US Code
CHAPTER 2005— URBAN PARK AND RECREATION RECOVERY PROGRAM
§ 200504. Recovery action programs

(a)
Evidence of Local Commitment to Ongoing
Programs.—
As a requirement for project approval, local governments applying for assistance
under this chapter shall submit to the Secretary evidence of their commitments to
ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for their
park and recreation systems. These commitments will be expressed in local park and
recreation recovery action programs that maximize coordination of all community
resources, including other federally supported urban development and recreation
programs. During an initial interim period to be established by regulations under this
chapter, this requirement may be satisfied by local government submissions of
preliminary action programs that briefly define objectives, priorities, and
implementation strategies for overall system recovery and maintenance and commit the
applicant to a scheduled program development process. Following this interim period, all
local applicants shall submit to the Secretary, as a condition of eligibility, a 5-year
action program for park and recreation recovery that satisfactorily demonstrates—
(1)
systematic identification of recovery objectives, priorities, and
implementation strategies;
(2)
adequate planning for rehabilitation of specific recreation areas and
facilities, including projections of the cost of proposed projects;
(3)
the capacity and commitment to ensure that facilities provided or improved
under this chapter shall continue to be adequately maintained, protected, staffed,
and supervised;
(4)
the intention to maintain total local public outlays for park and recreation
purposes at levels at least equal to those in the year preceding that in which grant
assistance is sought except in any case where a reduction in park and recreation
outlays is proportionate to a reduction in overall spending by the applicant; and
(5)
the relationship of the park and recreation recovery program to overall
community development and urban revitalization efforts.
(b)
Continuing Planning Process.—
Where appropriate, the Secretary may encourage local governments to meet action
program requirements through a continuing planning process that includes periodic
improvements and updates in action program submissions to eliminate identified gaps in
program information and policy development.
(c)
Special Considerations.—
Action programs shall address, but are not limited to—
(1)
rehabilitation of existing recreational areas and facilities, including—
(A)
general systemwide renovation;
(B)
special rehabilitation requirements for recreational areas and facilities
in areas of high population concentration and economic distress; and
(C)
restoration of outstanding or unique structures, landscaping, or similar
features in parks of historical or architectural significance; and
(2)
local commitments to innovative and cost-effective programs and projects at the
neighborhood level to augment recovery of park and recreation systems, including—
(A)
recycling of abandoned schools and other public buildings for recreational
purposes;
(B)
multiple use of operating educational and other public buildings, purchase
of recreation services on a contractual basis;
(C)
use of mobile facilities and recreational, cultural, and educational
programs or other innovative approaches to improving access for neighborhood
residents;
(D)
integration of recovery program with federally assisted projects to
maximize recreational opportunities through conversion of abandoned railroad and
highway rights of way, waterfront, and other redevelopment efforts and such
other federally assisted projects as may be appropriate;
(E)
conversion of recreation use of street space, derelict land, and other
public land not now designated for neighborhood recreational use; and
(F)
use of various forms of compensated and uncompensated land regulation, tax
inducements, or other means to encourage the private sector to provide
neighborhood park and recreation facilities and programs.
(d)
Publication in Federal Register.—
The Secretary shall establish and publish in the Federal Register requirements for
preparation, submission, and updating of local park and recreation recovery action
programs.
(e)
Eligibility for At-Risk Youth Recreation Grants.—
To be eligible to receive at-risk youth recreation grants a local government shall
amend its 5-year action program to incorporate the goal of reducing crime and juvenile
delinquency and to provide a description of the implementation strategies to achieve
this goal. The plan shall also address how the local government is coordinating its
recreation programs with crime prevention efforts of law enforcement, juvenile
corrections, and youth social service agencies.
(f)
Matching Recovery Action Program Grants.—
The Secretary may provide up to 50 percent matching recovery action program grants
to eligible local governments for program development and planning specifically to meet
the objectives of this chapter.