File No. 890

Senate, May 4, 2009

The Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding reported through SEN. DAILY of the 33rd Dist., Chairperson of the Committee on the part of the Senate, that the substitute bill ought to pass.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CONNECTICUT ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For purposes of sections 1 to 9, inclusive, of this act:

(1) "Commission" means the State Bond Commission.

(2) "Strategic component" means one of the eight areas funded by the economic recovery program: Housing, clean water, clean energy and energy conservation, higher education, transportation, a municipal block grant, a regional block grant and a pool for projects sponsored by nonprofit entities.

(3) "Unemployment rate" means the rate of unemployment in the state as determined by the Labor Department in the most recent monthly Report on Local Area Unemployment Statistics, as seasonally adjusted.

(b) There is established the Connecticut economic recovery program. The program shall provide funding as provided in sections 2 to 9, inclusive, of this act, to eight strategic components: Housing, clean water, clean energy and energy conservation, higher education, transportation, a municipal block grant, a regional block grant and a pool for projects sponsored by nonprofit entities. Such funding shall be used to promote targeted capital investment in projects of strategic state importance that maintain and create jobs, improve the state's infrastructure and position the state to compete effectively in the future.

(c) (1) The State Bond Commission may allocate, at any time and in any amounts, any authorizations for bonding for economic recovery program funds contained in sections 2 to 6, inclusive, and section 9 of this act. However, except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of section 5 of this act, if the unemployment rate is at or above seven and three-tenths per cent, not less than twenty per cent of the bonding authorized for each strategic component shall be included on the agenda for the meeting of the commission during the month of August, 2009. Unless the unemployment rate is less than seven and three-tenths per cent, if the bonding allocations required by this subdivision are not placed on the August 2009 commission meeting agenda or if such meeting is cancelled, the Governor shall, on or before the regularly-scheduled date of such meeting, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been considered by the commission as herein provided.

(2) Thereafter, except as provided in subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of section 5 of this act, not less than twenty per cent of the bonding authorized for each strategic component shall be included on the agenda for the meeting of the commission during the month following any month in which the unemployment rate increases by two-tenths of one per cent over the previous month, or three months after the previous meeting at which allocations are required by this subsection to be on the agenda, whichever occurs first. If the bonding allocations required by this subdivision are not placed on commission meeting agendas or if any such subsequent meeting is cancelled, the Governor shall, on or before the regularly-scheduled date of such meeting, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been considered by the commission as herein provided.

(3) In the case where bonding allocations are not placed on a commission agenda as required by this subsection and no notice of the reasons therefor has been received by said chairpersons, the Treasurer shall prepare an addendum to the agenda of the next following commission meeting comprised of items representing not less than twenty per cent of the economic recovery funding for each strategic component and such addendum shall be voted upon by the commission at such meeting.

(d) The economic recovery program established pursuant to sections 1 to 9, inclusive, of this act shall be in effect from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive.

Sec. 2. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose of providing grants-in-aid and other financing for (A) renovations, with priority given to health and safety, modernization and restructuring of state moderate rental family and elderly housing developments and comparable projects, (B) supportive housing projects, and (C) projects eligible for financial assistance pursuant to chapter 137e of the general statutes, including Bijou Square in Bridgeport, Summitwoods II in Norwich, Arch Street in New Britain, Fair Street in Norwalk, Dye House in Manchester, Highwood Square in Hamden, 58 Progress Drive in Stamford, Hales Court in Westport, Wall Street Place in Norwalk, Harborsite in Stamford, Pequannock 2 in Bridgeport, Corbin/Pinnacle Heights in New Britain, Bates Wood and Briarcliff in New London, Dutton Heights in Bristol, Downtown in Willimantic, Country Village in Waterbury, Beggs Apartments in Waterbury, Fair Haven North in New Haven, Leeway Welton Apartments in New Haven, Quinnipiac Apartments in New Haven, American Legion Housing in Griswold, Center Street Apartments in Manchester and My Sister's Place in Hartford.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive a grant pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after a contract for the project is awarded. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may, in said commissioner's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said commissioner may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall prioritize projects receiving economic recovery funds based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(c) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 3. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purpose of providing grants-in-aid for (A) clean energy and energy conservation projects, (B) projects that address energy priorities and adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, (C) projects to reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall energy consumption, improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building and other energy-consuming sectors of the economy, and (D) energy programs, including the biomass program, building technologies program, federal energy management program, geothermal technologies program, hydrogen fuel cells and infrastructure program, industrial technologies program, solar energy technologies program, vehicle technologies program, wind and hydropower technologies program, and weatherization and intergovernmental program, provided twenty-five million dollars shall be made available to the Department of Public Works for the purpose of funding the net project costs, or the balance of any projects after applying any public or private financial incentives available, for any energy services project that results in increased efficiency measures in state buildings pursuant to section 16a-38l of the general statutes.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive a grant pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after a contract for the project is awarded. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may, in said secretary's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said secretary may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall prioritize projects receiving economic recovery funds based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(c) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 4. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate sixty-five million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Department of Environmental Protection for the purpose of providing grants-in-aid to finance projects eligible for funds under the Clean Water Fund, as provided in sections 22a-475 to 22a-483, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, and in addition to the requirements of sections 22a-475 to 22a-483, inclusive, of the general statutes, to receive a grant pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after such funding is received by the sponsor. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection may, in said commissioner's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said commissioner may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection and the requirements of sections 22a-475 to 22a-483, inclusive, of the general statutes, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall prioritize projects that receive economic recovery funds based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(c) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 5. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred seventy-eight million seven hundred thousand dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Department of Higher Education for:

(A) The University of Connecticut, not exceeding eighty-three million seven hundred thousand dollars, for any project eligible under The University of Connecticut 2000 Act, sections 10a-109a to 10a-109ff, inclusive, of the general statutes; and

(B) The Connecticut State University System, not exceeding ninety-five million dollars:

(i) At all universities: For new and replacement equipment, not exceeding eight million dollars; for alterations and improvements to auxiliary service facilities, not exceeding five million dollars; for telecommunications infrastructure upgrades, not exceeding two million five hundred thousand dollars and for the land and property acquisition program, not exceeding five million dollars;

(ii) At Central Connecticut State University: For code compliance and infrastructure improvements, not exceeding three million ninety-nine thousand dollars; for development and construction of a new classroom office building, not exceeding thirty-three million nine hundred seventy-eight thousand dollars and for infrastructure development of the East Campus, not exceeding thirteen million two hundred forty-four thousand dollars;

(iii) At Eastern Connecticut State University: For code compliance and infrastructure improvements, not exceeding two million six hundred twenty-two thousand dollars; for design and construction of, and equipment for, a fine arts instructional center, not exceeding twelve million dollars; for development and construction of an athletic support building, not exceeding one million nine hundred twenty-one thousand dollars; and for construction of a new warehouse, not exceeding two million two hundred sixty-nine thousand dollars;

(iv) At Southern Connecticut State University: For code compliance and infrastructure improvements, three million seven hundred two thousand dollars; and

(v) At Western Connecticut State University: For code compliance and infrastructure improvements, one million six hundred sixty-five thousand dollars.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive a grant pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after such funding is received by the sponsor. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Commissioner of Higher Education may, in said commissioner's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction.

(3) If a project sponsored by The University of Connecticut or the Connecticut State University System is unable to meet the schedule required by subdivision (2) of this subsection, then projects funded by the higher education strategic component of the economic recovery program shall not be required to be included in the allocations required under subsection (c) of section 1 of this act.

(c) The receipt or nonreceipt of economic recovery program funding under this section shall not affect the status of projects listed in sections 10a-109a to 10a-109ff, inclusive, of the general statutes or sections 10a-91a to 10a-91h, inclusive, of the general statutes. Such projects shall continue to be eligible for funding in the amount and in accordance with the procedures provided in said sections 10a-109a to 10a-109ff, inclusive, and 10a-91a to 10a-91h, inclusive.

(d) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 6. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) The State Bond Commission shall have power, in accordance with the provisions of this section, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of special tax obligation bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts in the aggregate, not exceeding three hundred two million seven hundred twenty-five thousand dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds to the extent hereinafter stated, shall be used for the purpose of payment of the transportation costs, as defined in subdivision (6) of section 13b-75 of the general statutes, with respect to the projects and uses hereinafter described, which projects and uses are hereby found and determined to be in furtherance of one or more of the authorized purposes for the issuance of special tax obligation bonds set forth in section 13b-74 of the general statutes. Any proceeds from the sale of said bonds shall be used by the Department of Transportation:

(A) For the Bureau of Engineering and Highway Operations:

(i) For local road and bridge projects for which funds were appropriated, but allotment requisitions or allotments in force were reduced pursuant to section 4-85 of the general statutes during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, not exceeding thirty-seven million dollars;

(ii) For roads, infrastructure and improvements associated with the Rentschler Field project in East Hartford, not exceeding ten million three hundred twenty-five thousand dollars;

(iii) For renovations and improvements to Tweed New Haven airport, not exceeding five million dollars;

(iv) For improvements to Mattabeseck Bridge in Middlefield, not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars; and

(v) For the reconstruction of the intersection of Marion Avenue and Mt. Vernon Road in Southington, not exceeding one hundred fifty thousand dollars.

(B) For the Bureau of Public Transportation, construction of rail maintenance facilities, not exceeding two hundred fifty million dollars.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive economic recovery program funding pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after such funding is received by the sponsor. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Commissioner of Transportation may, in said commissioner's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said commissioner may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner of Transportation shall prioritize projects receiving economic recovery funds based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(c) None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it (1) a request for such authorization, which is signed by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management or by or on behalf of such state officer, department or agency and stating such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require, and (2) any capital development impact statement and any human services facility colocation statement required to be filed with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management pursuant to section 4b-23 of the general statutes, any advisory report regarding the state conservation and development policies plan required pursuant to section 16a-31 of the general statutes, and any statement regarding farm land required pursuant to subsection (g) of section 3-20 of the general statutes and section 22-6 of the general statutes, provided the State Bond Commission may authorize said bonds without a finding that the reports and statements required by this subdivision have been filed with it if said commission authorizes the secretary of the State Bond Commission to accept such reports and statements on its behalf. No funds derived from the sale of bonds authorized by said commission without a finding that the reports and statements required by this subdivision have been filed with it shall be allotted by the Governor for any project until the reports and statements required by this subdivision, with respect to such project, have been filed with the secretary of the State Bond Commission.

(d) For the purposes of this section, each request filed as provided in this section for an authorization of bonds shall identify the project for which the proceeds of the sale of such bonds are to be used and expended and, in addition to any terms and conditions required pursuant to this section, include the recommendation of the person signing such request as to the extent to which federal, private or other moneys then available or thereafter to be made available for costs in connection with any such project should be added to the state moneys available or becoming available from the proceeds of bonds and temporary notes issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of bonds. If the request includes a recommendation that some amount of such federal, private or other moneys should be added to such state moneys, then, if and to the extent directed by the State Bond Commission at the time of authorization of such bonds, said amount of such federal, private or other moneys then available or thereafter to be made available for costs in connection with such project shall be added to such state moneys.

(e) Any balance of proceeds of the sale of said bonds authorized for the projects or purposes of this section, in excess of the aggregate costs of all the projects so authorized, shall be used in the manner set forth in sections 13b-74 to 13b-77, inclusive, of the general statutes, and in the proceedings of the State Bond Commission respecting the issuance and sale of said bonds.

(f) Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be special obligations of the state and shall not be payable from or charged upon any funds other than revenues of the state pledged therefor in subsection (b) of section 13b-61 of the general statutes and section 13b-69 of the general statutes, or such other receipts, funds or moneys as may be pledged therefor. Said bonds shall not be payable from or charged upon any funds other than such pledged revenues or such other receipts, funds or moneys as may be pledged therefor, nor shall the state or any political subdivision thereof be subject to any liability thereon, except to the extent of such pledged revenues or such other receipts, funds or moneys as may be pledged therefor. Said bonds shall be issued under and in accordance with the provisions of sections 13b-74 to 13b-77, inclusive, of the general statutes.

Sec. 7. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Office of Policy and Management for the purpose of providing grants-in-aid to municipalities. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall distribute the funds authorized by this section in the following manner: (A) Forty per cent of the total amount authorized shall be distributed as provided in section 7-536 of the general statutes; (B) forty per cent of such total amount shall be distributed as provided in section 13a-175b of the general statutes; and (C) twenty per cent shall be distributed based upon each municipality's unemployment rate as of July 1, 2009. A municipality may use such amounts for any purpose or project eligible for financing pursuant to chapter 116b of the general statutes or part IIa of chapter 240 of the general statutes.

(2) If less than one hundred per cent of the funding authorized pursuant to this section remains unallocated after the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled in September, 2009, the Governor shall, not later than five days after the date of such meeting, whether or not such meeting is cancelled, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been fully allocated and a plan for the allocation of the total amount authorized pursuant to this section. If any portion of the funding authorized pursuant to this section remains unallocated as of the date of any meeting of the State Bond Commission subsequent to the September, 2009 meeting, the Governor shall, not later than five days after the date of such meeting, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been fully allocated and a plan for the allocation of the total amount authorized pursuant to this section.

(c) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 8. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate fifty million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used by the Office of Policy and Management for the purpose of distribution to regional planning organizations on a per capita basis. Such amounts may be used by a regional planning organization for any project on the approved regional transportation improvement plan or for any project eligible for funding pursuant to section 4-66g of the general statutes, provided such purpose or project is approved by not less than sixty per cent of the chief elected officials of all municipalities within the regional planning organization.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive economic recovery program funding pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor must be able to demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after such funding is received by the sponsor. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may, in said secretary's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said secretary may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall prioritize projects based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(4) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may redistribute any amounts originally set aside for a regional planning organization if that regional planning organization has no project that meets the criteria in subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection.

(c) If less than one hundred per cent of the funding authorized pursuant to this section remains unallocated after the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled in September, 2009, the Governor shall, not later than five days after the date of such meeting, whether or not such meeting is cancelled, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been fully allocated and a plan for the allocation of the total amount authorized pursuant to this section. If any portion of the funding authorized pursuant to this section remains unallocated as of the date of any meeting of the State Bond Commission subsequent to the September, 2009 meeting, the Governor shall, not later than five days after the date of such meeting, provide the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to finance, revenue and bonding with notice of the reason or reasons why such economic recovery program funds have not been fully allocated and a plan for the allocation of the total amount authorized pursuant to this section.

(d) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

Sec. 9. (Effective July 1, 2009) (a) For the purposes described in subsection (b) of this section, the State Bond Commission shall have the power, from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2011, inclusive, to authorize the issuance of bonds of the state in one or more series and in principal amounts not exceeding in the aggregate fifty million dollars.

(b) (1) The proceeds of the sale of said bonds, to the extent of the amount stated in subsection (a) of this section, shall be used for the purpose of providing grants-in-aid and other financing for the projects, programs and purposes hereinafter stated:

(A) For the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism:

(i) Grant-in-aid to the Barnum Museum Foundation, Inc., for renovations at the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, not exceeding $1,250,000;

(ii) Grant-in-aid to the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, for infrastructure renewal and expansion projects, not exceeding $800,000;

(iii) Grant-in-aid to the Antiquarians & Landmarks Foundation for the Nathan Hale Museum and Family Homestead Development Plan in Coventry, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(iv) Grant-in-aid to the Stanley L. Richter Association for the Arts in Danbury, for roof repair, expansion and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 improvements, not exceeding $300,000;

(v) Grant-in-aid to the Darien Arts Center in Darien, for infrastructure renewal projects, not exceeding $50,000;

(vi) Grant-in-aid to the Chatham Historical Society in East Hampton, for roof replacement and infrastructure improvements, not exceeding $50,000;

(vii) Grant-in-aid to the Artists Collective, Inc., in Hartford, for infrastructure repairs and improvements to the existing structure, not exceeding $800,000;

(viii) Grant-in-aid to Gallery 53 in Meriden, for structural improvements, not exceeding $50,000;

(ix) Grant-in-aid to the Kidcity Children's Museum in Middletown, for construction of a new building, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(x) Grant-in-aid to the Milford Historical Society in Milford, for restoration and renovation of historic property, not exceeding $50,000;

(xi) Grant-in-aid to Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, for expansion of the facility, not exceeding $400,000;

(xii) Grant-in-aid to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, for infrastructure renewal projects, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(xiii) Grant-in-aid to the Lyme Art Association for renovations to its gallery building in Old Lyme, not exceeding $100,000.

(B) For the Department of Economic and Community Development:

(i) Grant-in-aid to the Goodspeed Opera House Foundation, Inc., for construction of a new facility in East Haddam, not exceeding $10,000,000;

(ii) Grant-in-aid to the Craftery Gallery, Inc., in Hartford, for the purchase of a building and necessary alterations and renovations, not exceeding $50,000;

(iii) Grant-in-aid to Neighborhoods of Hartford, Inc., for the Hartford Rising Star Blocks of Pride Blocks program, not exceeding $500,000.

(C) For the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services:

(i) Grant-in-aid to Bridges of Milford, for property acquisition and facility expansion, not exceeding $600,000;

(ii) Grant-in-aid to Fellowship Place in New Haven, for purchases, repairs, alterations and improvements, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(iii) Grant-in-aid to Rushford Behavioral Health Services in Meriden, for renovations and roof replacement, not exceeding $72,222.

(D) For the Department of Social Services:

(i) Grant-in-aid to Connecticut Hospice, Inc., and the John D. Thompson Hospice Institute for Education, Training and Research, Inc., for acquisition and renovation of a hospice facility in Branford, not exceeding $1,500,000;

(ii) Grant-in-aid to the Greater Danbury AIDS project, for the purchase of buildings, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(iii) Grant-in-aid to the East Hartford YMCA, for capital building improvements, not exceeding $300,000;

(iv) Grant-in-aid to the Interfaith Cooperative Ministries of New Haven, for an aging-at-home pilot program in Hamden, not exceeding $100,000;

(v) Grant-in-aid to Mi Casa in Hartford, for renovations and acquisition of equipment for a wellness center, not exceeding $350,000;

(vi) Grant-in-aid to the Meriden/Wallingford branch of the American Red Cross for building renovations, including alterations to ventilation, plumbing and wiring systems, not exceeding $50,000;

(vii) Grant-in-aid to the Prudence Crandall Center, Inc., for building renovations at the Rose Hill Center in New Britain, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(viii) Grant-in-aid to Casa Bienvenita, for property acquisition in Waterbury, not exceeding $3,000,000;

(ix) Grant-in-aid to the Rivera Hughes Foundation for property acquisition in Waterbury, not exceeding $1,000,000;

(x) Grant-in-aid to New Opportunities, Inc., for renovation of classrooms and administrative space at the Slocum Childhood Center in Waterbury, not exceeding $500,000;

(xi) Grant-in-aid to New Opportunities, Inc., for a new heating system at the Human Services Center in Waterbury, not exceeding $300,000.

(E) For the Department of Education: Grant-in-aid to the Challenger Learning Center of Southeastern Connecticut, for construction of a building, not exceeding $850,000.

(F) For the Department of Children and Families:

(i) Grant-in-aid to Pathways-Senderos Teen Pregnancy Prevention Center in New Britain, for acquisition of a new facility, not exceeding $875,000;

(ii) Grant-in-aid to the Youth Continuum in New Haven, for renovations and code improvements, not exceeding $500,000.

(G) If funds remain after distribution pursuant to subparagraphs (A) to (F), inclusive, of this subdivision, the Department of Economic and Community Development may provide grants-in-aid to any project that (i) is sponsored by a nonprofit entity, (ii) is included in a previous bond authorization, and (iii) meets the criteria contained in subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, to receive economic recovery program funding pursuant to this section, the project's sponsor shall demonstrate that, as applicable, (A) the project site is under control by the sponsor, all permits have been procured, planning and zoning issues have been resolved and financing, with the exception of funds that may be received pursuant to this section, is in place, and (B) contracts for the project can be bid and awarded not later than ninety days after the date of allocation of funding pursuant to this section and the project can be under construction not later than sixty days after such funding is received by the sponsor. If the schedule required by this subdivision is not met, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may, in said commissioner's discretion and for good cause shown, allow a sponsor receiving a grant pursuant to this section one extension of not more than fourteen additional days to award a contract for the project, which fourteen-day period shall also extend the schedule for commencement of construction. Said commissioner may, in his or her discretion and for good cause shown, require a grantee that fails to meet the schedule required by this subdivision to repay five per cent of the grant amount.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall prioritize projects receiving economic recovery funds based upon (A) the project's readiness, as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and (B) a demonstration by the project's sponsor that jobs will be retained or created due to commencement of the project, and (C) geographic distribution of all projects receiving grants pursuant to this section.

(c) All provisions of section 3-20 of the general statutes, or the exercise of any right or power granted thereby, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section are hereby adopted and shall apply to all bonds authorized by the State Bond Commission pursuant to this section, and temporary notes in anticipation of the money to be derived from the sale of any such bonds so authorized may be issued in accordance with said section 3-20 and from time to time renewed. Such bonds shall mature at such time or times not exceeding twenty years from their respective dates as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution or resolutions of the State Bond Commission authorizing such bonds. None of said bonds shall be authorized except upon a finding by the State Bond Commission that there has been filed with it a request for such authorization which is signed by or on behalf of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and states such terms and conditions as said commission, in its discretion, may require. Said bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be general obligations of the state and the full faith and credit of the state of Connecticut are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds as the same become due, and accordingly and as part of the contract of the state with the holders of said bonds, appropriation of all amounts necessary for punctual payment of such principal and interest is hereby made, and the State Treasurer shall pay such principal and interest as the same become due.

The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose. In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst's professional knowledge. Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA Fiscal Note

State Impact:

Note: GF=General Fund; TF=Transportation Fund

Municipal Impact:

Explanation

The bill authorizes the following bonds:

1. $643.7 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds for a variety of purposes in FY 10 and FY 11 (the bonds are sunsetted at the end of FY 11). Assuming that all of the bonds are allocated before they expire, the total General Fund debt service cost for principal and interest payments on this amount over 20 years assuming a 5.0% interest rate, is $981.6 million.

2. $302.7 million in Special Tax Obligation (STO) bonds for a variety of transportation-related projects in FY 10 and FY 11 (the bonds are sunsetted at the end of FY 11). Assuming that all of the bonds are allocated before they expire, the total Transportation Fund debt service cost for principal and interest payments on this amount over 20 years assuming a 5.5% interest rate, is $506.6 million.

The first year that the state will experience costs associated with the bonds depends on when they are allocated through the State Bond Commission (SBC) and when the funds are expended.

To the degree that the funds provided through the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Office of Policy and Management, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, and the Department of Social Services are allocated through the SBC before the bond authorizations expire, these agencies may need additional resources for staff to administer and ensure due diligence on the projects that receive funding.

There will be a municipal revenue gain from: (1) $65 million in GO bonds for Clean Water Fund projects, (2) $100 million in GO bonds authorized for municipal grants-in-aid, and (3) $52.7 million in STO bonds for municipal transportation projects, to the degree that these funds are allocated through the SBC before they expire at the end of FY 11.

The Out Years

Since the bond authorizations expire at the end of FY 11, the fiscal impact in future years to the General and Transportation Funds will depend on how many of the bond authorizations in the bill are allocated.

OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 996

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CONNECTICUT ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM.

SUMMARY:

This bill establishes a two-year Connecticut economic recovery program and authorizes up to $643.7 million in general obligation (GO) bonds and $302,825,000 in special tax obligation (STO) bonds for program projects. The program and the authorizations are effective from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011.

The program provides funding for strategic capital investment projects to maintain and create jobs, improve state infrastructure, and to enable the state to compete effectively in the future. The program's “strategic components” are: housing, clean water, clean energy and energy conservation, higher education, transportation, a municipal block grant, a regional block grant, and a pool for projects sponsored by nonprofit entities. The bill authorizes separate bonding levels for each of the components and, for some components, specifies projects to be funded.

The bill requires the state agencies providing project funding to prioritize projects based on their readiness to start construction, capacity to retain or create jobs, and geographic distribution. Project sponsors must award contracts within 90 days after a funding allocation and start construction within 60 days after awarding contracts, with the option for one 14-day extension. These requirements do not apply to municipal block grant projects.

The bill establishes timetables for the State Bond Commission to consider allocating minimum percentages of the bond authorizations in the bill. The timetables are tied to state and municipal unemployment rates and require the governor to notify the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee chairpersons of the reasons the commission agendas do not include the minimum allocations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009

ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM PROJECT PRIORITIES

The bill authorizes bonds for the eight strategic components of the program to be distributed through various state agencies. Agencies awarding funds under each component must prioritize the projects to receive funding based on (1) project readiness, (2) a demonstration by the project sponsor that it will retain or create jobs, and (3) the geographic distribution of all the projects under each program component.

PROJECT READINESS AND SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS

Except for municipal block grant projects, all projects must meet the bill's scheduling and readiness requirements. To be eligible for a grant, a project's sponsor must show that:

1. the project site is under its control;

2. it has procured all required permits;

3. all planning and zoning issues are resolved;

4. financing, except for the economic recovery program grant, is in place;

5. project contracts can be bid and awarded within 90 days after program funding is allocated; and

6. the project can be under construction within 60 days after a project contract award.

The bill gives the state agency head awarding the funding discretion to grant, for good cause, one extension of up to 14 days to award the project contract. The 14-day extension also extends the deadline for starting construction by the same length of time.

Projects must meet these scheduling requirements. If a project fails to do so, the funding agency head may require the grantee to repay 5% of the grant amount. Projects in the higher education component are not subject to these penalties.

SPECIAL BOND ALLOCATION PROCEDURES

The bill establishes additional requirements for State Bond Commission consideration of economic recovery program projects. These requirements are tied to unemployment rates. The bill defines the unemployment rate as the seasonally adjusted rate determined by the Labor Department in the most recent Report on Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

The following additional requirements apply to the commission's consideration of projects in the housing, energy, clean water, transportation, and nonprofit components of the bill. If the state's unemployment rate is 7.3% or higher when the bond commission holds its August 2009 meeting, and the commission's agenda for that meeting agenda does not include allocations for at least 20% of the projects in of each of these strategic components, the governor must notify the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee chairpersons, on or before the scheduled meeting date, of the reasons why. If the governor does not provide the required notice, the state treasurer must prepare an addendum to the agenda for the next meeting listing projects totaling at least 20% of each program component's authorization. The commission must vote on the addendum at the meeting.

Thereafter, the commission must consider allocating funds for at least 20% of projects in each of these components whenever the state unemployment rate increases by at least 0.2% over the preceding month, or three months after the last meeting at which such allocations were on the agenda, whichever occurs first. If the required allocations do not appear on the agendas, the governor must again notify the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee of the reasons for not including them.

The bill applies a variation of the above procedures to the program's municipal and regional block grant projects. If less than 100% of these authorizations remain unallocated after the bond commission's September 2009 meeting, the governor must notify the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee chairpersons (1) why the funds have not been fully allocated and (2) of a plan for allocating the total amount authorized. The governor must provide this notice within five days after the September 2009 bond commission meeting date, whether or not the meeting is cancelled, and within five days after the date of any subsequent bond commission meeting as long as the municipal and regional block grant authorizations are not fully allocated.

The special allocation provisions do not apply to the higher education component projects. The commission has already approved funding for those projects under the UConn 2000 and Connecticut State University (CSU) 2020 laws.

STRATEGIC COMPONENTS

§ 2 — Housing Projects

The bill authorizes $100 million in GO bonds to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for grants and financing for:

1. renovating, modernizing, and restructuring state moderate rental family and elderly housing development and comparable projects,

2. supportive housing projects, and

3. projects eligible for assistance from the Housing Trust Fund.

Renovations must give priority to health and safety projects.

The projects listed in Table 1 eligible for Housing Trust Fund assistance are also eligible for assistance under this bill.

Table 1: Eligible Housing Projects

§ 3 — Energy Projects

The bill authorizes $100 million in state GO bonds for the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) secretary to provide grants for:

1. clean energy and energy conservation projects;

2. projects addressing energy priorities and adopting emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies;

3. projects that reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease overall energy consumption, or improve efficiency in the transportation, building, and other energy-consuming sectors; and

4. energy programs.

Energy programs eligible for grants include the biomass, building technologies, federal energy management, geothermal technologies, hydrogen fuel cells and infrastructure, industrial technologies, solar energy technologies, vehicle technologies, wind and hydropower technologies, and weatherization and intergovernmental programs.

The bill earmarks $25 million of the authorization to the Department of Public Works for funding net project costs, or the balance after any available public or private incentives, for any energy services project resulting in increased efficiency measures in state buildings as required to meet statutory green building standards for state buildings.

§ 4 — Clean Water Projects

The bill authorizes $65 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to fund Clean Water Fund projects. Projects must meet both statutory Clean Water Fund requirements and the bill's scheduling and priority criteria.

§ 5 — Higher Education Projects

The bill authorizes $178.7 million in GO bonds to the Department of Higher Education for projects at the University of Connecticut and CSU.

Of this authorization, the bill reserves $83.7 million of the authorization for projects eligible for funding under the UConn 2000 program. It reserves $95 million for the CSU projects shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Connecticut State University Projects

Projects must meet the bill's scheduling requirements. If any UConn or CSU project cannot meet the requirements, the project need not be included in the economic recovery program.

The bill specifies that a project's receipt of, or failure to receive, funding through the economic recovery program does not affect its status as an authorized project under the UConn 2000 or the CSU 2020 infrastructure programs. Projects continue to be eligible for funding under those programs according to the procedures required by law.

§ 6 — Transportation Projects

The bill authorizes $302,725,000 in STO bonds to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for projects listed in Table 3.

Table 3: Dot Projects

§ 7 — Municipal Block Grant Projects

The bill authorizes $100 million in state GO bonds to the OPM secretary for municipal grants. Of the amount authorized, the secretary must distribute 40% according to statutory requirements for the Local Capital Improvement Program (LOCIP), 40% according to statutory requirements for the Town Aid Road (TAR) program, and 20% based on each municipality's unemployment rate as of July 1, 2009. Municipalities may use grants for any purpose allowable under the LOCIP and TAR programs.

§ 8 — Regional Block Grant Projects

The bill authorizes $50 million in GO bonds to the OPM secretary for distribution to regional planning organizations (RPOs) on a per capita basis. RPOs may use the funds for projects (1) on the approved regional transportation improvement plan or (2) eligible for funding under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). Projects must also be approved by at least 60% of the chief elected officials of the municipalities within the RPO.

Projects must meet the bill's scheduling and priority requirements. The bill requires the OPM secretary to redistribute the amount set aside for any RPO that has no project that meets the bill's eligibility criteria.

§ 9 — Nonprofit Organization Projects

The bill authorizes a total of $50 million in GO bond for the projects listed in Table 4. If funds remain after money for the Table 4 projects is distributed, the bill allows the DECD to provide grants to any project that (1) is sponsored by a nonprofit agency, (2) was included in a previous bond authorization, and (3) meets the scheduling and priority requirements that apply to other projects the bill authorizes.

Table 4: Nonprofit Organization Projects

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

sSB 833, An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for Capital Improvements and Other Purposes, favorably reported by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, cancels many prior bond authorizations, including authorizations for all the nonprofit organization projects that this bill reauthorizes (see Table 4).

COMMITTEE ACTION

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute