Federal Legislation Would Open Funding Opportunities for Special Districts
Moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Special District Grant Accessibility Act (H.R. 7525), legislation that would codify a first-ever definition of “special district” in federal law and ensure that districts are eligible for all appropriate forms of federal financial assistance.
The bipartisan legislation is authored by Reps. Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and was cosponsored by a number of Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.
“The consequence of current law is some communities served by special districts cannot access certain federal funding opportunities, which has a huge impact on the ability of special districts to provide vital services and meet community needs,” Rep. Fallon said. “H.R. 7525 re-sets the board and ensures special districts have the resources, autonomy, and flexibility to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing their communities.”
H.R. 7525 would require the White House Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations. Specifically, H.R. 7525 would establish the following definition in Federal law (Title 13 of US Code):
“The term ‘special district’ means a political subdivision of a State, with specified boundaries and significant budgetary autonomy or control, created by or pursuant to the laws of the State, for the purpose of performing limited and specific governmental or proprietary functions that distinguish it as a significantly separate entity from the administrative governance structure of any other form of local government unit within a State.”
There are more than 35,000 special districts in the U.S. providing a range of infrastructure and essential community programs across the country including parks, water, sanitation, fire protection, ports, cemeteries, healthcare, electricity, pest control, and libraries.
For more information, visit the National Special Districts Coalition website.