Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB5679 Compare Versions

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11 HOUSE BILL NO. 5679 A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled "Michigan strategic fund act," by amending sections 88s and 88t (MCL 125.2088s and 125.2088t), section 88s as added by 2021 PA 136 and section 88t as added by 2021 PA 134. the people of the state of michigan enact: Sec. 88s. (1) The fund shall create and operate the critical industry program. The fund shall use the program money transferred from the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, or money appropriated to the program to make qualified investments to qualified businesses. (2) The fund shall expend money allocated to the Michigan critical industry program only to provide qualified investments to qualified businesses for deal-closing, gap financing, or other economic assistance to create or retain qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production or make capital investments, or both, as determined by the fund board. The program must provide for a detailed application, approval, and compliance process that is also published and available on the fund's website. The detailed application, approval, and compliance process must, at a minimum, provide for both of the following: (a) Money allocated to the program for a fiscal year must be apportioned as follows: (i) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for qualified investments to small businesses. (ii) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for qualified investments to medium businesses. (iii) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (iv), not more than 1/3 may be used for qualified investments to large businesses. (iv) Money reserved under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is not obligated on July 1 of the fiscal year may be used for qualified investments to small businesses, medium businesses, or large businesses. As used in this subdivision: (A) "Large business" means a qualified business with 250 or more employees. (B) "Medium business" means a qualified business with more than 49 employees but fewer than 250 employees. (C) "Small business" means a qualified business with fewer than 50 employees. (b) The fund shall not award more than 50% of the money allocated to the program during a 2-year period to qualified businesses in the same critical industry. (c) The fund shall not award more than 40% of the money allocated to the program for a fiscal year to qualified businesses that do not have a physical presence in this state. (3) The fund shall not approve an application under this section unless all of the following requirements are met: (a) The fund determines the number of jobs provided by the qualified business in this state at the time of application, excluding qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program. (b) In addition to any qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program, the qualified business agrees to maintain a number of jobs that is not less than the number of baseline jobs determined under subdivision (a). (c) The fund determines that land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law have been met or will be met not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed. (d) The fund determines that the project does not qualify for any other economic assistance programs that would meet the project's needs and the project will not be able to move forward without funding under the program. (4) (3) The In addition to the requirements under subsection (3), the fund shall consider and document at a minimum all of the following criteria to the extent reasonably applicable as reasonably determined by the fund board to the type of project proposed before entering into a written agreement for a qualified investment as provided under subsection (4):(5): (a) The importance of the project to the community in which it is located. (b) If the project will act as a catalyst for additional revitalization of the community in which it is located and this state. (c) The amount of local community and financial support for the project. (d) The applicant's financial need for a qualified investment from the critical industry program. (e) The extent of reuse of vacant buildings, public or private, reuse of historic resources, and redevelopment of blighted property. (f) Creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state. (g) The level of other public funds including, but not limited to, the appropriation of federal or state funds and any federal or state tax credits. (h) The level of any private funds, investments, or contributions into the project including, but not limited to, the qualified business's own investments in the project. (i) Whether and how the project is financially and economically sound. (j) Whether and how the project promotes sustainable development. (k) Whether and how the project involves the rehabilitation of a historic resource. (l) Whether and how the project addresses areawide redevelopment and the overall economic benefit to the existing supply chain. (m) The level and extent of environmental contamination. (n) Whether and how the project will compete with or affect existing Michigan businesses within the same industry. (o) Whether and how the project's proximity to rail and utility will impact performance of the project and maximize energy and logistics needs in the community in which it is located and in this state. (p) The risk of obsolescence of the project, products, and investments in the future. (q) The overall return on investment to this state. (r) Whether and how the project addresses food supply challenges. (s) Any other additional criteria approved by the board that are specific to each individual project and are consistent with the purpose of this program. (5) (4) If the fund determines, after making the determinations and considerations under subsection subsections (3) and (4), to award a qualified investment to a qualified business under this program, the fund shall enter into a written agreement with the qualified business that includes in a clear and concise manner all of the terms and conditions relating to the qualified investment as determined and documented by the fund board, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) Specific time frames and benchmarks to be met before the qualified business receives a disbursement in installments under the critical industry program pursuant to the approved qualified investment. (b) Specific terms relating to the required maintenance of baseline jobs and the required creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state. , including measurable outcomes, proration of payments for partial performance, clawback and specific repayment provisions for breach of the agreement, or for failure to meet measurable outcomes.The specific terms must include, but are not limited to, all of the following: (i) The number of baseline jobs that must be maintained. (ii) The number of qualified jobs that must be retained. (iii) The number of qualified jobs that must be created. (iv) The dates by which the qualified jobs described in subparagraph (iii) must be created. (v) Proration of payment, clawback, and specific repayment provisions that comply with subsection (10). (vi) An audit provision that permits the fund to determine the total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business in accordance with subsection (10). (c) Specific penalties for noncompliance with the written agreement as determined by the fund. (d) A provision that all money that is subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision must be paid within not later than 90 days of after notification by the fund. Any amounts not paid within that 90-day period are subject to a penalty of 1% per month, prorated on a daily basis. (e) A provision that this state shall have a security interest as that term is defined in section 1201(2)(ii) 1201 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.1201, to the extent of the qualified investment. This provision does not apply if it conflicts with any contractual obligation of the qualified business or any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (f) A provision that the qualified business will provide the data described in the written agreement that are necessary for the fund to report to the legislature as required under this program. (g) A provision that the qualified business may enter into direct agreements with workforce training providers, when appropriate, as determined by the fund to meet the workforce requirements of a the qualified investment. (h) A provision that the qualified business may not participate in the high-wage incentive for regional employment in (H.I.R.E.) Michigan program created under chapter 8D. (i) A provision that the qualified business must meet land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, obtaining all required permits and conducting any required environmental testing. (6) (5) If the fund receives a request to modify an existing written agreement for a qualified investment under this program, the fund must provide a copy of that requested modification to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 5 business days of after the receipt of the modification request. In addition to the copy of the request for modification, the notice provided under this subsection must also include the specific provisions to be modified and the rationale for considering the modification. Before the fund modifies an existing written agreement for a qualified investment, the fund must give notice of the proposed amendments and publish them on the fund's internet website at least 1 business day prior to before a public hearing on the proposed amendments. The fund shall not modify a written agreement to reduce the number of required baseline jobs. The fund shall not modify an existing written agreement to reduce the number of required qualified jobs unless the qualified investment is also reduced in an amount equal to the original job cost under the existing written agreement multiplied by the number of qualified jobs to be eliminated as a result of the modification multiplied by the penalty factor. If the fund approves and modifies an existing written agreement under this subsection, the fund must provide a copy of that amended written agreement to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 1 business day of after the modification. (7) (6) If the fund board seeks to make a determination as to In determining whether a qualified investment approved under this program represents a fair exchange of value for value, the fund may consider the total value to this state of the qualified investment and the best interests of this state, including, but not limited to, any positive economic impact to this state likely to be generated by the qualified business pursuant to the written agreement for a qualified investment, especially economic impact resulting in the location of a high-economic-impact business facility in this state, increased capital investment in this state, and the creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production in this state. (8) (7) The fund board shall not disburse funds allocated to the program for a qualified investment to a qualified business if that qualified business has not fully repaid all money subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision as provided in any written agreement under this act or if that qualified business is in default on any grant, loan, investment, or other economic assistance made or guaranteed by this state. All money paid to the fund pursuant to a clawback or specific repayment provision for a qualified investment under this program shall must be deposited in the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254. The fund shall not use money allocated to the program for administrative purposes. Any money that is allocated to the program that remains unexpended, unallocated, or unobligated at the end of a fiscal year shall revert reverts back to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254. (9) The fund shall not award a qualified investment to a qualified business that previously received an award under the critical industry program or the Michigan strategic site readiness program created under section 88t if either of the following applies: (a) Money received under the previous award was subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision. (b) The qualified business was subject to a penalty under the written agreement executed in connection with the previous award. (10) At the end of each year during the term of a written agreement and on expiration of the written agreement, the fund shall determine the total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business. If that number is less than the adjusted required jobs number, all of the following apply: (a) The qualified business owes the fund the negative jobs penalty amount. (b) The fund shall reduce future disbursements of the qualified investment as necessary to recover the negative jobs penalty amount. (c) If reduction of future disbursements under subdivision (b) is insufficient to fully recover the negative jobs penalty amount, the qualified business shall pay the negative jobs penalty amount to the fund. (11) The fund shall not award a qualified investment under the program after December 31, 2030. (12) (8) Not later than March 15 of each year, the fund shall transmit to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies a report on the activities of the critical industry program. The report must include all of the following: (a) A list of qualified businesses that received a qualified investment. (b) The type of project or product approved for a qualified investment. (c) The amount and type of qualified investment. (d) For each separate form of qualified investment, all of the following: (i) The number of qualified jobs committed or projected to be created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production when the qualified investment was applied for. (ii) The actual number of qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production that are not temporary employees. (iii) The average annual salary of the qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production that are not temporary employees. (e) The number of baseline jobs required to be maintained by the qualified business. (f) The number of baseline jobs actually maintained by the qualified business. (g) (e) The duration of the qualified investment. (h) (f) The amount of other financial assistance other than state resources. (i) (g) Money or other revenue or property returned to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund, created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, including any clawbacks and repayments due to a breach of the written agreement. (j) If a nondisclosure agreement was executed in connection with the decision to award the qualified investment, the names of the individuals who signed the nondisclosure agreement. (13) (9) If the fund fails to transmit the report as required in subsection (8) (12) on or before March 15, the fund board shall not disburse funds for a qualified investment under this program until it transmits the report as required under subsection (8).(12). (14) (10) The legislature finds and declares that funding provided under this program is for a public purpose and serves the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of this state. (15) (11) As used in this section: (a) "Adjusted required jobs number" means the sum of the following minus any previously determined negative jobs numbers: (i) The number of baseline jobs. (ii) The number of qualified jobs that are required to be maintained or created on the determination date. (b) "Baseline jobs" means the jobs provided by the qualified business in this state at the time of application, excluding qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program, as determined under subsection (3)(a). (c) "Critical industry" means an industry that plays a crucial role in the economic security, public health, or safety of this state, including, but not limited to, all of the following industries: (i) Utilities. (ii) Automotive. (iii) Aeronautic. (iv) Telecommunications. (v) Oil and gas production. (vi) Defense production. (vii) Pharmaceutical. (viii) Computer technology. (d) (a) "Critical industry program" or "program" means the critical industry program created in under subsection (1). (e) "Determination date" means the date a determination under subsection (10) is made. (f) "Negative jobs number" means the number equal to the difference between the following: (i) The adjusted required jobs number. (ii) The total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business on the determination date. (g) "Negative jobs penalty amount" means the amount equal to the negative jobs number multiplied by the original job cost multiplied by the penalty factor. (h) "Original job cost" means the amount of the qualified investment divided by the number of required qualified jobs. (i) "Penalty factor" means 1.05. (j) "Prosperity region" means each of the 10 prosperity regions identified by the department of technology, management, and budget on August 25, 2017. (k) "Prosperity region median wage" means the median annual wage for the prosperity region where the facility is located based on the most recent data made available by the Michigan bureau of labor market information and strategic initiatives. (l) (b) "Qualified business" means a business in a critical industry that is located in or operates in this state or will locate or will operate in this state as determined by the fund board. A qualified business may include more than 1 business as determined by the fund board. (m) (c) "Qualified investment" means a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a project subject to a written agreement with a qualified business under this program. Qualified investment includes a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production, infrastructure improvements, other capital investments, the purchase or acquisition of heavy machinery, or other assistance, including, but not limited to, an agreement providing for assistance via the transportation economic development fund created under section 2 of 1987 PA 231, MCL 247.902. Qualified investment also includes a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for job training opportunities or workforce development and education, or both. (n) (d) "Qualified job" means a permanent job that meets both of the following requirements: (i) Is performed by an individual who is a resident of this state whose Michigan income taxes are withheld by an employer, or an employee leasing company or professional employer organization on behalf of the employer, or by an individual who is not a resident of this state and is employed by a business at a project location that is located in this state, as determined and verified by the fund. (ii) Pays not less than 175% of the prosperity region median wage. (o) "Required baseline job" means a baseline job required to be maintained under a written agreement. (p) "Required qualified job" means a qualified job required to be retained or created under a written agreement. Sec. 88t. (1) The fund shall create and operate the Michigan strategic site readiness program. The fund shall use the program money transferred from the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, or money appropriated to the program to make grants, loans, or other economic assistance under this program. (2) The fund shall expend money allocated to the Michigan strategic site readiness program only to provide grants, loans, and other economic assistance for eligible applicants to conduct eligible activities for the purpose of creating investment-ready sites to attract and promote investment in this state for eligible activities on, or related to, strategic sites and mega-strategic sites. The program must provide for a detailed application, approval, and compliance process that is also published and available on the fund's website. The detailed application, approval, and compliance process must, at a minimum, provide for all of the following: (a) An eligible applicant may apply for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance in a form and manner determined by the fund. (b) The fund shall establish separate application criteria for mega-strategic sites and for strategic sites that are not mega-strategic sites and for sites that have, and that do not have, a specifically identified end user. (c) Money allocated to the program for a fiscal year must be apportioned as follows: (i) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for grants, loans, or economic assistance for small sites. (ii) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for grants, loans, or economic assistance for medium sites. (iii) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (iv), not more than 1/3 may be used for grants, loans, or economic assistance for large sites. (iv) Money reserved under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is not obligated on July 1 of the fiscal year may be used for grants, loans, or economic assistance for small sites, medium sites, or large sites. As used in this subdivision: (A) "Large site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with 250 or more employees. (B) "Medium site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with more than 49 employees but fewer than 250 employees. (C) "Small site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with fewer than 50 employees. (d) The fund shall not award more than 15% of the money allocated to the program to a single prosperity region. (e) The fund shall not award more than 40% of the money allocated to the program for a fiscal year to sites for which a specific person has been identified as the end user of the site. (3) The fund shall not approve an application under this section unless both of the following requirements are met: (a) The fund determines that land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law have been met or will be met not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed. (b) The fund determines that the project does not qualify for any other economic assistance programs that would meet the project's needs and the project will not be able to move forward without funding under the program. (4) (3) Before approving an application under this section, in addition to the requirements under subsection (3), the fund shall consider and document, at a minimum, all of the following criteria to the extent reasonably applicable as reasonably determined by the fund board to the type of project proposed before entering into a written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance as provided under this program: (a) The importance of the project or eligible activities to the community in which it is located. (b) If the project will act as a catalyst for additional revitalization of the community in which it is located and this state. (c) The amount of local community and financial support for the project. (d) The amount of any other economic assistance or support provided by this state for the project. (e) The amount of any other economic assistance or support provided by the federal government for the project including, but not limited to, federal appropriations or tax credits. (f) The amount of any private funds or investments for the project including the applicant's own investments in the project. (g) The applicant's financial need for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program. (h) The extent of reuse of vacant buildings, public or private, reuse of historic resources, and redevelopment of blighted property. (i) Creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state. (j) Whether and how the project is financially and economically sound. (k) Whether and how the project converts abandoned public buildings to private use. (l) Whether and how the project promotes sustainable development. (m) Whether and how the project involves the rehabilitation of a historic resource. (n) Whether and how the project addresses areawide redevelopment. (o) Whether and how the project addresses underserved markets of commerce. (p) The level and extent of environmental contamination. (q) Whether and how the project will compete with or affect existing Michigan businesses within the same industry. (r) Whether and how the project's proximity to rail and utility will impact performance of the project and maximize energy and logistics needs in the community in which it is located and in this state. (s) The risk of obsolescence of the project, products, and investments in the future. (t) The overall return on investment to this state. (u) Whether the proposed strategic site or mega-strategic site is incorporated into a strategic plan of a political subdivision of this state. (v) Any other additional criteria approved by the fund board that are specific to each individual project and are consistent with the purpose of this program. (5) (4) If the fund determines, after the determinations and considerations under subsection subsections (3) and (4), to provide a grant, loan, or other economic assistance to an eligible applicant under this program, the fund shall enter into a written agreement with the eligible applicant that includes in a clear and concise manner all of the terms and conditions related to the grant, loan, or other economic assistance as determined and documented by the fund board, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) Specific dates and benchmarks for the eligible applicant to receive a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, including conditions for the disbursement of funds in installments. (b) For a grant, loan, or other economic assistance provided to a person identified as the end user of the site, a both of the following: (i) A provision that the end user may not participate in the high-wage incentive for regional employment in (H.I.R.E.) Michigan program created under chapter 8D. (ii) A clawback and specific repayment provision if the person fails to comply with the provisions of the written agreement. (c) A provision that all money that is subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision must be paid within not later than 90 days of after notification by the fund. Any amounts not paid within that 90-day period are subject to a penalty of 1% per month, prorated on a daily basis. (d) A provision that this state shall have a security interest as that term is defined in section 1201(2)(ii) 1201 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.1201, to the extent of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance provided under this program. This provision does not apply if it conflicts with any contractual obligation of the eligible applicant or any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (e) An audit provision that requires the fund to verify that the established benchmarks for the project have been met. (f) A provision that the eligible applicant must meet land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, obtaining all required permits and conducting any required environmental testing. (6) (5) In addition to the considerations under subsection (3), in determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a strategic site for which an end user has not been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, as reasonably determined by the fund board, at a minimum all of the following: (a) The degree to which the proposed site demonstrates a high level of competitiveness for future development, considering and documenting all of the following: (i) Whether the proposed site is currently assembled. (ii) Whether the proposed site is under site control. (iii) Whether the proposed site is of a size, configuration, location, and condition that makes the site substantially ready for marketing and competitive for development upon on completion of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance proposed to be offered under this program and demonstrated matching contributions. (b) Whether the proposed investment will result in the elimination of blight and the remediation of environmental contamination. (c) The degree of local matching contributions. (d) Whether the award will promote geographic equity in the distribution of funds between different areas of this state. (e) Whether the eligible applicant has pursued all available cost-containment measures. (7) (6) In determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a mega-strategic site for which an end user has not been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, in addition to the criteria in subsections (3) (4) and (5)(a), (6)(a), at a minimum all of the following criteria related to the strategic basis for the investment and feasibility of the investment: (a) Whether the proposed mega-strategic site is supported by a strategic analysis that supports the demand for that site. (b) The feasibility of proposed land acquisition. (c) Utility and transportation availability, and the feasibility of necessary utility and transportation improvements. (d) Workforce availability and training capability. (e) Environmental and topographical conditions, and the feasibility of necessary site improvements to address environmental and topographical conditions. (8) (7) In addition to the considerations under subsection (3), (4), in determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a project for which an end user has been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, as reasonably determined by the fund board, all of the following: (a) The strategic economic importance of the project to the community in which it is located and to this state. (b) Whether the financial assistance is needed to secure the project in this state. (c) The degree to which the project is a priority for the local governmental unit or local economic development corporation in the jurisdiction of which the site is located. (d) The level of creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production. (e) Whether the qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production equal or exceed the average wage for the county in which the project is located. (f) The level of capital investment. (g) The evidence of the end user's commitment to the site. (9) (8) If the fund receives a request to modify an existing written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, the fund must provide a copy of that requested modification to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 5 business days of after the receipt of the modification request. In addition to the copy of the request for modification, the notice provided under this subsection must also include the specific provisions to be modified and the rationale for considering the modification. Before the fund modifies an existing written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, the fund must give notice of the proposed amendments and publish them on the fund's internet website at least 1 business day prior to before a public hearing on the proposed amendments. If the fund approves and modifies an existing written agreement under this subsection, the fund must provide a copy of that amended written agreement to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 1 business day of after the modification. (10) (9) In making an award for a mega-strategic site under this program that does not have a specifically identified end user, the fund, working in collaboration with the eligible applicant, shall prepare a mega-strategic site investment strategy and spending plan that details the sequence and cost of anticipated investments in the selected mega-strategic site, the benchmarks for bringing the mega-strategic site to a marketable condition, and the marketing strategy for the mega-site. Each plan must have the objective of establishing a certified mega-strategic site under a nationally recognized third-party certification program. (11) (10) The fund shall post on its website or post on the website of the Michigan economic development corporation, not less than every 3 months, the name of the eligible applicant or applicants, the location of each site that received a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program in that period, and the amount of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance. (12) (11) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the program may make grants and provide technical assistance to local economic development corporations for the purpose of creating an inventory of development-ready sites, provided that if the inventory shall utilize utilizes nationally recognized criteria to identify the readiness of those sites for investment, and provided further that if the fund shall maintain maintains a comprehensive inventory of those sites on its website. The inventory maintained on the website shall must include in an interactive and user-friendly manner a listing of all local and state development-ready sites and any pictures, maps, and other documentation related to those sites. (13) (12) The fund board shall not disburse money from the program for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance to an eligible applicant if that eligible applicant has not fully repaid all money subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision as provided in any written agreement under this act or if that eligible applicant is in default on any grant, loan, or other economic assistance made or guaranteed by this state. All money paid to the fund pursuant to a clawback or specific repayment provision for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program shall be deposited in the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254. general fund. The fund shall not use money allocated to the program for administrative purposes. Any money that is allocated to the program that remains unexpended, unallocated, or unobligated at the end of the fiscal year shall revert reverts back to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254.general fund. (14) The fund shall not award a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under the Michigan strategic site readiness program for a strategic site or mega-strategic site if the eligible applicant or the owner or end user of the site previously received an award under the Michigan strategic site readiness program or the critical industry program created under section 88s and either of the following applies: (a) Money received under the previous award was subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision. (b) The applicant, owner, or end user was subject to a penalty under the written agreement executed in connection with the previous award. (15) The fund shall not award a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under the program after December 31, 2030. (16) (13) Not later than March 15 of each year, the fund shall transmit to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies a report on the activities of the Michigan strategic site readiness fund. The report must include all of the following: (a) A list of eligible applicants that received a grant, loan, or other economic assistance. (b) The type of project or eligible activities approved for an award under this program. (c) The amount and type of each award. (d) The duration of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance. (e) The amount of other financial assistance other than state resources. (f) Money or other revenue or property returned to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund, including any clawbacks and repayments due to a breach of the written agreement. (g) If a nondisclosure agreement was executed in connection with the decision to award the grant, loan, or other economic assistance, the names of the individuals who signed the nondisclosure agreement. (17) (14) If the fund fails to transmit the report as required in subsection (13) (16) on or before March 15, the fund board shall not disburse money for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program until it transmits the report as required under subsection (13).(16). (18) (15) The legislature finds and declares that funding provided under this program is for a public purpose and serves the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of this state. (19) (16) As used in this section: (a) "Eligible activities" means, with respect to a site that is the subject of an application under this program, 1 or more of the following: (i) Land acquisition and assembly. (ii) Site preparation and improvement. (iii) Infrastructure improvements that directly benefit the site, including, but not limited to, transportation infrastructure, water and wastewater infrastructure, and utilities necessary to service the site. (iv) Any demolition, construction, alteration, rehabilitation, or improvement of buildings on the site. (v) Environmental remediation. (vi) Architectural, engineering, surveying, and similar professional fees. (b) "Eligible applicant" means an applicant that is 1 or more of the following: (i) A political subdivision of this state, including, but not limited to, a county, city, village, township, charter township, or instrumentality of a county, city, village, township, or charter township. (ii) A local economic development corporation or similar entity. (iii) A person who is the owner of the site for which the improvements are proposed, but who is not the end user of that site, provided that if that person must apply applies jointly with an applicant under subparagraph (i) or (ii). (iv) In the case of an application for a site for which a specific person has been identified as the end user, the person that is or will be the end user of that site. (c) "End user" means the person, either directly or through an affiliate, that will establish and operate the manufacturing or other commercial enterprise that constitutes the end use of the improved site. (d) "Mega-strategic site" means a strategic site that is or will be used for a large industrial project. (e) "Michigan strategic site readiness program" or "program" means the Michigan strategic site readiness program created in under subsection (1). (f) "Qualified job" means a job performed by an individual who is a resident of this state whose Michigan income taxes are withheld by an employer, or an employee leasing company or professional employer organization on behalf of the employer, or by an individual who is not a resident of this state and is employed by a business at a project location that is located in this state, as determined and verified by the fund. (g) "Strategic site" means a site, whether publicly or privately owned, that is, or subsequent to a proposed acquisition will be, used for manufacturing or other commercial use. Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 102nd Legislature are enacted into law: (a) House Bill No. 5136. (b) House Bill No. 5138. (c) House Bill No. 5413. (d) Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No. 5680 (request no. 05692'24 *). (e) Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No. 5681 (request no. 05693'24 *).
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2525 HOUSE BILL NO. 5679
2626
2727
2828
2929 A bill to amend 1984 PA 270, entitled
3030
3131 "Michigan strategic fund act,"
3232
3333 by amending sections 88s and 88t (MCL 125.2088s and 125.2088t), section 88s as added by 2021 PA 136 and section 88t as added by 2021 PA 134.
3434
3535 the people of the state of michigan enact:
3636
3737 Sec. 88s. (1) The fund shall create and operate the critical industry program. The fund shall use the program money transferred from the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, or money appropriated to the program to make qualified investments to qualified businesses.
3838
3939 (2) The fund shall expend money allocated to the Michigan critical industry program only to provide qualified investments to qualified businesses for deal-closing, gap financing, or other economic assistance to create or retain qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production or make capital investments, or both, as determined by the fund board. The program must provide for a detailed application, approval, and compliance process that is also published and available on the fund's website. The detailed application, approval, and compliance process must, at a minimum, provide for both of the following:
4040
4141 (a) Money allocated to the program for a fiscal year must be apportioned as follows:
4242
4343 (i) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for qualified investments to small businesses.
4444
4545 (ii) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for qualified investments to medium businesses.
4646
4747 (iii) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (iv), not more than 1/3 may be used for qualified investments to large businesses.
4848
4949 (iv) Money reserved under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is not obligated on July 1 of the fiscal year may be used for qualified investments to small businesses, medium businesses, or large businesses. As used in this subdivision:
5050
5151 (A) "Large business" means a qualified business with 250 or more employees.
5252
5353 (B) "Medium business" means a qualified business with more than 49 employees but fewer than 250 employees.
5454
5555 (C) "Small business" means a qualified business with fewer than 50 employees.
5656
5757 (b) The fund shall not award more than 50% of the money allocated to the program during a 2-year period to qualified businesses in the same critical industry.
5858
5959 (c) The fund shall not award more than 40% of the money allocated to the program for a fiscal year to qualified businesses that do not have a physical presence in this state.
6060
6161 (3) The fund shall not approve an application under this section unless all of the following requirements are met:
6262
6363 (a) The fund determines the number of jobs provided by the qualified business in this state at the time of application, excluding qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program.
6464
6565 (b) In addition to any qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program, the qualified business agrees to maintain a number of jobs that is not less than the number of baseline jobs determined under subdivision (a).
6666
6767 (c) The fund determines that land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law have been met or will be met not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed.
6868
6969 (d) The fund determines that the project does not qualify for any other economic assistance programs that would meet the project's needs and the project will not be able to move forward without funding under the program.
7070
7171 (4) (3) The In addition to the requirements under subsection (3), the fund shall consider and document at a minimum all of the following criteria to the extent reasonably applicable as reasonably determined by the fund board to the type of project proposed before entering into a written agreement for a qualified investment as provided under subsection (4):(5):
7272
7373 (a) The importance of the project to the community in which it is located.
7474
7575 (b) If the project will act as a catalyst for additional revitalization of the community in which it is located and this state.
7676
7777 (c) The amount of local community and financial support for the project.
7878
7979 (d) The applicant's financial need for a qualified investment from the critical industry program.
8080
8181 (e) The extent of reuse of vacant buildings, public or private, reuse of historic resources, and redevelopment of blighted property.
8282
8383 (f) Creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state.
8484
8585 (g) The level of other public funds including, but not limited to, the appropriation of federal or state funds and any federal or state tax credits.
8686
8787 (h) The level of any private funds, investments, or contributions into the project including, but not limited to, the qualified business's own investments in the project.
8888
8989 (i) Whether and how the project is financially and economically sound.
9090
9191 (j) Whether and how the project promotes sustainable development.
9292
9393 (k) Whether and how the project involves the rehabilitation of a historic resource.
9494
9595 (l) Whether and how the project addresses areawide redevelopment and the overall economic benefit to the existing supply chain.
9696
9797 (m) The level and extent of environmental contamination.
9898
9999 (n) Whether and how the project will compete with or affect existing Michigan businesses within the same industry.
100100
101101 (o) Whether and how the project's proximity to rail and utility will impact performance of the project and maximize energy and logistics needs in the community in which it is located and in this state.
102102
103103 (p) The risk of obsolescence of the project, products, and investments in the future.
104104
105105 (q) The overall return on investment to this state.
106106
107107 (r) Whether and how the project addresses food supply challenges.
108108
109109 (s) Any other additional criteria approved by the board that are specific to each individual project and are consistent with the purpose of this program.
110110
111111 (5) (4) If the fund determines, after making the determinations and considerations under subsection subsections (3) and (4), to award a qualified investment to a qualified business under this program, the fund shall enter into a written agreement with the qualified business that includes in a clear and concise manner all of the terms and conditions relating to the qualified investment as determined and documented by the fund board, including, but not limited to, the following:
112112
113113 (a) Specific time frames and benchmarks to be met before the qualified business receives a disbursement in installments under the critical industry program pursuant to the approved qualified investment.
114114
115115 (b) Specific terms relating to the required maintenance of baseline jobs and the required creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state. , including measurable outcomes, proration of payments for partial performance, clawback and specific repayment provisions for breach of the agreement, or for failure to meet measurable outcomes.The specific terms must include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
116116
117117 (i) The number of baseline jobs that must be maintained.
118118
119119 (ii) The number of qualified jobs that must be retained.
120120
121121 (iii) The number of qualified jobs that must be created.
122122
123123 (iv) The dates by which the qualified jobs described in subparagraph (iii) must be created.
124124
125125 (v) Proration of payment, clawback, and specific repayment provisions that comply with subsection (10).
126126
127127 (vi) An audit provision that permits the fund to determine the total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business in accordance with subsection (10).
128128
129129 (c) Specific penalties for noncompliance with the written agreement as determined by the fund.
130130
131131 (d) A provision that all money that is subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision must be paid within not later than 90 days of after notification by the fund. Any amounts not paid within that 90-day period are subject to a penalty of 1% per month, prorated on a daily basis.
132132
133133 (e) A provision that this state shall have a security interest as that term is defined in section 1201(2)(ii) 1201 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.1201, to the extent of the qualified investment. This provision does not apply if it conflicts with any contractual obligation of the qualified business or any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws.
134134
135135 (f) A provision that the qualified business will provide the data described in the written agreement that are necessary for the fund to report to the legislature as required under this program.
136136
137137 (g) A provision that the qualified business may enter into direct agreements with workforce training providers, when appropriate, as determined by the fund to meet the workforce requirements of a the qualified investment.
138138
139139 (h) A provision that the qualified business may not participate in the high-wage incentive for regional employment in (H.I.R.E.) Michigan program created under chapter 8D.
140140
141141 (i) A provision that the qualified business must meet land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, obtaining all required permits and conducting any required environmental testing.
142142
143143 (6) (5) If the fund receives a request to modify an existing written agreement for a qualified investment under this program, the fund must provide a copy of that requested modification to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 5 business days of after the receipt of the modification request. In addition to the copy of the request for modification, the notice provided under this subsection must also include the specific provisions to be modified and the rationale for considering the modification. Before the fund modifies an existing written agreement for a qualified investment, the fund must give notice of the proposed amendments and publish them on the fund's internet website at least 1 business day prior to before a public hearing on the proposed amendments. The fund shall not modify a written agreement to reduce the number of required baseline jobs. The fund shall not modify an existing written agreement to reduce the number of required qualified jobs unless the qualified investment is also reduced in an amount equal to the original job cost under the existing written agreement multiplied by the number of qualified jobs to be eliminated as a result of the modification multiplied by the penalty factor. If the fund approves and modifies an existing written agreement under this subsection, the fund must provide a copy of that amended written agreement to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 1 business day of after the modification.
144144
145145 (7) (6) If the fund board seeks to make a determination as to In determining whether a qualified investment approved under this program represents a fair exchange of value for value, the fund may consider the total value to this state of the qualified investment and the best interests of this state, including, but not limited to, any positive economic impact to this state likely to be generated by the qualified business pursuant to the written agreement for a qualified investment, especially economic impact resulting in the location of a high-economic-impact business facility in this state, increased capital investment in this state, and the creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production in this state.
146146
147147 (8) (7) The fund board shall not disburse funds allocated to the program for a qualified investment to a qualified business if that qualified business has not fully repaid all money subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision as provided in any written agreement under this act or if that qualified business is in default on any grant, loan, investment, or other economic assistance made or guaranteed by this state. All money paid to the fund pursuant to a clawback or specific repayment provision for a qualified investment under this program shall must be deposited in the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254. The fund shall not use money allocated to the program for administrative purposes. Any money that is allocated to the program that remains unexpended, unallocated, or unobligated at the end of a fiscal year shall revert reverts back to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254.
148148
149149 (9) The fund shall not award a qualified investment to a qualified business that previously received an award under the critical industry program or the Michigan strategic site readiness program created under section 88t if either of the following applies:
150150
151151 (a) Money received under the previous award was subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision.
152152
153153 (b) The qualified business was subject to a penalty under the written agreement executed in connection with the previous award.
154154
155155 (10) At the end of each year during the term of a written agreement and on expiration of the written agreement, the fund shall determine the total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business. If that number is less than the adjusted required jobs number, all of the following apply:
156156
157157 (a) The qualified business owes the fund the negative jobs penalty amount.
158158
159159 (b) The fund shall reduce future disbursements of the qualified investment as necessary to recover the negative jobs penalty amount.
160160
161161 (c) If reduction of future disbursements under subdivision (b) is insufficient to fully recover the negative jobs penalty amount, the qualified business shall pay the negative jobs penalty amount to the fund.
162162
163163 (11) The fund shall not award a qualified investment under the program after December 31, 2030.
164164
165165 (12) (8) Not later than March 15 of each year, the fund shall transmit to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies a report on the activities of the critical industry program. The report must include all of the following:
166166
167167 (a) A list of qualified businesses that received a qualified investment.
168168
169169 (b) The type of project or product approved for a qualified investment.
170170
171171 (c) The amount and type of qualified investment.
172172
173173 (d) For each separate form of qualified investment, all of the following:
174174
175175 (i) The number of qualified jobs committed or projected to be created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production when the qualified investment was applied for.
176176
177177 (ii) The actual number of qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production that are not temporary employees.
178178
179179 (iii) The average annual salary of the qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production that are not temporary employees.
180180
181181 (e) The number of baseline jobs required to be maintained by the qualified business.
182182
183183 (f) The number of baseline jobs actually maintained by the qualified business.
184184
185185 (g) (e) The duration of the qualified investment.
186186
187187 (h) (f) The amount of other financial assistance other than state resources.
188188
189189 (i) (g) Money or other revenue or property returned to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund, created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, including any clawbacks and repayments due to a breach of the written agreement.
190190
191191 (j) If a nondisclosure agreement was executed in connection with the decision to award the qualified investment, the names of the individuals who signed the nondisclosure agreement.
192192
193193 (13) (9) If the fund fails to transmit the report as required in subsection (8) (12) on or before March 15, the fund board shall not disburse funds for a qualified investment under this program until it transmits the report as required under subsection (8).(12).
194194
195195 (14) (10) The legislature finds and declares that funding provided under this program is for a public purpose and serves the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of this state.
196196
197197 (15) (11) As used in this section:
198198
199199 (a) "Adjusted required jobs number" means the sum of the following minus any previously determined negative jobs numbers:
200200
201201 (i) The number of baseline jobs.
202202
203203 (ii) The number of qualified jobs that are required to be maintained or created on the determination date.
204204
205205 (b) "Baseline jobs" means the jobs provided by the qualified business in this state at the time of application, excluding qualified jobs to be retained or created under the program, as determined under subsection (3)(a).
206206
207207 (c) "Critical industry" means an industry that plays a crucial role in the economic security, public health, or safety of this state, including, but not limited to, all of the following industries:
208208
209209 (i) Utilities.
210210
211211 (ii) Automotive.
212212
213213 (iii) Aeronautic.
214214
215215 (iv) Telecommunications.
216216
217217 (v) Oil and gas production.
218218
219219 (vi) Defense production.
220220
221221 (vii) Pharmaceutical.
222222
223223 (viii) Computer technology.
224224
225225 (d) (a) "Critical industry program" or "program" means the critical industry program created in under subsection (1).
226226
227227 (e) "Determination date" means the date a determination under subsection (10) is made.
228228
229229 (f) "Negative jobs number" means the number equal to the difference between the following:
230230
231231 (i) The adjusted required jobs number.
232232
233233 (ii) The total number of jobs actually provided by the qualified business on the determination date.
234234
235235 (g) "Negative jobs penalty amount" means the amount equal to the negative jobs number multiplied by the original job cost multiplied by the penalty factor.
236236
237237 (h) "Original job cost" means the amount of the qualified investment divided by the number of required qualified jobs.
238238
239239 (i) "Penalty factor" means 1.05.
240240
241241 (j) "Prosperity region" means each of the 10 prosperity regions identified by the department of technology, management, and budget on August 25, 2017.
242242
243243 (k) "Prosperity region median wage" means the median annual wage for the prosperity region where the facility is located based on the most recent data made available by the Michigan bureau of labor market information and strategic initiatives.
244244
245245 (l) (b) "Qualified business" means a business in a critical industry that is located in or operates in this state or will locate or will operate in this state as determined by the fund board. A qualified business may include more than 1 business as determined by the fund board.
246246
247247 (m) (c) "Qualified investment" means a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a project subject to a written agreement with a qualified business under this program. Qualified investment includes a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production, infrastructure improvements, other capital investments, the purchase or acquisition of heavy machinery, or other assistance, including, but not limited to, an agreement providing for assistance via the transportation economic development fund created under section 2 of 1987 PA 231, MCL 247.902. Qualified investment also includes a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for job training opportunities or workforce development and education, or both.
248248
249249 (n) (d) "Qualified job" means a permanent job that meets both of the following requirements:
250250
251251 (i) Is performed by an individual who is a resident of this state whose Michigan income taxes are withheld by an employer, or an employee leasing company or professional employer organization on behalf of the employer, or by an individual who is not a resident of this state and is employed by a business at a project location that is located in this state, as determined and verified by the fund.
252252
253253 (ii) Pays not less than 175% of the prosperity region median wage.
254254
255255 (o) "Required baseline job" means a baseline job required to be maintained under a written agreement.
256256
257257 (p) "Required qualified job" means a qualified job required to be retained or created under a written agreement.
258258
259259 Sec. 88t. (1) The fund shall create and operate the Michigan strategic site readiness program. The fund shall use the program money transferred from the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254, or money appropriated to the program to make grants, loans, or other economic assistance under this program.
260260
261261 (2) The fund shall expend money allocated to the Michigan strategic site readiness program only to provide grants, loans, and other economic assistance for eligible applicants to conduct eligible activities for the purpose of creating investment-ready sites to attract and promote investment in this state for eligible activities on, or related to, strategic sites and mega-strategic sites. The program must provide for a detailed application, approval, and compliance process that is also published and available on the fund's website. The detailed application, approval, and compliance process must, at a minimum, provide for all of the following:
262262
263263 (a) An eligible applicant may apply for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance in a form and manner determined by the fund.
264264
265265 (b) The fund shall establish separate application criteria for mega-strategic sites and for strategic sites that are not mega-strategic sites and for sites that have, and that do not have, a specifically identified end user.
266266
267267 (c) Money allocated to the program for a fiscal year must be apportioned as follows:
268268
269269 (i) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for grants, loans, or economic assistance for small sites.
270270
271271 (ii) Not less than 1/3 must be reserved for grants, loans, or economic assistance for medium sites.
272272
273273 (iii) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (iv), not more than 1/3 may be used for grants, loans, or economic assistance for large sites.
274274
275275 (iv) Money reserved under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is not obligated on July 1 of the fiscal year may be used for grants, loans, or economic assistance for small sites, medium sites, or large sites. As used in this subdivision:
276276
277277 (A) "Large site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with 250 or more employees.
278278
279279 (B) "Medium site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with more than 49 employees but fewer than 250 employees.
280280
281281 (C) "Small site" means a mega-strategic site or strategic site that is intended for an end user with fewer than 50 employees.
282282
283283 (d) The fund shall not award more than 15% of the money allocated to the program to a single prosperity region.
284284
285285 (e) The fund shall not award more than 40% of the money allocated to the program for a fiscal year to sites for which a specific person has been identified as the end user of the site.
286286
287287 (3) The fund shall not approve an application under this section unless both of the following requirements are met:
288288
289289 (a) The fund determines that land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law have been met or will be met not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed.
290290
291291 (b) The fund determines that the project does not qualify for any other economic assistance programs that would meet the project's needs and the project will not be able to move forward without funding under the program.
292292
293293 (4) (3) Before approving an application under this section, in addition to the requirements under subsection (3), the fund shall consider and document, at a minimum, all of the following criteria to the extent reasonably applicable as reasonably determined by the fund board to the type of project proposed before entering into a written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance as provided under this program:
294294
295295 (a) The importance of the project or eligible activities to the community in which it is located.
296296
297297 (b) If the project will act as a catalyst for additional revitalization of the community in which it is located and this state.
298298
299299 (c) The amount of local community and financial support for the project.
300300
301301 (d) The amount of any other economic assistance or support provided by this state for the project.
302302
303303 (e) The amount of any other economic assistance or support provided by the federal government for the project including, but not limited to, federal appropriations or tax credits.
304304
305305 (f) The amount of any private funds or investments for the project including the applicant's own investments in the project.
306306
307307 (g) The applicant's financial need for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program.
308308
309309 (h) The extent of reuse of vacant buildings, public or private, reuse of historic resources, and redevelopment of blighted property.
310310
311311 (i) Creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production at the project location and within this state.
312312
313313 (j) Whether and how the project is financially and economically sound.
314314
315315 (k) Whether and how the project converts abandoned public buildings to private use.
316316
317317 (l) Whether and how the project promotes sustainable development.
318318
319319 (m) Whether and how the project involves the rehabilitation of a historic resource.
320320
321321 (n) Whether and how the project addresses areawide redevelopment.
322322
323323 (o) Whether and how the project addresses underserved markets of commerce.
324324
325325 (p) The level and extent of environmental contamination.
326326
327327 (q) Whether and how the project will compete with or affect existing Michigan businesses within the same industry.
328328
329329 (r) Whether and how the project's proximity to rail and utility will impact performance of the project and maximize energy and logistics needs in the community in which it is located and in this state.
330330
331331 (s) The risk of obsolescence of the project, products, and investments in the future.
332332
333333 (t) The overall return on investment to this state.
334334
335335 (u) Whether the proposed strategic site or mega-strategic site is incorporated into a strategic plan of a political subdivision of this state.
336336
337337 (v) Any other additional criteria approved by the fund board that are specific to each individual project and are consistent with the purpose of this program.
338338
339339 (5) (4) If the fund determines, after the determinations and considerations under subsection subsections (3) and (4), to provide a grant, loan, or other economic assistance to an eligible applicant under this program, the fund shall enter into a written agreement with the eligible applicant that includes in a clear and concise manner all of the terms and conditions related to the grant, loan, or other economic assistance as determined and documented by the fund board, including, but not limited to, the following:
340340
341341 (a) Specific dates and benchmarks for the eligible applicant to receive a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, including conditions for the disbursement of funds in installments.
342342
343343 (b) For a grant, loan, or other economic assistance provided to a person identified as the end user of the site, a both of the following:
344344
345345 (i) A provision that the end user may not participate in the high-wage incentive for regional employment in (H.I.R.E.) Michigan program created under chapter 8D.
346346
347347 (ii) A clawback and specific repayment provision if the person fails to comply with the provisions of the written agreement.
348348
349349 (c) A provision that all money that is subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision must be paid within not later than 90 days of after notification by the fund. Any amounts not paid within that 90-day period are subject to a penalty of 1% per month, prorated on a daily basis.
350350
351351 (d) A provision that this state shall have a security interest as that term is defined in section 1201(2)(ii) 1201 of the uniform commercial code, 1962 PA 174, MCL 440.1201, to the extent of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance provided under this program. This provision does not apply if it conflicts with any contractual obligation of the eligible applicant or any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws.
352352
353353 (e) An audit provision that requires the fund to verify that the established benchmarks for the project have been met.
354354
355355 (f) A provision that the eligible applicant must meet land use, utility, environmental, energy, and zoning requirements applicable to the project under state and local law not later than 1 year after the date the written agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, obtaining all required permits and conducting any required environmental testing.
356356
357357 (6) (5) In addition to the considerations under subsection (3), in determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a strategic site for which an end user has not been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, as reasonably determined by the fund board, at a minimum all of the following:
358358
359359 (a) The degree to which the proposed site demonstrates a high level of competitiveness for future development, considering and documenting all of the following:
360360
361361 (i) Whether the proposed site is currently assembled.
362362
363363 (ii) Whether the proposed site is under site control.
364364
365365 (iii) Whether the proposed site is of a size, configuration, location, and condition that makes the site substantially ready for marketing and competitive for development upon on completion of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance proposed to be offered under this program and demonstrated matching contributions.
366366
367367 (b) Whether the proposed investment will result in the elimination of blight and the remediation of environmental contamination.
368368
369369 (c) The degree of local matching contributions.
370370
371371 (d) Whether the award will promote geographic equity in the distribution of funds between different areas of this state.
372372
373373 (e) Whether the eligible applicant has pursued all available cost-containment measures.
374374
375375 (7) (6) In determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a mega-strategic site for which an end user has not been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, in addition to the criteria in subsections (3) (4) and (5)(a), (6)(a), at a minimum all of the following criteria related to the strategic basis for the investment and feasibility of the investment:
376376
377377 (a) Whether the proposed mega-strategic site is supported by a strategic analysis that supports the demand for that site.
378378
379379 (b) The feasibility of proposed land acquisition.
380380
381381 (c) Utility and transportation availability, and the feasibility of necessary utility and transportation improvements.
382382
383383 (d) Workforce availability and training capability.
384384
385385 (e) Environmental and topographical conditions, and the feasibility of necessary site improvements to address environmental and topographical conditions.
386386
387387 (8) (7) In addition to the considerations under subsection (3), (4), in determining whether to approve a grant, loan, or other economic assistance for a project for which an end user has been specifically identified, the fund shall consider and document, as reasonably determined by the fund board, all of the following:
388388
389389 (a) The strategic economic importance of the project to the community in which it is located and to this state.
390390
391391 (b) Whether the financial assistance is needed to secure the project in this state.
392392
393393 (c) The degree to which the project is a priority for the local governmental unit or local economic development corporation in the jurisdiction of which the site is located.
394394
395395 (d) The level of creation or retention of qualified jobs as a result of a technological shift in product or production.
396396
397397 (e) Whether the qualified jobs created or retained as a result of a technological shift in product or production equal or exceed the average wage for the county in which the project is located.
398398
399399 (f) The level of capital investment.
400400
401401 (g) The evidence of the end user's commitment to the site.
402402
403403 (9) (8) If the fund receives a request to modify an existing written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, the fund must provide a copy of that requested modification to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 5 business days of after the receipt of the modification request. In addition to the copy of the request for modification, the notice provided under this subsection must also include the specific provisions to be modified and the rationale for considering the modification. Before the fund modifies an existing written agreement for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program, the fund must give notice of the proposed amendments and publish them on the fund's internet website at least 1 business day prior to before a public hearing on the proposed amendments. If the fund approves and modifies an existing written agreement under this subsection, the fund must provide a copy of that amended written agreement to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies within not later than 1 business day of after the modification.
404404
405405 (10) (9) In making an award for a mega-strategic site under this program that does not have a specifically identified end user, the fund, working in collaboration with the eligible applicant, shall prepare a mega-strategic site investment strategy and spending plan that details the sequence and cost of anticipated investments in the selected mega-strategic site, the benchmarks for bringing the mega-strategic site to a marketable condition, and the marketing strategy for the mega-site. Each plan must have the objective of establishing a certified mega-strategic site under a nationally recognized third-party certification program.
406406
407407 (11) (10) The fund shall post on its website or post on the website of the Michigan economic development corporation, not less than every 3 months, the name of the eligible applicant or applicants, the location of each site that received a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program in that period, and the amount of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance.
408408
409409 (12) (11) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the program may make grants and provide technical assistance to local economic development corporations for the purpose of creating an inventory of development-ready sites, provided that if the inventory shall utilize utilizes nationally recognized criteria to identify the readiness of those sites for investment, and provided further that if the fund shall maintain maintains a comprehensive inventory of those sites on its website. The inventory maintained on the website shall must include in an interactive and user-friendly manner a listing of all local and state development-ready sites and any pictures, maps, and other documentation related to those sites.
410410
411411 (13) (12) The fund board shall not disburse money from the program for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance to an eligible applicant if that eligible applicant has not fully repaid all money subject to clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision as provided in any written agreement under this act or if that eligible applicant is in default on any grant, loan, or other economic assistance made or guaranteed by this state. All money paid to the fund pursuant to a clawback or specific repayment provision for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program shall be deposited in the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254. general fund. The fund shall not use money allocated to the program for administrative purposes. Any money that is allocated to the program that remains unexpended, unallocated, or unobligated at the end of the fiscal year shall revert reverts back to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund created in section 4 of the Michigan trust fund act, 2000 PA 489, MCL 12.254.general fund.
412412
413413 (14) The fund shall not award a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under the Michigan strategic site readiness program for a strategic site or mega-strategic site if the eligible applicant or the owner or end user of the site previously received an award under the Michigan strategic site readiness program or the critical industry program created under section 88s and either of the following applies:
414414
415415 (a) Money received under the previous award was subject to a clawback or required to be repaid under a specific repayment provision.
416416
417417 (b) The applicant, owner, or end user was subject to a penalty under the written agreement executed in connection with the previous award.
418418
419419 (15) The fund shall not award a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under the program after December 31, 2030.
420420
421421 (16) (13) Not later than March 15 of each year, the fund shall transmit to each member of the legislature, the governor, the clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, and the senate and house fiscal agencies a report on the activities of the Michigan strategic site readiness fund. The report must include all of the following:
422422
423423 (a) A list of eligible applicants that received a grant, loan, or other economic assistance.
424424
425425 (b) The type of project or eligible activities approved for an award under this program.
426426
427427 (c) The amount and type of each award.
428428
429429 (d) The duration of the grant, loan, or other economic assistance.
430430
431431 (e) The amount of other financial assistance other than state resources.
432432
433433 (f) Money or other revenue or property returned to the strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund, including any clawbacks and repayments due to a breach of the written agreement.
434434
435435 (g) If a nondisclosure agreement was executed in connection with the decision to award the grant, loan, or other economic assistance, the names of the individuals who signed the nondisclosure agreement.
436436
437437 (17) (14) If the fund fails to transmit the report as required in subsection (13) (16) on or before March 15, the fund board shall not disburse money for a grant, loan, or other economic assistance under this program until it transmits the report as required under subsection (13).(16).
438438
439439 (18) (15) The legislature finds and declares that funding provided under this program is for a public purpose and serves the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of this state.
440440
441441 (19) (16) As used in this section:
442442
443443 (a) "Eligible activities" means, with respect to a site that is the subject of an application under this program, 1 or more of the following:
444444
445445 (i) Land acquisition and assembly.
446446
447447 (ii) Site preparation and improvement.
448448
449449 (iii) Infrastructure improvements that directly benefit the site, including, but not limited to, transportation infrastructure, water and wastewater infrastructure, and utilities necessary to service the site.
450450
451451 (iv) Any demolition, construction, alteration, rehabilitation, or improvement of buildings on the site.
452452
453453 (v) Environmental remediation.
454454
455455 (vi) Architectural, engineering, surveying, and similar professional fees.
456456
457457 (b) "Eligible applicant" means an applicant that is 1 or more of the following:
458458
459459 (i) A political subdivision of this state, including, but not limited to, a county, city, village, township, charter township, or instrumentality of a county, city, village, township, or charter township.
460460
461461 (ii) A local economic development corporation or similar entity.
462462
463463 (iii) A person who is the owner of the site for which the improvements are proposed, but who is not the end user of that site, provided that if that person must apply applies jointly with an applicant under subparagraph (i) or (ii).
464464
465465 (iv) In the case of an application for a site for which a specific person has been identified as the end user, the person that is or will be the end user of that site.
466466
467467 (c) "End user" means the person, either directly or through an affiliate, that will establish and operate the manufacturing or other commercial enterprise that constitutes the end use of the improved site.
468468
469469 (d) "Mega-strategic site" means a strategic site that is or will be used for a large industrial project.
470470
471471 (e) "Michigan strategic site readiness program" or "program" means the Michigan strategic site readiness program created in under subsection (1).
472472
473473 (f) "Qualified job" means a job performed by an individual who is a resident of this state whose Michigan income taxes are withheld by an employer, or an employee leasing company or professional employer organization on behalf of the employer, or by an individual who is not a resident of this state and is employed by a business at a project location that is located in this state, as determined and verified by the fund.
474474
475475 (g) "Strategic site" means a site, whether publicly or privately owned, that is, or subsequent to a proposed acquisition will be, used for manufacturing or other commercial use.
476476
477477 Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect unless all of the following bills of the 102nd Legislature are enacted into law:
478478
479479 (a) House Bill No. 5136.
480480
481481 (b) House Bill No. 5138.
482482
483483 (c) House Bill No. 5413.
484484
485485 (d) Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No. 5680 (request no. 05692'24 *).
486486
487487 (e) Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No. 5681 (request no. 05693'24 *).