Alabama Administrative Code Title 305 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 305, is dedicated to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). ADECA is a vital state agency that serves as a conduit for federal and state funding, resources, and technical assistance to communities, businesses, and individuals across Alabama. Its overarching mission is to improve the quality of life for Alabamians by fostering community and economic development.
ADECA operates under the authority of Title 41, Chapter 23 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The administrative rules in Title 305 provide the detailed regulations for the various programs and functions that ADECA oversees.
Given ADECA's broad responsibilities, Title 305 is extensive and covers a wide range of programs administered by its different divisions. Key areas you would find regulated include:
I. Grant Programs (Administering Federal and State Funds): ADECA is a primary administrator of many federal grant programs in Alabama. The rules detail the eligibility, application, award, and compliance requirements for these grants. Examples include:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Rules for local governments to apply for CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, economic development, public facilities, and housing rehabilitation.
Energy Programs: Regulations related to energy efficiency, renewable energy initiatives, and assistance programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety: Rules for grant programs aimed at improving law enforcement capabilities, supporting victims of crime, and promoting traffic safety (often funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and NHTSA).
Recreation Development: Guidelines for grants for public parks, recreational facilities, and trails.
Broadband Accessibility: As a growing focus, ADECA administers funds and sets rules for projects aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the state.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Funds: Rules for programs funded through the ARC to promote economic development in Alabama's Appalachian counties.
II. Water Resources Management:
Office of Water Resources: Regulations governing the activities of the Office of Water Resources, which is part of ADECA. This includes:
Water Use Reporting: Requirements for entities to report their water usage.
Floodplain Management: Rules related to floodplain planning and management.
Drought Planning: Guidelines for managing water resources during drought conditions.
Water Resource Planning and Policy: General rules concerning the state's overall water resource management.
Alabama Water Resources Commission: The Administrative Code might also include procedural rules for the Alabama Water Resources Commission, which is affiliated with ADECA's Office of Water Resources and advises on state water policy.
III. Surplus Property:
Division of Surplus Property: Regulations for the acquisition and distribution of surplus state and federal property to eligible entities, such as local governments, schools, and non-profit organizations. This can include:
Procedures for eligibility and application.
Auction rules for surplus property.
Rules for the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) program, which distributes surplus military equipment to law enforcement agencies.
IV. Administrative Procedures:
General Administration: Rules for ADECA's internal operations, financial management, and compliance with state and federal administrative requirements.
Fair Hearing Policies: Procedures for appeals and fair hearings related to program eligibility or decisions affecting grant recipients or individuals.
In essence, Title 305 of the Alabama Administrative Code provides the regulatory framework that allows ADECA to effectively administer a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at "Building Better Alabama Communities" by providing critical funding, resources, and technical expertise across a wide range of community and economic development needs.
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