Benefits of designation

(a) Priority In awarding a grant under subsection (b), the Secretary shall give priority to any applicant that— (1) meets the eligibility criteria for the grant; (2) proposes to use the grant for activities in a health empowerment zone; and (3) demonstrates that such activities will directly and significantly further the goals of the strategic plan approved for such zone under section 4401. (b) Grants for initial implementation of strategic plan (1) In general Upon designating an eligible area as a health empowerment zone at the request of an eligible community partnership, the Secretary shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, make a grant to the community partnership for implementation of the strategic plan for such zone. (2) Grant period A grant under paragraph (1) for a health empowerment zone shall be for a period of 2 years and may be renewed, except that the total period of grants under paragraph (1) for such zone may not exceed 10 years. (3) Limitation In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall not give less priority to an applicant or reduce the amount of a grant because the Secretary rendered technical assistance or made a grant to the same applicant under section 4401. (4) Reporting The Secretary shall establish metrics for measuring the progress of grantees under this subsection and, based on such metrics, require each such grantee to report to the Secretary not less than every 6 months on the progress in implementing the strategic plan for the health empowerment zone.