board shall not exceed $100,000.
(e) Cost sharing
(1) In general
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the share of the costs of developing, maintaining, evaluating, and reporting on a regional plan funded by a grant under this section shall not exceed 50 percent.
(2) Form
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a Regional Board shall pay the grantee share of the costs described in paragraph (1) in the form of cash, services, materials, or other in-kind contributions.
(B) Limitation
A grantee shall not pay more than 50 percent of the grantee share in the form of services, materials, or other in-kind contributions.
(3) Increased share
The National Board may increase the share of the costs covered by a planning grant made to a Regional Board under this section if a limited ability of the Regional Board to pay would otherwise create a barrier to full participation in the program.
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