---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 12655h"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "12655h"
heading: "Preference for certain projects"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/12655h"
units:
  - "Chapter 129 — National and Community Service"
  - "Subchapter I — National and Community Service State Grant Program"
  - "Division I — American Conservation and Youth Service Corps"
---

# §12655h. Preference for certain projects

- (a) **In general—** In the consideration of applications submitted under [section 12655b of this title](/usc/42/12655b.md), the [Corporation](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=2) shall give preference to [programs](/usc/42/12626.md?p=8) that—
  - (1) will provide long-term benefits to the public;
  - (2) will instill a work ethic and a sense of public service in the participants;
  - (3) will be labor intensive, and involve youth operating in crews;
  - (4) can be planned and initiated promptly; and
  - (5) will enhance skills development and educational level and opportunities for the participants.
- (b) **Special rule—** In the consideration of applications under this division the [Corporation](/usc/42/2297h.md?p=2) shall ensure the equitable [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) of both urban and rural areas.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 101–610, title I, § 199H, formerly § 129, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3146; renumbered § 199I, renumbered § 199H, and amended Pub. L. 103–82, title I, § 101(a), (e)(1), (7), (8)(B), Sept. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 788, 815, 816.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 12549 of this title prior to renumbering by Pub. L. 103–82, § 101(a).

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 199H of Pub. L. 101–610 was classified to section 12655g of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–82, § 101(e)(8)(A).

### Amendments

1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–82, § 101(e)(1), (7), in introductory provisions, substituted “Corporation” for “Commission” and “section 12655b” for “section 12543”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–82, § 101(e)(1), substituted “Corporation” for “Commission”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–82 effective Oct. 1, 1993, see section 123 of Pub. L. 103–82, set out as a note under section 1701 of Title 16, Conservation.