1. This section, section 100.277, and sections 135.950 to 135.973 shall be known and may be cited as the “Jobs Now Act”.

2. There shall be created a “Jobs Now Recommendation Committee”, comprised of representatives of the department of economic development, the department of agriculture, the department of natural resources, and the department of transportation. The committee shall establish application materials and procedures for development agencies to apply to the board for grants or low-interest or interest-free loans for the purpose of funding jobs now projects.

3. Applications shall be submitted simultaneously to the committee and the board. The committee shall review the applications and prepare and submit analyses and recommendations to the board for a determination as to approval or denial of grants or loans from the jobs now fund.

4. In reviewing applications, the board shall give preference to redevelopment projects that protect natural resources or rehabilitate existing dilapidated or inadequate infrastructure in areas defined under section 135.530.

5. After reviewing applications and such other information as the board may require, the board may grant all or a part of a grant or loan request, provided the board determines:

(1) The jobs now project:

(a) Will not happen without the grant or loan from the board; or

(b) Will have a significant local economic impact; or

(c) Demonstrates high levels of job creation;

(2) In the case of a low-interest or interest-free loan, the jobs now project will generate sufficient revenues or the borrower will otherwise have sufficient revenues available to enable the borrower to repay the loan to the jobs now fund, along with any interest to be charged; and

(3) No loan or grant may exceed two million dollars.