1. (1) There is created the Rural Employment Expansion Grant Program administered by the office.

2. (2) The office shall:

   1. (a) review a business entity's application for a grant in the order in which the application is received by the office;
   2. (b) ensure that a grant is only awarded to a business entity that meets the requirements of this part; and

   3. (c) as part of the annual written report described in Section 63N-1a-306, prepare an annual evaluation that provides:

      1. (i) the identity of each business entity that was provided a grant by the office during the year of the annual report;
      2. (ii) the total amount awarded in grants for each county; and
      3. (iii) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the grant in bringing significant new employment to rural communities.

3. (3) The office may:

   1. (a) authorize a grant for a business entity under this part;

   2. (b) audit a business entity to ensure:

      1. (i) eligibility for a grant; and
      2. (ii) compliance with this part; and

   3. (c) in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and in accordance with the provisions of this part, make rules regarding the:

      1. (i) form and content of an application for a grant;
      2. (ii) documentation or other requirements for a business entity to receive a grant; and
      3. (iii) administration of grants, including an appeal process and relevant timelines and deadlines.

Amended by Chapter 362, 2022 General Session