Economic Development Administration

Economic Development Administration economic development assistance programs (including transfers of funds) Pursuant to section 703 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3233), for an additional amount for 136 STAT. 5204 “Economic Development Assistance Programs” for necessary expenses related to flood mitigation, disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure in areas that received a major disaster designation as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, and of wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022 under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), $500,000,000, to remain available until expended: Provided, That within the amount appropriated under this heading in this Act, up to 3 percent of funds may be transferred to the “Salaries and Expenses” account for administration and oversight activities: Provided further, That the Secretary of Commerce is authorized to appoint and fix the compensation of such temporary personnel as may be necessary to implement the requirements under this heading in this Act, without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in competitive service: Provided further, That within the amount appropriated under this heading in this Act, $2,000,000 shall be transferred to the “Office of Inspector General” account for carrying out investigations and audits related to the funding provided under this heading in this Act. For an additional amount for “Economic Development Assistance Programs” for grants authorized by sections 28 and 29 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722a and 3722b), $618,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which $459,000,000 shall be for grants under section 28 and $159,000,000 shall be for grants under section 29 in amounts determined by the Secretary.