Section 32-4q - Innovation Corridor and Connecticut Communities Challenge programs; funding; application process; criteria(a) On and after July 1, 2021, and until June 30, 2024, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, in coordination with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may, for the purposes of implementing the state's Economic Action Plan, use bond funds, funding received as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L. 117-2, as amended from time to time, and available resources, to provide (1) not more than one hundred million dollars in the aggregate for grants in support of major projects selected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and (2) not more than one hundred million dollars in the aggregate for community development grants awarded pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. Total funding for grants provided pursuant to subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not exceed two hundred million dollars in the aggregate.(b) On and after July 1, 2021, and until June 30, 2024, the Department of Economic and Community Development may establish an Innovation Corridor program, which shall provide grants for major projects in the state. The department shall develop a competitive application process and criteria consistent with the purposes of the state's Economic Action Plan to (1) evaluate applications submitted pursuant to this subsection, and (2) select projects for funding pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section.(c) On and after July 1, 2021, and until June 30, 2024, the Department of Economic and Community Development may establish a Connecticut Communities Challenge program, which shall provide community development grants. The department shall develop a competitive application process and criteria consistent with the purposes of the state's Economic Action Plan to (1) evaluate applications submitted pursuant to this subsection, and (2) select community development projects for funding pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section.Amended by P.A. 22-0118, S. 155 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2022 Regular Session, eff. 5/7/2022.Amended by P.A. 22-0050, S. 2 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2022 Regular Session, eff. 5/23/2022.Added by P.A. 21-0002, S. 488 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2021 Special Session, eff. 7/1/2021.