Strategic community investment plans

Section 379H(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v(d)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (A) Assistance The Secretary; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Third-party providers (i) In general The Secretary may award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities described in clause (ii) to provide technical assistance to rural communities in— (I) developing strategic community investment plans; and (II) completing applications for funding under covered programs for projects that support the implementation of strategic community investment plans. (ii) Eligible entities An entity eligible to receive a grant under clause (i) shall be— (I) a qualified nonprofit multi-State regional technical assistance organization with demonstrated experience in working with rural communities on regionalization and investment assessment, planning, and implementation projects; or (II) a qualified private nonprofit intermediary organization that has demonstrated experience and capacity to provide technical assistance and training on community economic development and planning in rural areas. (iii) Grant term The term of a grant awarded under clause (i) shall be not less than 2 years and not more than 5 years. (iv) Priorities In awarding grants under clause (i), the Secretary may give priority to an eligible entity that serves— (I) a rural community with a high poverty level; (II) a persistent poverty county, as determined by the Secretary; (III) an Indian Tribe with demonstrated support from the Tribal council or duly elected Tribal executive of the appropriate Tribal government; (IV) a rural community with a significant loss in population; or (V) a rural community with significant workforce changes or changes in major employers.; (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting, agricultural producers and related entities, and local businesses before the semicolon; and (3) in paragraph (4), by striking 2023, and inserting 2023 and $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031,.