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| Relating to the amount the Texas Military Preparedness Commission may grant to local governmental entities for certain purposes. |
SB 318 raises the maximum municipalities are allowed to apply for when submitting a grand request for a Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) from $2 million to $5 million dollars per grant project. DEAAG's are specific grants that the Texas Military Preparedness Commission states is "Designed to assist defense communities that have been positively or negatively impacted by a change in defense contracts or an announced change. Funding can also be used proactively to support installations in the event of a change or announced change by the Department of Defense. DEAAG funding is available to local municipalities, counties, defense base development authority, junior college districts and Texas State Technical College campuses, and regional planning commissions representing these communities. DEAAG funding is available to meet matching requirements for federal funding. Funding for negatively affected communities can be used for the purchase of Department of Defense property, new construction or rehabilitation of facilities in support of job creating projects and opportunities."
The DEAAG program uses state funding to match awards given by federal government programs.
5/19/15 Update:
The amendment adopted in the House on 2nd reading makes changes to what the grant funding may be used for and does not change our position on this legislation.
Original analysis below:
SB 318 changes the amount municipalities seeking this grant can request from $2 million dollars to $5 million dollars. This legislation does not increase spending or funding for the DEAAG program. We remain neutral on this legislation, as this bill does not increase the amount of funding or spending to fulfill this program.
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