§ 12705c. Grants for regulatory barrier removal strategies and implementation
(a)
Funding
There is authorized to be appropriated for grants under subsections (b) and (c) [1] of this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
(b)
Grant authority
The Secretary may make grants to States and units of general local government (including consortia of such governments) for the costs of developing and implementing strategies to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing, including the costs of—
(2)
identifying State and local policies (including laws and regulations) that permit or encourage regulatory barriers;
(3)
developing legislation to provide State, local, or regional programs to reduce regulatory barriers and developing a strategy for adoption of such legislation;
(4)
developing model State or local standards and ordinances to reduce regulatory barriers and assisting in the adoption and use of the standards and ordinances;
(d)
Definitions
For purposes of this section, the terms “regulatory barriers to affordable housing” and “regulatory barriers” have the meaning given such terms in section
12705b of this title.
(e)
Application and selection
The Secretary shall provide for the form and manner of applications for grants under this section, which shall describe how grant amounts will assist the State or unit of general local government in developing and implementing strategies to remove regulatory barriers to affordable housing. The Secretary shall establish criteria for approval of applications under this subsection and such criteria shall require that grant amounts be used in a manner consistent with the strategy contained in the comprehensive housing affordability strategy for the jurisdiction pursuant to section
12705
(b)(4) of this title.
(f)
Selection of grantees
To the extent amounts are made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall provide grants on a competitive basis to eligible grantees based on the proposed uses of such amounts, as provided in applications under subsection (e) of this section.
(g)
Coordination with clearinghouse
Each State and unit of general local government receiving a grant under this section, shall consult, coordinate, and exchange information with the clearinghouse established under section
12705d of this title.
(h)
Reports to Secretary
Each State and unit of general local government receiving a grant under this section shall submit a report to the Secretary, not less than 12 months after receiving the grant, describing any activities carried out with the grant amounts. The report shall contain an assessment of the impact of any regulatory barriers identified by the grantee on the housing patterns of minorities.
[1] See References in Text note below.