SB15-036 Summary

• Creates a Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Program administered by the Division of Local Government within the Department of Local Affairs to provide emergency grants to rural communities experiencing significant economic events like plant closures or industry-wide layoffs that substantially increase unemployment.

• Defines "rural" as counties with populations under 50,000, municipalities under 50,000 located 50+ miles from larger cities, or unincorporated county areas 50+ miles from municipalities of 50,000 or more.

• Requires grant applicants to coordinate with local rural economic agencies, address specified economic impact factors, submit a plan for fund use, and identify potential local funding sources; Director must approve or deny applications within 60 days.

• Establishes the Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Fund with an initial $2 million transfer from the General Fund for fiscal year 2015-16; Director may use up to 10 percent annually for administration costs.

• Director must report annually to legislative committees on applications received, grants awarded, and fund usage; section expires July 1, 2021.