Southern New England Regional Commission Act

To amend title 40, United States Code, to establish a Southern New England Regional Commission, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Southern New England Regional Commission Act 2. Establishment of Southern New England Regional Commission (a) Establishment Section 15301(a) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (4) The Southern New England Regional Commission. . (b) Purposes for economic and infrastructure development grants Section 15501(a) of such title is amended to read as follows: (a) In general A Commission may make grants to States and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and nonprofit organizations for projects, approved in accordance with section 15503— (1) to develop the transportation infrastructure of its region; (2) to develop the basic public infrastructure of its region; (3) to develop the telecommunications infrastructure of its region; (4) to assist its region in obtaining job skills training, skills development and employment-related education, entrepreneurship, technology, and business development; (5) to provide assistance to severely economically distressed and underdeveloped areas of its region that lack financial resources for improving basic health care and other public services; (6) to promote resource conservation, tourism, recreation, and preservation of open space in a manner consistent with economic development goals; (7) to promote the development of renewable and alternative energy sources; (8) to support the maritime economy, including boat and ship building and repair industries; (9) to assist in developing defense manufacturing industries; (10) to promote the adoption of composite and other innovative materials in public transportation; (11) to grow the capacity for successful community economic development in its region; and (12) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this subtitle. . (c) Designation of region (1) In general Subchapter II of chapter 157 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: 15734. Southern New England Regional Commission The region of the Southern New England Regional Commission shall include the following counties: (1) Rhode Island The counties of Providence, Washington, Newport, and Bristol in the State of Rhode Island. (2) Connecticut The counties of Hartford, New Haven, and New London in the State of Connecticut. (3) Massachusetts The counties of Hampden and Bristol in the State of Massachusetts. . (2) Technical and conforming amendment The analysis for Subchapter II of chapter 157 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: 15734. Southern New England Regional Commission. . (d) Authorization of appropriations The authorization of appropriations in section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, shall apply with respect to the Southern New England Regional Commission beginning with fiscal year 2020.

Summary: Southern New England Regional Commission Act This bill establishes the Southern New England Regional Commission. (Federal regional commissions address perceived regional economic underdevelopment.) The commission is given the same structure and duties as the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, Southwest Border Regional Commission, and Northern Border Regional Commission. The bill authorizes those commissions, in addition to their current authorities, to (1) support the maritime economy, (2) assist in developing defense manufacturing industries, and (3) promote the adoption of innovative materials in public transportation.