Showing posts with label municipal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label municipal. Show all posts

Friday, June 25, 2010

EDA Deadline Reminder, June 30

Note: This program is especially applicable if you are seeking infrastructure funding related to economic development or job creation (industrial parks, etc).

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is soliciting applications for the EDA American Recovery Program under the auspices of PWEDA. Specifically, the FFO pertains to applications for funding under EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs only. Under this FFO, EDA will give priority consideration to those applications that will significantly benefit regions “that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring,” as stipulated under the Recovery Act. EDA provides financial assistance to distressed communities in both urban and rural regions. Such distress may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant declines in per capita income, large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, trade impacts, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources, reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities.

EDA’s experience has shown that regional economic development to help alleviate these conditions is effected primarily through investments and decisions made by the private sector. Under the EDA American Recovery Program, EDA will help restore, replace and expand economic activity in regions that have experienced sudden and severe economic dislocation and job loss due to corporate restructuring, and prioritize projects that will diversify the economic base and lead to a stronger, more globally competitive and resilient regional economy. EDA’s economic development activities help create jobs by encouraging business inception and growth.

Deadline: Jun 30, 2010
Funds are available for obligation until September 30, 2010; however, it takes a minimum of 90 days from EDA's receipt of a complete application until award, when funds are obligated.

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes
Grants are generally 50%, however, exceptionally distressed areas may apply for up to 30% more. In-kind contributions are acceptable towards match.

Eligible Applicants:
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)


Additional Information on Eligibility:

PLEASE NOTE: For-profit, private-sector entities and individuals do not qualify for investment assistance under the Public Works or Economic Adjustment Assistance programs, which are the applicable programs under this announcement. Pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.)(PWEDA), eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include a(n): (i) District Organization; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. See section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. Projects eligible for Public Works or Economic Adjustment investment assistance include those projects located in regions meeting “Special Need” criteria (as defined in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3), as set forth in section VII. of this announcement.

Contact us for more information!

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Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Community Development Block Grants, Deadline June 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT
THE MICHIGAN STRATEGIC FUND
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

The program will provide funds to Michigan’s non-entitlement communities for Community Development Block Grant Recovery (CDBG-R) eligible projects that meet the national objective of benefiting low/mod income persons and other regulatory requirements.

Communities are invited to submit one (1) project that will have eligible job creation. Proposals may be submitted for a variety of projects which include: hard development costs associated with infrastructure activities that provide basic services to residents or activities that promote energy efficiency and conservation through rehabilitation or retrofitting of existing buildings.

Prohibited Projects
No consideration will be given to the following projects: swimming pools, golf courses, zoos, aquariums , casinos or other gambling establishments, buildings for general conduct of government, political activities, purchase of equipment and operating and maintenance expenses.

There are no federal requirements for a local cash match or other type of funding match. However, preference will be given for projects that rely on other sources of funding. Projects with a completion deadline in 2010 will be scored favorably. Projects with a start date after April 30, 2011, will not be scored.

Grants will only be made directly to the qualifying community.
Proposals are DUE by June 1, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rural Emergency Responders Initiative - USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides funding for the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. The community facilities program funds are used to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.

Funds may be used to finance equipment, vehicles, and/or buildings for the following types of projects:
  • Fire Protection
  • Rescue/Ambulance
  • Law Enforcement
  • Civil Defense/Early Warning Systems
  • Mobile/Stationary Communications
  • Emergency Responders Training Facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care
  • Physician’s Clinics
  • Migrant Health Centers
  • Healthcare Office Buildings
  • County Health Department Offices
  • Food Preparation Distribution Centers
  • Animal Shelters

Rural Development, through its community facilities program, provides financial assistance to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.
These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes.

Purchase or Construction includes:
- Jail
- Fire Trucks
- Fire Department Buildings
- Police Stations
- Multi Service Buildings FRPS
- Mobile Communications Center
- Civil Defense Buildings
- Rescue and Ambulance Service Buildings
- Rescue and Ambulance and Equipment
- Service Communications Centers
- Architectural & Engineering fees, right of way and easements


Contact us for more information!

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

MI Coastal Management Program, Due 5/15


It's time to get working on those coastal management program grant applications!


The guidance document outlines the basics:

Funds are being made available to encourage projects that reflect Michigan's Coastal Management Program (MCMP) objectives which include:

* Create and enhance coastal public access

* Protect, manage, and restore coastal resources, habitats, and watersheds

* Control development in erosion and flood hazard areas

* Research and educational outreach on Great Lakes and coastal issues

* Preserve and restore historic coastal structures important to Great Lakes maritime heritage

* Redevelop urban waterfronts, brownfields, and ports

* Protect coastal water quality and reduce nonpoint source pollution in coastal watersheds

* Minimize the adverse impacts of coastal growth and development

* Research, planning and zoning initiatives addressing the siting of wind energy facilities in the context of ensuring coastal resource protection


Who is eligible to apply?

* Coastal units of government including cities, counties, villages, and townships

* Area-wide agencies including regional planning agencies and conservation districts

* State agencies

* Universities and school districts

* Tribal governments

* Nonprofit organizations (non-construction projects only)

Important: Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to receive funding for construction. Nonprofit organizations wishing to use grant funding for construction projects on public lands, must apply through an eligible public entity. This eligible entity must provide assurance of public ownership.

What kinds of coastal projects are eligible for funding?

A. Studies, Designs and Land Use Plans: $60,000 maximum grant request. 1:1 non-federal match required for all projects except those specifically outlined in the Waiver of Match Requirements section. Projects may include:

* Site design, planning, and engineering for recreational sites and waterfront redevelopment

* Habitat restoration and resource management plans

* Maritime history interpretation, and historic structure restoration planning

* Coastal educational materials

* Natural features inventories

* Research on Great Lakes and coastal issues

* Studies for economic development planning, including ports and harbors

* Community master planning and zoning addressing management of coastal resources

* Watershed management plans

* Geographic Information System data development and mapping for coastal management

* Feasibility studies


Waiver of Match Requirements

The MCMP will consider waiving the 1:1 match requirement for proposals in specific categories of non-construction projects eligible for funding under Section 309 of the Coastal Zone Management Act, including:

∗ Development of community land use plans and zoning ordinances based on Smart Growth principles for coastal and waterfront communities (see http://coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov/ for information). Joint (multi-community) plans and ordinances are preferred

∗ Development of multi-community plans for protecting and managing coastal habitats and habitat corridors, including the associated research, inventories, and GIS data. Plans that include management of state-designated High Risk Erosion Areas, Environmental Areas, and Critical Dune Areas are preferred∗ Development of multi-community plans for establishing coastal greenways, blueways, and other trail systems for non-motorized recreation and public access, including the associated research, inventories, and GIS data3EQP 3594 (Rev. 02/10)

∗ Research, inventories, GIS data development, plans, and other projects that inform the planning and siting of coastal and offshore alternative energy infrastructure, and support the protection and management of natural, cultural, and historic resources

∗ Research, studies, and education/outreach efforts regarding the feasibility of low impact alternatives (i.e. beach nourishment, bio-engineering) to traditional shoreline armoring approaches.

∗ Development of coastal GIS parcel data in communities that contain designated High Risk Erosion Areas, Environmental Areas, and/or Critical Dune Areas


Competition for grant funds with no match requirement is expected to be intense. Applicants submitting proposals with substantially less than 1:1 match identified should understand that this significantly limits MCMP options for funding the projects. We urge all applicants to submit proposals including 1:1 match. All land use planning and GIS proposals must have a direct connection to coastal planning and/or coastal resource protection. This connection, along with ways in which the project will improve local coastal management, should be clearly described in the grant application.


B. Construction: $5,000 minimum and $50,000 maximum grant request. 1:1 non-federal match required for all projects. Projects may include:

* Habitat restoration and coastal resource protection

* Barrier-free retrofitting

* Low-cost construction projects, for example: boardwalks, scenic overlooks, educational and/or interpretive displays, trails, and bio-engineering shore protection demonstration projects

* Lighthouse restoration and preservation


Allowable construction projects are defined under Section 306A of the Coastal Zone Management Act. A project that involves any physical change to a site or existing structure is considered construction. All construction projects must be open to the general public, located on public land or secured through long-term lease (20 years minimum), and barrier-free accessible. MCMP project signs, (supplied by MCMP) acknowledging funding and displaying appropriate NOAA and state logos, must be permanently placed at project sites.


What kinds of coastal projects are NOT eligible for funding?

* Restroom facilities

* General recreational facilities (e.g., playground equipment, ball fields and courts)

* Maintenance of existing structures

* Hard shoreline armoring (rip-rap, sheet pile, gabions, etc.)

* Brick and mortar construction

* Dredging

* Design or construction of roadways

* Water and sewer line construction

* GIS-purchase of hardware

* GIS-maintenance activities (maintaining data)

* GIS-parcel mapping outside of coastal areas

* Demolition

* Chemical treatment and mechanical or manual removal of invasive species

* Recreation plans

* Dam improvements

* Drain improvements


Where projects must be located to be eligible for funding?All construction projects must be within Michigan's coastal boundary that generally lies 1,000 feet inland from the ordinary high water mark of the Great Lakes. Included within the boundary are coastal cities, state parks, coastal lakes, coastal floodplains, Great Lakes connecting waters, coastal river mouths, bays, and designated sand dune areas. Coastal boundary maps are available at www.michigan.gov/deqcoastal or you may call staff of the MCMP at 517-335-3168.4


EQP 3594 (Rev. 02/10)All project areas for studies, designs, land use master plans, local ordinances, GIS data development, and nonpoint pollution control must directly relate to protection or management of coastal resources or water quality.
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Fish Habitat Grants, Due Feb 12


US Fish & Wildlife has announced that the Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership (Partnership) received funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to complete on-the-ground fish habitat projects. The Partnership recognizes that most work to protect, restore and enhance fish habitat will be done at the local level by local watershed associations, municipalities, tribes, states and non-governmental organizations. The Partnership will work with organizations to encourage local conservation actions that fit within the Partnership’s Strategic Plan priorities. Up to $1 million will be available for habitat projects. A “project” is defined as an action that will protect, restore or enhance Great Lakes fish habitat. Project proposals will be compiled, ranked by a subcommittee of the Partnership and submitted to the Partnership’s Steering Committee for review. These funds are available through a portion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative allocation, so the Service will be responsible for making final funding decisions.


Focus areas for 2010 funding are:

1) Fish habitat protection and restoration, specific to one or more of the following: a) Tributary stream restoration or protection to improve fish and aquatic species passage, riparian habitat, large woody debris, water temperatures, natural stream flow functions, or natural stream channel form; b) Coastal and connecting channel wetland restoration, enhancement and protection; c) Connecting channel restoration or protection to improve fish and aquatic species passage and/or riparian habitat.

2) Inventory and assessment of habitats in local watersheds that will lead directly to future on-the-ground projects. We will limit funding for the second focus area to no more than 25 percent of available project funds.


Eligible applicants include:

State governments

County governments

City or township governments

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)



Expected Number of Awards:
12
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$1,000,000
Award Ceiling:
$500,000
Award Floor:
$10,000


There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Contact us for more information!
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Friday, December 18, 2009

Pipeline Safety Grant Program, Deadline Jan 18

Applicants for Technical Assistance Grants must be local communities or groups of individuals (not including for-profit entities) relating to the safety of pipeline facilities in local communities, other than facilities regulated under Public Law 93-153 (43 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.). Eligible applicants include cities, towns, villages, counties, parishes, townships, and similar governmental subdivisions, or consortiums of such subdivisions. A nongovernmental group of individuals is eligible for a grant under the Technical Assistance Grant program if the group’s members are affected or potentially affected individuals who are, or are willing to become, incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state where they are located.

Agency Name
Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration
Description
The Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) program, first authorized in the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-355, codified at 49 U.S.C. 60130), offers new opportunities to strengthen the depth and quality of public participation in pipeline safety matters. Section 9 of the Act, titled: “Pipeline Safety Information Grants to Communities” authorized the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to local communities and organizations for technical assistance relating to pipeline safety issues. The TAG program was then amended by Section 5 of the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006. However, FY 2009 was the first year in which PHMSA has received appropriations to fund the grant program. These grants will allow communities and groups of individuals to obtain funding for technical assistance in the form of engineering or other scientific analysis of pipeline safety issues and help promote public participation in official proceedings. For purposes of grants eligibility, local communities are defined as cities, towns, villages, counties, parishes, townships, and similar governmental subdivisions, or consortiums of such subdivisions. A nongovernmental group of individuals is eligible for a grant under the TAG program if its members are affected or potentially affected by pipeline safety issues. Buzz this

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Rural Development and Renewable Energy


A bulletin today from USDA Rural Development:


USDA Rural Development and new Michigan State Director James J. Turner are very interested in using RD loan and grant funding authorities to "GO GREEN" in our rural communities. The state of Michigan's high unemployment rate and decline of the auto and auto related industries necessitate that RD shift priorities somewhat to encourage the use of and develop projects that use renewable and alternative energy technologies. If our rural communities lead the way in using renewable energy sources to heat and power their municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, water and wastewater facilities, we not only help create new Michigan businesses and jobs but homeowners and businesses may well follow suite powering their homes and buildings with renewable energy. Contractors as well will be encouraged to incorporate these technologies in new construction. The demand for solar, wind and bio energy source equipment/devices will create new industries in Michigan not to mention the jobs that can be created in manufacturing the product, supplying the industry and installing them.


A good example is that on April 20th, Mariah Power opened the production line for its Windspire vertical axis wind turbine at a retrofitted auto parts facility in Manistee, Michigan. The opening of the factory means new jobs for many ex-auto industry employees. Almost 98 percent of the components for the Windspire wind turbines will be purchased from local Michigan suppliers, including steel, packing and crating supplies, and inverters. The aluminum airfoils that make up the giromill design of the turbine will be extruded by a Michigan company that currently extrudes aluminum for sun roofs in cars. The unit is 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide, it is distinguished by its sleek propeller-free design and ultra quiet operation. It is designed for powering homes, small businesses, schools, museums, parks, and much more. Wind blows against its vertical airfoils causing them to spin, this power is then converted to AC electricity and is immediately available to power your home grid and all the appliances that draw electricity from it. The Windspire 1.2 kW wind turbine typically costs between $9,000 and $12,000, fully installed. After rebates, the costs can be as low as $3,800. With a 30% federal tax credit average payback can be under 10 years.


The Swift Wind Turbine will be manufactured by Cascade Engineering in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cascade Engineering will be manufacturing all blades worldwide and will do assembly for all turbines sold in the United States. The Swift turbine is mounted on an aluminum mast with a minimum blade-roof clearance of approximately 2 feet. It is usually mounted at the highest point of a roof, in a position which benefits from maximum prevailing wind, but it will work effectively in almost any location. The Swift is designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and quiet. The estimated installed cost is about $10,000 - $12,000. Depending on the installed price, cost of electricity, average wind speed, and rebates available the Swift Wind Turbine can pay for itself in as little as 3 to 5 years.


Here are the links to the two companies I was talking about.
http://www.mariahpower.com/
http://swiftwindturbine.com/?r=1
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Monday, July 27, 2009

Funding Under the Green Project Reserve

The current issue of OnTap magazine has an article on the Green Reserve portion of the recovery act allocation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. There are four categories:

1. Green stormwater infrastructure
2. Energy efficiency
3. Water efficiency
4. Innovative environmental projects

There are some exclusions, standard SRF and recovery act regulations apply.

You can access the entire article below:

Green Project Reserve, On Tap Magazine



Related information:

EPA Stormwater PPT

EPA Green Reserve Webcast

ARRA Presentation

Build it Green PPT

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Energy Efficiency Block Grant Webinar July 28

In our blog post of July 13 we highlighted an energy efficiency grant program - next week there is a webinar to review potential uses.

For those non-entitlement communities that cannot attend on dates listed above, the state will hold a one-time webcast with the same agenda as the regional workshops.

Webcast:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
9:00 am - 12:00 am

*Non-entitlement communities are any incorporated city, township or county government that did not receive a federal EECBG allocation under the funding opportunity announcement-DE-FOA-0000013 and is listed in the U.S. Census report of estimated population of MI Cities & Townships by County, 2000-2007.

Register on DLEG's website at:
http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-25676-217150--,00.html Buzz this

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Local Energy Assurance Planning Initiative, Deadline Oct 8

Today's featured grant applies to energy planning:

"A goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), in part, is to: “facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply” and “enhance reliability and quicker repair of outages.” This initiative will create jobs at the local level and allow Cities to have well-developed, standardized energy assurance and resiliency plans that they can rely on during energy emergencies and supply disruptions. City governments will address energy supply disruption risks and vulnerabilities in their plans to lessen the devastating impact that such incidents have on the economy and the health and safety of citizens.

This initiative, (restricted to U.S. cities) called “Local Energy Assurance Planning” (hereinafter called the LEAP Initiative) focuses on developing new, or refining existing, plans to integrate new energy portfolios (renewables, biofuels, etc) and new applications, such as Smart Grid technology (http://www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm), into energy assurance and emergency preparedness plans. Better planning efforts will help contribute to the resiliency of the energy sector, including the electricity grid, by focusing on the entire energy supply system, which includes refining, storage, and distribution of fossil and renewable fuels."

City and township governments are eligible to apply, the program anticipates 50 awards between $60,000 and $300,000 each.

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Friday, July 17, 2009

NOAA Coastal Grant Programs Announced

NOAA has released details on several grant programs:

Habitat Restoration - Due Sept. 30
NOAA delivers funding and technical expertise to restore coastal and marine habitats. These habitats support valuable fisheries and protected resources, improve the quality of our water, provide recreational opportunities for the public's use and enjoyment and buffer our coastal communities from the impacts of storms and sea level rise. Partnerships funded through NOAA have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that provide social and economic benefits in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements that benefit NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation, NOAA seeks to openly compete funding available for multi-year national and regional habitat restoration Partnerships. Partnerships will result in implementation of a wide-range of individual habitat restoration projects, from locally-driven, grass-roots projects that emphasize stewardship and hands-on restoration, to mid-scale, watershed level projects that yield significant ecological and socio-economic benefits. NOAA envisions working jointly on such Partnerships through its Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) to identify, evaluate, fund, and administer projects that offer this range of ecological, socio- economic and stewardship benefits to coastal watershed communities. This document describes the types of habitat restoration Partnerships that NOAA envisions establishing, portrays the qualities that NOAA deems desirable in such Partnerships, and describes criteria under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration. Partnership applications selected through this announcement will be implemented through a multi-year cooperative agreement, and will ultimately involve joint selection of multiple community-based habitat restoration projects funded as sub-awards made through the Partner organization. Funding of approximately $10 million is expected to be available to establish habitat restoration Partnerships in 2010, with annual funding anticipated to maintain them for up to 3 years duration. Requests for funding to establish Partnerships typically exceed the funds available for this purpose and the selection process will be highly competitive. Typical Partnership awards will range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. Funds will be administered by the NOAA Restoration Center within NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation. This is not a request for individual community-based habitat restoration project proposals so municipalities will want to contact current CRPs to request assistance.

Marine Debris Removal Project - Due Oct 31
The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (MDRPR Act, 33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.), provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention, assessment and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. Projects funded through the MDP have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the removal of marine debris and derelict fishing gear, as well as activities that provide social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation the MDP identifies marine debris removal projects, strengthens the development and implementation of habitat restoration through the removal of marine debris within communities, and fosters awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats across a wide geographic area. Proposals selected for funding through this solicitation will be implemented through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants in FY 2010.

Contact us for more information!

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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Economic Development Grants

Under this announcement, EDA is seeking applications for the following programs under PWEDA: (i) Public Works; (ii) Planning; (iii) Local Technical Assistance; and (iv) Economic Adjustment Assistance. EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and facilities necessary to generate or retain private sector jobs and investments, attract private sector capital, and promote regional competitiveness, including investments that expand and upgrade infrastructure to attract new industry, support technology-led development, accelerate new business development, and enhance the ability of regions to capitalize on opportunities presented by free trade. The Planning Program helps support planning organizations, including District Organizations and Indian Tribes, in the development, implementation, revision or replacement of comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDS), and for related short-term planning investments and State plans designed to create and retain higher-skill, higher-wage jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the nation’s most economically distressed regions. The Local Technical Assistance Program helps fill the knowledge and information gaps that may prevent leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors in economically distressed regions from making optimal decisions on local economic development issues. The Economic Adjustment Assistance Program provides a wide range of technical, planning and infrastructure assistance in regions experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time. This program is designed to respond flexibly to pressing economic recovery issues and is well suited to help address challenges faced by U.S. communities and regions.

Eligible applicants include:
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Others

Contact your GFA client rep for more information!

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Monday, May 11, 2009

Fire Station Grants, July 2009

Fire Station Construction Grant

Total Funding Available: $210 million

Key Dates: FEMA is expected to issue grant guidance in June or July 2009, with grant applications due in July or August 2009. Grants are expected to be awarded September through December 2009.

Program Information: The Recovery Act provides funds through competitive grants to modify, upgrade, or construct non-federal fire stations. State and local fire companies are eligible to apply. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will administer these infrastructure grants to fire departments.

Grant Information: FEMA has not yet released any further details on these grants. It is likely they will administer the program in a similar fashion to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

Please contact your GFA client rep for more information! Buzz this

Monday, May 4, 2009

Community Broadband Grants Due June 19

Attention Grant Seekers ~ Rural Development's Community Connect program is now accepting applications!

The purpose of the Community Connect Grant Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas, on a "community-oriented connectivity" basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety services. Rural Utilities Service will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for broadband transmission services.

Only entities legally organized as one of the following are eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance:
a. An incorporated organization,
b. An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b(b) and (c),
c. A state or local unit of government,
d. A cooperative, private corporation or limited liability company organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.

Individuals are not eligible for Community Connect Grant Program financial assistance directly.
Applicants must have the legal capacity and authority to own and operate the broadband facilities as proposed in its application, to enter into contracts and to otherwise comply with applicable federal statutes and regulations.

Please contact your client rep for more information about preparing an application! Buzz this