Grant program to develop and improve high-quality urban green spaces

(a) Establishment The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in this section referred to as the Secretary), in coordination with the Director of the National Park Service, shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities under subsection (c) to improve or develop high-quality urban green spaces to lower surface temperatures through increased urban vegetation. (b) Use of amounts An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use amounts provided to cover costs associated with— (1) projects and activities that provide environmental and cooling benefits, including— (A) planting vegetation, including maintaining and monitoring planted vegetation for a period of up to 5 years to ensure successful establishment; (B) improving stormwater management; (C) increasing green infrastructure; (D) employing water conservation measures; and (E) rebuilding, remodeling, expanding, integrating, developing existing, or building new green spaces, including improvements in park landscapes, infrastructure, buildings, and support facilities; (2) preparing the project site and conducting construction, including the costs of labor and costs associated with use of machinery; (3) training activities associated with the construction; and (4) other relevant costs, as determined by the Secretary. (c) Eligible entities A grant under this section may only be made to— (1) a State; (2) an Indian Tribe; (3) a unit of general local government; and (4) a nonprofit organization. (d) Applications (1) In general An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Contents An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall— (A) describe how the projects and activities to be funded with grant amounts will comply with the requirement under subsection (b); and (B) include a 5-year timeline and budget for the development and improvement of urban green space. (3) Community involvement The Secretary shall require eligible entities to include in an application for a grant under this section a public participation plan to ensure that residents of the area in which a project is to be implemented are involved in the project, which plan— (A) shall provide opportunities for employment for minorities and low- and moderate-income residents in the neighborhood of the project; and (B) may— (i) provide opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to be involved in the project; (ii) provide opportunities for public input regarding the project; and (iii) include demonstrated support from the community. (e) Priority In awarding grants under the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority in selection to eligible entities based on— (1) the extent to which the eligible entity will contribute matching funds for activities conducted with amounts from a grant under this section; and (2) based on the extent to which the project funded with grant amounts would— (A) address demonstrated deficiencies in the condition of, and access to, projects and activities described in subsection (b) in the project neighborhood; (B) build green spaces located within half of a mile of public housing, or covered federally assisted rental dwelling units, that are not within half of a mile of any green space; (C) use environmentally beneficial components, such as sustainable landscape features, upcycled and recycled materials, and materials with a low-carbon footprint; and (D) where applicable, contain safe trails or routes, such as bikeways, and sidewalks, that connect to neighborhoods and enhance access to green spaces. (f) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035.