§ 66A — Rural development program; promotion of economic opportunity in rural communities; competitive grants

[ Text of section added by 2024, 238, Sec. 44 effective November 20, 2024.]Section 66A. (a) The executive office of economic development shall administer a rural development program to promote economic opportunity and prosperity in rural communities. The program shall provide financial assistance on a competitive basis to municipalities, other public entities, community development corporations, regional planning agencies or non-profit entities for infrastructure projects, downtown improvements and other projects that advance economic and community development, stable housing markets and priorities identified by the rural policy advisory commission established in section 66.(b) The secretary of economic development shall, through guidelines or regulations, establish an application process and criteria to prioritize the distribution of financial assistance, taking into account the diversity of rural communities. The guidelines or regulations shall allow for joint applications by 2 or more rural communities for a single project serving the municipalities.(c) The secretary of economic development shall report annually to the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on community development and small businesses on the activities and status of the program.