Requirements for rehabilitation and construction grants

(a) Priority criteria The Secretary shall establish priority criteria for the selection and approval of projects to be funded by a rehabilitation and construction grant made pursuant to section 103(a)(1), which shall include whether and the extent to which the project would— (1) serve a community with a high population density; (2) address demonstrated deficiencies in the condition of existing recreational areas and facilities in the project neighborhood; (3) address demonstrated deficiencies in access to neighborhood recreation opportunities, particularly for minority and low- and moderate-income residents, veterans or active duty military families, and residents with physical or mental disabilities; (4) serve a community with a higher than average number of unemployed people as a percentage of the civilian labor force of the project neighborhood; (5) include public participation in determining rehabilitation or development needs and the extent to which a project supports or complements target activities undertaken as part of a local government’s overall community development and urban revitalization program; (6) provide employment opportunities for minorities, youth, and low- and moderate-income residents in the project neighborhood; (7) provide for participation of neighborhood, nonprofit, or tenant organizations in the proposed rehabilitation and construction activity or in subsequent maintenance, staffing, or supervision of recreational areas and facilities; (8) demonstrate State, local, and private support for the project, as evidenced by commitments of non-Federal resources to project construction or operation; (9) build recreational areas and facilities in areas that are located within one-half of a mile of public housing or a school and do not currently have indoor or outdoor facilities; (10) create, maintain, or revitalize playgrounds or active play areas for children; (11) connect children to the outdoors for physical activity and access to nature; (12) promote physical activity for individuals and the community at large; (13) work collaboratively with local governments, colleges, and universities, and other institutions to track the longitudinal rates of chronic diseases in the community such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity; (14) use environmentally beneficial components such as sustainable landscape features and upcycled and recycled materials; (15) provide environmental benefits to urban areas, by including— (A) updating lighting; (B) planting trees; (C) increasing the urban forestry canopy; (D) improving stormwater management; (E) increasing green infrastructure; (F) employing water conservation measures; or (G) adding green spaces; (16) connect to public transportation; (17) apply the LEED Green Building Guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council or other sustainability benchmarks that incorporate energy efficiency components, such as energy efficient lighting and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and apply the SITES sustainable landscape guidelines of the Sustainable Sites Initiative; (18) contain safe trails or routes, such as trails, bikeways, and sidewalks that connect to neighborhoods and enhance access to parks and recreational areas and facilities; and (19) update existing equipment or facilities or construct new facilities or sites, to comply with the most recent accessibility guidelines published by the United States Access Board, specifically by removing architectural barriers so that sites comply or exceed the requirements of the final guidelines for the accessibility of recreational areas and facilities. (b) Limitation on use of funds Not more than 10 percent of any amounts made available pursuant to section 114 for rehabilitation and construction grants under section 103(a)(1) in any fiscal year may be used for the acquisition of lands or interests in land.