Bill > HB3654

This bill amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act to modify grant funding rules for local governments seeking to acquire open space lands or develop park and recreation areas. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "distressed community" and "distressed location", which are based on criteria such as poverty rates, participation in federal assistance programs, and unemployment levels. It establishes a tiered grant assistance program where projects in different types of communities can receive varying levels of financial support: up to 100% funding for distressed location projects within distressed communities, up to 90% funding for projects in distressed communities, and up to 75% funding for distressed location projects not in distressed communities. The bill directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize projects in distressed locations and communities, sets limits on the amount of funding that can be allocated to these types of projects in a fiscal year, and requires grant applicants to submit complete applications during specified funding opportunity periods. Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Natural Resources emergency rulemaking powers to expedite the implementation of the Act and repeals several existing provisions related to definitions and reporting requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3654&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104