‘‘(I) Fossil-fueled electricity generation 
with carbon capture, utilization, and sequestra-
tion. 
‘‘(J) Thermal energy capture systems or 
other regional energy infrastructure systems. 
‘‘(K) Energy storage, including pumped 
storage hydropower and compressed air storage. 
‘‘(L) Advanced nuclear technologies. 
‘‘(M) Biomass. 
‘‘(N) Any technology that supports a tech-
nology described in subparagraphs (A) through 
(M), including micro-grid, electric grid infra-
structure, or other regional infrastructure sys-
tems. 
‘‘(O) Any other technology that is similar 
to, or a successor to, the technologies described 
in subparagraphs (A) through (N), as deter-
mined by the Authority. 
‘‘(5) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible en-
tity’ means— 
‘‘(A) a State or a political subdivision 
thereof; 
‘‘(B) a public agency or publicly chartered 
authority established by 1 or more States; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) a special purpose district with a 
transportation, energy, environmental, or eco-
nomic development function; 
‘‘(D) an Indian Tribe (as such term is de-
fined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determina-
tion and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
5304), without regard to capitalization), or a 
consortium of Indian Tribes; 
‘‘(E) a multistate or multijurisdictional 
group of entities described in subparagraphs 
(A) through (D); 
‘‘(F) an institution of higher education (as 
such term is defined in section 101(a) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001(a)); 
‘‘(G) a nonprofit entity; and 
‘‘(H) an entity described in subparagraphs 
(A) through (G) jointly with a private entity or 
group of private entities. 
‘‘(6) ELIGIBLE
PROJECT.—The term ‘eligible 
project’ means— 
‘‘(A) a project carried out in the Great 
Lakes region that is a— 
‘‘(i) wastewater infrastructure project; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(ii) 
clean 
energy 
infrastructure 
project; 
‘‘(iii) port infrastructure project; 
‘‘(iv) 
broadband 
infrastructure 
project; 
‘‘(v) green infrastructure project; 
‘‘(vi) lead abatement project; 
‘‘(vii) water infrastructure project; or 
‘‘(viii) weatherization project; and 
‘‘(B) any of the following activities carried 
out in the Great Lakes region: 
‘‘(i) The acquisition or development of 
land and improvements of such land for 
use for public works, public service, or de-
velopment facilities. 
‘‘(ii) The acquisition, construction, re-
habilitation, alteration, expansion, or im-
provement of development facilities, includ-
ing related machinery and equipment. 
‘‘(iii) Preparation for events that may 
cause economic, social, health, or infra-
structure failures or contribute to inequi-
ties in the Great Lakes region, including 
development of mechanisms to respond to 
such events. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(iv) The development of, and rein-
vestment in, land banks in the Great 
Lakes region. 
‘‘(v) The protection and restoration of 
the environmental resources of the Great 
Lakes region, including increasing the re-
silience of facilities in the Great Lakes re-
gion to protect against threats to such fa-
cilities such as harmful algal blooms, 
invasive species, rising water levels, pollu-
tion, and coastal erosion. 
‘‘(vi) The development of plans to in-
crease the adoption of emerging tech-
nologies in rail, maritime, and surface 
transportation systems (including medium 
and heavy duty clean fueling corridors) of 
the Great Lakes region, including multi- 
modal transportation and technologies that 
significantly reduce greenhouse gas emis-
sions. 
‘‘(vii) Promotion of workforce edu-
cation and training programs in the Great 
Lakes region that can support a project 
described in subparagraph (A), including 
programs that— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(I) promote access to— 
‘‘(aa) 
apprenticeship 
pro-
grams across skilled trades lead-
ing to publicly certified inte-
grated certificates; and 
‘‘(bb) 
community 
college 
credit, associate, bachelor, and 
advanced degrees; 
‘‘(II) support a major, seamless, 
nationally relevant workforce training 
program for vehicle conversion, repair, 
and innovation for mechanics and en-
gineers; and 
‘‘(III) are funded by State boards 
and local boards. 
‘‘(7) GREAT LAKES AUTHORITY; AUTHORITY.— 
The terms ‘Great Lakes Authority’ and ‘Authority’ 
mean the Great Lakes Authority established under 
this chapter. 
‘‘(8) GREAT LAKES REGION.—The term ‘Great 
Lakes region’ means areas in the watershed of the 
Great Lakes and the Great Lakes System (as such 
terms are defined in section 118(a)(3) of the Fed-
eral Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
1268(a)(3))), in each of the following States: 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(A) Illinois. 
‘‘(B) Indiana. 
‘‘(C) Michigan. 
‘‘(D) Minnesota. 
‘‘(E) New York. 
‘‘(F) Ohio. 
‘‘(G) Pennsylvania. 
‘‘(H) Wisconsin. 
‘‘(9) GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT.—The 
term ‘green infrastructure project’ means any 
project for the planning, design, construction, main-
tenance, or enhancement of green infrastructure (as 
such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362)), in-
cluding through the use of any technology that the 
Authority determines to be consistent with the pur-
poses of this chapter. 
‘‘(10) LAND
BANK.—The term ‘land bank’ 
means a government entity, agency, or program, or 
a special purpose nonprofit entity formed by 1 or 
more units of government in accordance with a State 
or local land bank enabling law, that has been des-
ignated by 1 or more State or local governments to 
acquire, steward, dispose of, or repurpose vacant, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
abandoned, or other problem properties in accord-
ance with locally determined priorities and goals. 
‘‘(11) LOAN
GUARANTEE.—The term ‘loan 
guarantee’ has the meaning given the term in sec-
tion 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 
(2 U.S.C. 661a). 
‘‘(12) LOCAL
BOARD; 
STATE
BOARD.—The 
terms ‘local board’ and ‘State board’ have the mean-
ings given such terms in section 3 of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102). 
‘‘(13) LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT.—The 
term ‘local development district’ means any of the 
following entities for which the Governor of the 
State in which the entity is located, or the appro-
priate State officer, certifies to the Authority that 
the entity has a charter or authority that includes 
the economic development of counties or parts of 
counties or other political subdivisions within the 
Great Lakes region: 
‘‘(A) A nonprofit incorporated body orga-
nized or chartered under the law of the State 
in which such nonprofit incorporated body is lo-
cated. 
‘‘(B) A nonprofit agency or instrumentality 
of a State or local government. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) A nonprofit agency or instrumentality 
created through an interstate compact. 
‘‘(D) A nonprofit association or combina-
tion of entities described in this paragraph. 
‘‘(14) PORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT.—The 
term ‘port infrastructure project’ means construc-
tion, reconstruction, environmental rehabilitation of 
a port facility, or the acquisition of land, property, 
or equipment— 
‘‘(A) that is— 
‘‘(i) within the boundary of a port; 
‘‘(ii) outside the boundary of a port, 
but directly related to port operations; or 
‘‘(iii) an intermodal connection to a 
port; and 
‘‘(B) will be used to improve the safety, ef-
ficiency or reliability of the loading or unloading 
of goods or passengers at a port. 
‘‘(15) 
RESILIENCE.—The 
term 
‘resilience’ 
means, with respect to a facility, the ability to— 
‘‘(A) anticipate, prepare for, or adapt to 
conditions; 
‘‘(B) withstand, respond to, or recover rap-
idly from disruptions; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(C) resist hazards or withstand impacts 
from disruptions; 
‘‘(D) reduce the magnitude, duration, or 
impact of a disruption; or 
‘‘(E) have the absorptive capacity, adaptive 
capacity, and recoverability to decrease vulner-
ability to a disruption. 
‘‘(16) SEVERELY
AND
PERSISTENTLY
DIS-
TRESSED AREA.—The term ‘severely and persistently 
distressed area’ means an area— 
‘‘(A) with a high proportion of residential 
and commercial properties that are vacant due 
to foreclosure, eviction, abandonment, or other 
causes; 
‘‘(B) with racial disparities in homeowner-
ship rates; 
‘‘(C) with population loss; 
‘‘(D) where economic inequities have grown 
substantially due to job dislocation and out-
sourcing; and 
‘‘(E) in the case of a census tract located 
within a metropolitan area, where the median 
family income for such census tract does not ex-
ceed 80 percent of the greater of statewide me-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
dian family income or the metropolitan area 
median family income. 
‘‘(17) WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT.— 
The term ‘water infrastructure project’ means a 
project or activity described in section 603(c) of the 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
1383(c)). 
‘‘(18) 
WASTEWATER
INFRASTRUCTURE 
PROJECT.—The term ‘wastewater infrastructure 
project’ means a project for the planning, design, 
construction, maintenance, or enhancement of a 
treatment works (as such term is defined in section 
212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 
U.S.C. 1292) to intercept, transport, control, treat, 
or reuse municipal combined sewer overflows, sani-
tary sewer overflows, or stormwater. 
‘‘(19) WEATHERIZATION PROJECT.—The term 
‘weatherization project’ means a project that, 
through the use of weatherization materials (as such 
term is defined in section 412 of the Energy Con-
servation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6862)), 
weatherizes dwelling units that are energy ineffi-
cient. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—ORGANIZATION AND 
ADMINISTRATION 
‘‘§ 18510. Establishment; members 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the 
Great Lakes Authority to carry out the purposes of this 
chapter. 
‘‘(b) MEMBERS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Great Lakes Authority 
shall be composed of 9 individuals as follows: 
‘‘(A) 1 Chairperson, to be appointed by the 
President, with the advice and consent of the 
Senate. 
‘‘(B) 1 member from each State in the 
Great Lakes region, to be appointed by the 
Governor of each such State. 
‘‘(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—To be eligible to be ap-
pointed as the Chairperson or a member of the 
Great Lakes Authority, an individual shall meet the 
following qualifications: 
‘‘(A) The individual shall be a citizen of 
the United States and, in the case of a member 
appointed under paragraph (1)(B), a legal resi-
dent of the State for which such member is ap-
pointed to represent. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(B) The individual shall have manage-
ment expertise relative to a large for profit or 
nonprofit corporate, government, or academic 
institution in the field of study or industries re-
lated to— 
‘‘(i) clean energy; 
‘‘(ii) green infrastructure; 
‘‘(iii) water infrastructure; 
‘‘(iv) wastewater infrastructure; or 
‘‘(v) broadband infrastructure. 
‘‘(C) The individual may not be an em-
ployee of the Great Lakes Authority. 
‘‘(D) The individual shall affirm that such 
individual does not have any financial interest 
in the industries described in subparagraph (B). 
‘‘(E) The individual may not be employed 
by, hold any official relation to, or be financially 
interested in any company or other entity en-
gaged in the manufacture, business, control, or 
sale of technologies related to the industries de-
scribed in subparagraph (B). 
‘‘(F) The individual shall affirm support 
for the purposes of the Great Lakes Authority, 
including being a national leader in the indus-
tries described in subparagraph (B). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) 
PARTY
AFFILIATION.—Including 
the 
Chairperson, there may not be more than 5 mem-
bers from the same political party. 
‘‘(c) CHAIRPERSON.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL
APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 
60 days after the date of enactment of this chapter, 
the President shall appoint the Chairperson. 
‘‘(2) 
RESPONSIBILITIES.—The 
Chairperson 
shall be responsible for the executive and adminis-
trative operation of the Great Lakes Authority, in-
cluding chairing meetings and functions of the Great 
Lakes Authority, with respect to the supervision of 
personnel employed by, or assigned to, the Author-
ity. 
‘‘(d) VICE CHAIRPERSON.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The members of the Au-
thority shall select a Vice Chairperson from the 
State members described in subsection (b)(1)(B) by 
a majority vote. 
‘‘(2) CHAIRPERSON VACANCY.—The Vice Chair-
person shall serve as acting Chairperson when the 
position of the Chairperson is vacant. 
‘‘(3) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Vice Chairperson 
selected under paragraph (1) may not be a resident 
of the same State as the Chairperson. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(4) TERM.—The Vice Chairperson selected 
under paragraph (1) shall serve a term of not more 
than 2 years. 
‘‘(e) TERM AND VACANCIES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each member of the Great 
Lakes Authority shall be appointed for a term of 5 
years, except as provided in paragraph (2), and such 
term shall begin upon appointment of such member. 
‘‘(2) VACANCIES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Any member ap-
pointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
expiration of the term for which the member’s 
predecessor was appointed shall be appointed 
only for the remainder of such term. 
‘‘(B) INTERIM SERVICE.—A member may 
serve after the expiration of such member’s 
term until a successor has taken office, and if 
the Chairperson has taken the oath of office, 
may not continue to serve after the expiration 
of the session of Congress that begins after the 
expiration of the fixed term of office of the suc-
cessor. 
‘‘(C) EFFECT OF VACANCY.—No vacancy 
shall impair the right of the remaining mem-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
bers to exercise all the powers of the Great 
Lakes Authority. 
‘‘(f) REMOVAL.—Members of the Authority may be 
removed by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of 
duty, or malfeasance in office. 
‘‘(g) OPERATIONS.—The Authority shall begin oper-
ations upon the appointment of the Chairperson and at 
least 2 State members described in subsection (b)(1)(B). 
‘‘(h) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.— 
‘‘(1) APPOINTMENT.—The Chairperson shall 
appoint an Executive Director of the Great Lakes 
Authority, who shall meet the qualifications de-
scribed in subsection (b)(2). 
‘‘(2) DUTIES.—The Executive Director shall be 
responsible for— 
‘‘(A) carrying out the administrative duties 
of the Great Lakes Authority; 
‘‘(B) directing the staff of the Authority; 
and 
‘‘(C) any other duties as the members of 
the Authority may assign. 
‘‘(3) TENURE.—The Executive Director shall 
serve at the pleasure of the Chairperson. 
‘‘(i) PERSONNEL; COMPENSATION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(1) PERSONNEL.—The Chairperson and each 
State member of the Great Lakes Authority may se-
lect and supervise personnel as personal staff for 
such Chairperson or member. 
‘‘(2) COMPENSATION.—The Great Lakes Au-
thority may appoint and fix the compensation of the 
Executive Director and other personnel as necessary 
to enable the Authority to carry out its functions, 
except that the compensation shall not exceed the 
maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive 
Service under section 5382 of title 5, including any 
applicable locality-based comparability payment that 
may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of 
title 5. 
‘‘(j) OFFICES.—The Great Lakes Authority— 
‘‘(1) shall establish a permanent office and 
headquarters located in close proximity to the center 
of the Great Lakes region, near the mouth of the 
largest watershed of any of the rivers feeding the 
Great Lakes System; 
‘‘(2) may maintain an office in the District of 
Columbia; and 
‘‘(3) may establish field offices at other loca-
tions throughout the Great Lakes region, as the Au-
thority determines appropriate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘§ 18511. Meetings; decisions 
‘‘(a) MEETINGS.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL
MEETING.—The Authority shall 
conduct an initial meeting not later than 30 days 
after the Authority begins operations under section 
18510(g). 
‘‘(2) SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS.—The Authority 
shall conduct at least 1 meeting every 6 months, and 
may conduct meetings by electronic means as the 
Authority considers advisable, including meetings to 
decide matters requiring an affirmative vote. 
‘‘(b) DECISIONS.— 
‘‘(1) REQUIREMENTS
FOR
APPROVAL.—Policy 
decisions by the Great Lakes Authority require the 
affirmative, majority vote of the members of the Au-
thority. 
‘‘(2) CONSULTATION.—The Great Lakes Au-
thority, to the extent practicable, may consult with 
the Federal and State agencies having an interest in 
a particular matter, including transportation plan-
ning entities in the Great Lakes region. 
‘‘(c) QUORUM.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), a quorum of at least 5 members of the 
Authority shall be required to be present for the Au-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
thority to make, modify, or revise any policy deci-
sion. 
‘‘(2) EFFECT OF QUORUM REQUIREMENT.—The 
quorum requirement under paragraph (1) shall not 
apply until at least 5 members of the Authority have 
been appointed. 
‘‘(d) POLICY DECISION DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘policy decision’ means a decision regarding— 
‘‘(1) the approval of an annual budget for the 
Authority; 
‘‘(2) the approval of the regional development 
plan established under section 18515; 
‘‘(3) any conflict of interest policy that is appli-
cable to members of the Board and employees of the 
Authority and is submitted to Congress; 
‘‘(4) the approval of compensation for personnel 
of the Authority; and 
‘‘(5) the creation of committees of members of 
the Authority. 
‘‘§ 18512. Functions 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the purposes of 
this chapter, the Great Lakes Authority shall— 
‘‘(1) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehen-
sive and coordinated economic and workforce devel-
opment programs through State boards and local 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(I) the Coast Guard; 
‘‘(J) the Department of Health and 
Human Services; 
‘‘(K) the Federal Communications Com-
mission; 
‘‘(L) the Department of Agriculture; 
‘‘(M) the Department of Education; 
‘‘(N) the Department of Labor; and 
‘‘(O) any other Federal agency the Author-
ity determines appropriate; 
‘‘(4) promote coordination with the Government 
of Canada, including its provinces and local govern-
mental entities located near the Great Lakes region; 
‘‘(5) formulate and recommend, where appro-
priate, interstate compacts and other forms of inter-
state cooperation to work with State and local agen-
cies in developing appropriate model legislation; 
‘‘(6) support Tribal and local governments in 
the Great Lakes region that have incurred signifi-
cant municipal debt; 
‘‘(7) encourage the formation and support of 
local development districts; 
‘‘(8) conduct and sponsor investigations, re-
search, and studies, including an inventory and anal-
ysis of the economic resources of the Great Lakes 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
region, and, in cooperation with Federal, State, 
Tribal, and local agencies, sponsor demonstration 
projects designed to foster regional productivity and 
growth; 
‘‘(9) encourage private investment in industrial, 
commercial, and recreational projects in the Great 
Lakes region; 
‘‘(10) encourage the use of eco-industrial devel-
opment technologies and approaches; 
‘‘(11) support broadband access and adoption 
in the Great Lakes region; 
‘‘(12) serve as a focal point and coordinating 
unit for programs and regional planning organiza-
tions in the Great Lakes region; and 
‘‘(13) provide a forum for consideration of eco-
nomic and environmental problems of the Great 
Lakes region and proposed solutions to such prob-
lems, including promoting conservation and estab-
lishing and using, as appropriate, special advisory 
councils and public conferences. 
‘‘(b) NEEDS AND GOALS OF SUBREGIONAL AREAS.— 
In carrying out its functions under this section, the Great 
Lakes Authority shall identify the characteristics of, and 
may distinguish between the economic needs and goals of, 
appropriate subregional areas in the Great Lakes region, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
including the respective watersheds of each of the Great 
Lakes. 
‘‘(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The Great Lakes Author-
ity may make recommendations to the President, Gov-
ernors, and appropriate Tribal and local officials of States 
in the Great Lakes region with respect to— 
‘‘(1) the expenditure of amounts by Federal, 
State, and local agencies in the Great Lakes region 
in the fields of natural resources, agriculture, edu-
cation, technology, advanced manufacturing, train-
ing, health and welfare, and other fields related to 
the purposes of this chapter; and 
‘‘(2) additional Federal, State, and local legisla-
tion or administrative actions as the Great Lakes 
Authority considers necessary to further the pur-
poses of this chapter. 
‘‘§ 18513. Administrative powers and expenses 
‘‘(a) POWERS.—To carry out its duties under this 
subtitle, the Authority may— 
‘‘(1) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and regu-
lations governing the conduct of its business and the 
performance of its functions; 
‘‘(2) request the head of any Federal agency to 
detail to temporary duty with the Great Lakes Au-
thority personnel within the administrative jurisdic-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
tion of the head of the agency that the Authority 
may need for carrying out its functions, each detail 
to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other em-
ployee status; 
‘‘(3) arrange for the services of personnel from 
any State or local government, subdivision or agency 
of a State or local government, or intergovernmental 
agency; 
‘‘(4) make arrangements, including contracts, 
with any participating State government for inclu-
sion in a suitable retirement and employee benefit 
system of Great Lakes Authority personnel who may 
not be eligible for, or continue in, another govern-
mental retirement or employee benefit system; or 
otherwise provide for coverage of such personnel; 
‘‘(5) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or dona-
tions of services or any property; 
‘‘(6) enter into and perform contracts, leases 
(including the lease of office space for any term), co-
operative agreements, or other transactions, nec-
essary in carrying out its functions, on terms as it 
may consider appropriate, with any person, depart-
ment, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Gov-
ernment, or State or political subdivision, agency, or 
instrumentality of such State; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(7) provide technical assistance to entities re-
ceiving financing from the Great Lakes Authority; 
‘‘(8) serve as a liaison between Congress, the 
executive branch, and State and local governments, 
and to represent the interests of the Great Lakes 
Authority; and 
‘‘(9) take other actions and incur other ex-
penses as may be necessary or appropriate. 
‘‘(b) EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(1) CHAIRPERSON STAFF EXPENSES.—The ex-
penses of the Chairperson and the staff of the 
Chairperson of the Authority shall be paid solely by 
the Federal Government. 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— 
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided 
under paragraph (1), 50 percent of the admin-
istrative expenses of the Great Lakes Authority 
shall be paid by the States participating in the 
Great Lakes Authority. 
‘‘(B) STATE SHARES.— 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The share of ad-
ministrative expenses of the Great Lakes 
Authority to be paid by the States shall be 
divided equally among the States partici-
pating in the Great Lakes Authority. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(ii) DELINQUENT
STATES.—In the 
case of a State that is delinquent in paying 
the share of administrative expenses for 
such State under this paragraph— 
‘‘(I) no assistance under this 
chapter may be provided to the gov-
ernment of such State; and 
‘‘(II) the member representing 
such State may not participate in the 
Great Lakes Authority or vote in any 
proposed action to be taken by the 
Authority. 
‘‘(iii) ASSISTANCE
TO
ELIGIBLE
RE-
CIPIENTS
LOCATED
IN
DELINQUENT 
STATE.—An eligible entity located in, or 
carrying out an eligible project in, a State 
described in clause (ii), that is not the gov-
ernment of such State, or a political sub-
division thereof, may receive financial as-
sistance from the Great Lakes Authority. 
‘‘§ 18514. Information 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—To obtain information needed to 
carry out its duties, the Great Lakes Authority shall— 
‘‘(1) hold hearings, sit and act at times and 
places, take testimony, receive evidence, and print or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
otherwise reproduce and distribute so much of its 
proceedings and reports on the proceedings as the 
Authority may deem advisable; 
‘‘(2) arrange for the head of any Federal, 
State, or local agency to furnish to the Great Lakes 
Authority information as may be available to, or pro-
curable by, such agency; and 
‘‘(3) keep accurate and complete records of its 
doings and transactions which shall be made avail-
able for public inspection and audit and examination 
by the Comptroller General of the United States. 
‘‘(b) AUTHORIZATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) ADMINISTER OATHS.—The Chairperson of 
the Authority may administer oaths when the Au-
thority decides that testimony shall be taken or evi-
dence received under oath. 
‘‘(2) FURNISH INFORMATION.—The head of any 
Federal, State, or local agency, to the extent not 
otherwise prohibited by law, may carry out sub-
section (a)(2). 
‘‘(c) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Great Lakes Authority 
shall provide for public participation in the develop-
ment, revision, and implementation of all plans and 
programs under this chapter. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(2) REGULATIONS
REQUIRED.—The Great 
Lakes Authority shall develop and publish regula-
tions specifying minimum guidelines for public par-
ticipation, including regular public hearings held 
throughout the Great Lakes region, which shall in-
clude Tribal communities. 
‘‘(3) CONSIDERATION
OF
PUBLIC
PARTICIPA-
TION.—In establishing any plans or programs under 
this chapter, the Great Lakes Authority shall iden-
tify how public comments were considered in the de-
velopment and implementation of such plans or pro-
grams. 
‘‘§ 18515. Regional development plan 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date on which the Great Lakes Authority begins oper-
ations under section 18510(g), the Authority shall develop 
a regional development plan (in this section referred to 
as the ‘plan’) that— 
‘‘(1) identifies priorities, major development ob-
jectives, and strategic guidelines for eligible projects 
in the Great Lakes region; 
‘‘(2) establishes budgetary guidelines for the 
full life funding of such projects, including the plan-
ning, construction, repair, rehabilitation, and re-
placement of such projects; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) identifies responsibilities between the 
Great Lakes Authority, the Federal Government, 
and State and local governments for the develop-
ment of infrastructure in the Great Lakes region. 
‘‘(b) SUBMISSION.— 
‘‘(1) INITIAL
SUBMISSION.—Upon developing 
the plan under subsection (a), the Authority shall 
submit the plan to the Committees on Appropria-
tions and Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committees on 
Appropriations and Environment and Public Works 
of the Senate. 
‘‘(2) BIENNIAL
UPDATES.—Not later than 2 
years after the date on which the plan is submitted 
under paragraph (1), and every 2 years thereafter, 
the Authority shall review, update, and submit such 
plan to the committees described in paragraph (1). 
‘‘(c) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—In developing and 
updating the plan under this section, the Authority shall— 
‘‘(1) consult with— 
‘‘(A) the Assistant Secretary of Commerce 
for Economic Development; 
‘‘(B) the Chief of Engineers; 
‘‘(C) the Secretaries of Transportation and 
the Interior; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(D) the Governors of each of the States 
in the Great Lakes region; 
‘‘(E) regional planning organizations; and 
‘‘(F) any other stakeholders that the Au-
thority considers appropriate, including Tribes; 
and 
‘‘(2) consider the Great Lakes coastal resiliency 
study carried out by the Secretary of the Army 
under section 729 of the Water Resources Develop-
ment Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2267a), as required by 
section 1219 of the America’s Water Infrastructure 
Act of 2018 (132 Stat. 3811). 
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 
‘‘§ 18520. Authority to provide financial assistance 
‘‘In carrying out the purposes of this chapter, the 
Great Lakes Authority may— 
‘‘(1) make loans on such terms as the Authority 
may determine to be appropriate to assist eligible 
entities in the financing, development, or operation 
of an eligible project; 
‘‘(2) make loan guarantees on such terms as 
the Authority may determine to be appropriate to 
assist eligible entities in the financing or refinancing 
of an eligible project; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘(3) issue bonds and provide financing to eligi-
ble entities to carry out eligible projects from 
amounts made available from the issuance of such 
bonds; 
‘‘(4) make grants, cooperative agreements, and 
contracts with eligible entities to carry out eligible 
projects; and 
‘‘(5) provide technical assistance to entities re-
ceiving financing from the Great Lakes Authority. 
‘‘§ 18521. Revolving loan fund 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a Great 
Lakes Fund (in this section referred to as the ‘Fund’). 
‘‘(b) SOURCE
OF AMOUNTS
IN FUND.—Amounts 
made available to the Great Lakes Authority to carry out 
this section shall be deposited in the Fund. 
‘‘(c) USE OF AMOUNTS IN FUND.—The Great Lakes 
Authority shall use the Fund as a revolving fund to make 
grants and loans from the Fund, under terms and condi-
tions the Great Lakes Authority may prescribe, to eligible 
entities to carry out eligible projects. 
‘‘(d) UNUSED AMOUNTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Amounts in the Fund not 
needed for operation of the revolving fund estab-
lished under this section may be invested in bonds 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
or other obligations the Federal Government guaran-
tees as to principal and interest. 
‘‘(2) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—General ex-
penses of administration of this section may be 
charged to the Fund. 
‘‘(e) CONSIDERATIONS.—In awarding funds under 
this section, the Great Lakes Authority shall consider the 
following with respect to a project proposed to be carried 
out with such funds: 
‘‘(1) The relationship of the project to overall 
regional development and poverty alleviation, includ-
ing consideration of whether a project will be carried 
out in a severely and persistently distressed area. 
‘‘(2) The population and area to be served by 
the project, including the per capita market income 
and the unemployment rates in such area. 
‘‘(3) The relative financial resources available 
to an eligible entity that seeks to undertake the 
project. 
‘‘(4) The relevance of the project in relation to 
other projects proposed to be carried out with a 
grant under this section. 
‘‘(5) The amount of potential revenue the 
project may generate. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘SUBCHAPTER IV—NATIONAL ENERGY 
RECYCLING AND CONSERVATION LABORATORY 
‘‘§ 18530. National Energy Recycling and Conserva-
tion Laboratory 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established a National 
Energy Recycling and Conservation Laboratory (in this 
section referred to as the ‘Laboratory’) to perform— 
‘‘(1) advanced research projects related to en-
ergy recycling technologies, including hydrogen, ther-
mal heat extraction, biomass and waste conversion, 
geothermal, water recycling, and methane capture; 
and 
‘‘(2) any research, development, and related 
functions as the Great Lakes Authority may deter-
mine to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the 
purposes of the Great Lakes Authority. 
‘‘(b) PARTNERSHIPS; COORDINATION.—In carrying 
out the research, development, or other related functions 
under this section, the Laboratory may coordinate with 
the Department of Energy or enter into partnerships with 
any nuclear power plant in the United States. 
‘‘(c) LOCATION.—The Great Lakes Authority shall 
select a location for the Laboratory that is— 
‘‘(1) in close proximity to the center of the 
Great Lakes region, near the mouth of the largest 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
watershed of any of the rivers feeding the Great 
Lakes region; 
‘‘(2) in close proximity to a nuclear power 
plant; 
‘‘(3) in an area with heavy industry and manu-
facturing; 
‘‘(4) in an area with a high proportion of resi-
dential and commercial properties that are vacant 
due to foreclosure, eviction, abandonment, or other 
causes; 
‘‘(5) in an area with racial disparities in home-
ownership rates; 
‘‘(6) in an area with population loss; 
‘‘(7) in an area where economic inequities have 
grown substantially due to job dislocation and out-
sourcing; and 
‘‘(8) in the case of a census tract located within 
a metropolitan area, where the median family in-
come for such census tract does not exceed 80 per-
cent of the greater of statewide median family in-
come or the metropolitan area median family in-
come. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS
‘‘SUBCHAPTER V—AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS 
‘‘§ 18540. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this chapter— 
‘‘(a) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; and 
‘‘(b) $50,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of chapters 
for subtitle VI of title 40, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following new item: 
‘‘185. Great Lakes Authority .........................................................18501’’. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
17:12 Mar 29, 2022
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H7131.IH
H7131
pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS