A. 1. The Authority may seek and approve loans and solicit donations, grants, and any other funding from the Commonwealth, the federal government, and regional, local government, and private entities to carry out its purposes, powers, and duties;
2. The Authority will assist the region in obtaining necessary job training or employment-related education, leadership and civic development, and business development, especially entrepreneurship for the coastal region;
3. The Authority will provide special assistance to distressed and underdeveloped counties within the coastal region; and
4. The Authority will fund demonstration projects, and conduct research, evaluations, and assessments of the coastal region’s assets and needs.
B. Agencies of the Commonwealth shall review grant program eligibility requirements, and amend such requirements as appropriate, for purposes of recognizing the unique socioeconomic and demographic challenges faced by rural coastal localities and the inability to qualify for financial assistance.