Summary as Introduced
Amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is located within a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 100% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Specifies that a project that is located within a distressed community, regardless of whether the project is located within a distressed location, is eligible for assistance up to 90% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Provides that a distressed location project that is not located in a distressed community shall be eligible for assistance of up to 75% for the acquisition of open space lands and for capital development and improvement proposals that are in conformity with the purposes of the Act. Directs the Department of Natural Resources to prioritize the making of grants under the Act for projects that are located in distressed locations and distressed communities. Sets limits on the appropriated amounts that may be used for grants to distressed communities and distressed locations. Repeals a provision that required the Department of Natural Resources to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report. Repeals provisions that define terms. Adds other definitions. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. Grants emergency rulemaking powers to the Department of Natural Resources.
Staff Analysis
Senate Bill 2466 amends the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act (OSLAD) to enhance grant opportunities for communities and projects based on levels of economic distress. The bill revises eligibility and prioritization criteria for state assistance, aiming to direct more funding to areas that face economic or social disadvantages.
Key Changes
1. Expanded Grant Eligibility and Funding Tiers
• 100% Funding: Projects located within both a distressed location and a distressed community can receive full funding for land acquisition and capital improvements.
• 90% Funding: Projects located within a distressed community (even if not within a distressed location) are eligible for up to 90% state assistance.
• 75% Funding: Projects that qualify as being in a distressed location but not within a distressed community can receive up to 75% assistance.
These changes allow for more nuanced and targeted funding strategies and represent a significant increase from the typical 50% match under OSLAD for most projects.
2. Prioritization and Funding Allocation
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is directed to prioritize grantmaking for distressed communities and locations, emphasizing equity in park and open space development.
The bill places caps on appropriated amounts that may be used for these priority areas, although specific thresholds are not described in this summary.
3. Administrative Changes
• Repeals outdated requirements, including the mandate for DNR to prepare a Distressed Local Government Report and old definitions, signaling a streamlining of the Act.
• New definitions for “distressed community” and “distressed location” are added to clarify eligibility and support implementation.
• Emergency rulemaking authority is granted to DNR under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to expedite the rollout of the revised program
Potential Impact on Counties and Local Governments
Counties and municipalities facing economic hardship may gain access to significantly more state assistance for parks, recreation, and open space development.
Local governments will benefit from greater flexibility and reduced local match requirements, improving their ability to develop community-serving projects.
Counties will need to track whether their jurisdictions qualify under the updated definitions of “distressed” to access elevated grant levels and may want to coordinate with DNR early to ensure eligibility.
The prioritization directive and emergency rulemaking provision could result in faster implementation and more competitive grant cycles focused on equity and need.
SB 2466 is intended to expand access to OSLAD funding for underserved areas and empower the state to address open space disparities more proactively.