CDBG "job pirating" ban effective Feb. '06

An interim rule out from HUD today is about to limit the use of Community Development Block Grants for "job pirating." "The rule also applies to section 108 loan guarantees, and the use of Brownfields Economic Development Initiative and Economic Development Initiative funds with section 108 loan guarantees and CDBG funding." Grant-funded projects will be barred from helping to move "any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation" out of one labor market into another, where job losses in the former market could result. The rule is effective Feb. 21, 2006, the same day comments are due. It follows a Proposed Rule issued all the way back on Oct. 24, 2000.