§ 2009aa-2. Economic and community development grants
(a)
In general
The Authority may approve grants to States and public and nonprofit entities for projects, approved in accordance with section
2009aa–8 of this title—
(1)
to develop the transportation infrastructure of the region for the purpose of facilitating economic development in the region (except that grants for this purpose may only be made to a State or local government);
(2)
to assist the region in obtaining the job training, employment-related education, and business development (with an emphasis on entrepreneurship) that are needed to build and maintain strong local economies;
(3)
to provide assistance to severely distressed and underdeveloped areas that lack financial resources for improving basic public services;
(b)
Funding
(2)
Priority of funding
To best build the foundations for long-term economic development and to complement other Federal and State resources in the region, Federal funds available under this subchapter shall be focused on the activities in the following order or priority: