INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT (IIJA)
Download FFIS’s IIJA State Allocations Spreadsheet FFIS continues to populate its IIJA spreadsheet with new announcements on program implementation; each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. A dedicated tab includes recently issued Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs). New or updated allocations are provided for:
- Clean School Bus Program (Updated FY 2022 rebates)
- Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (FY 2023 awards)
- Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART; FY 2023 Planning and Prototyping awards)
ENERGY
Department of Energy (DOE) Updates State and Local Solution Center Webinar Schedule Topics include EV charging infrastructure, weatherization, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more.
DOE Selects 52 Projects for Award Negotiation Totaling $750 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen The projects are funded through two programs: the Clean Hydrogen Electrolysis Demonstration Program, and Clean Hydrogen Manufacturing and Recycling Grants. A list of preliminary awards is here.
DOE Opens Hydroelectric Production Incentives Application Period The program provides payments for energy generated and sold at qualified facilities that either added generation equipment to dams and other water infrastructure or are constructed in an area with inadequate electric service. The application guidance is here; submissions are due April 23.
DOE Awards $4.8 Million in Industrial Assessment Centers Implementation Grants to 37 Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturers A list of recipients is here (new awards are listed under the second selection round).
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Awards $5 Million to Protect and Restore the San Fracisco Bay and Its Watersheds A list of awards is included in the press release. EPA will award an additional $38 million from annual appropriations later this year.
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Posts Build America, Buy America FAQs
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Awards $120 Million to Tribes to Address Climate and Environmental Threats Funds come from the IIJA, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and annual appropriations. Project descriptions are available here.
DOI Opens Phase 2 Application Period for Tribal Portion of Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Program Up to $55 million is available for grants; applications are due May 14. Tribes may also request that DOI administer the program on their behalf; applications are due September 30. DOI will offer weekly office hours for interested applicants every Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET, from March 27 through May 8 (webinar information will be posted later at the link in heading).
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) Issues Guidance for Implementation of Long-Term Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Fund The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, included an amendment to allow states and tribes to deposit up to 30% of their annual IIJA AML grant in a long-term AML reclamation fund established under state or tribal law. These funds, in addition to the interest earned, may be used to address long-term AML issues. States and tribes may submit grant amendments for FYs 2022 and 2023 to request a deposit into a long-term fund.
TRANSPORTATION
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Releases National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy Report The strategy will guide the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure from 2024 to 2040.
Maritime Administration Extends Application Deadline for $450 Million Port Infrastructure Development Program Applications will now be accepted through May 10.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Awards $3.3 Billion Through Two Programs to Reconnect Communities The funding is aimed at reconnecting communities that have been cut off by transportation infrastructure. The awards were made under the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (funded by the IIJA) and the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program (funded by the IRA). A list of awards is here.
DOT Awards More Than $50 Million for 34 Technology Demonstration Projects Through Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants The program provides grants to leverage advances in technology to create safer, more efficient, and more innovative transportation systems. A list of projects is here.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Updates Implementation Guidance for Puerto Rico and Territorial Highway Programs to Reflect Changes in the IIJA
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Awards $900,000 to Three Entities Through Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) Grant Program The program supports entities implementing IRCs, which are agreements or compacts passed into law by two or more states that support and facilitate the development of multi-state and regional intercity passenger rail services.
FHWA Designates Freight Electric Vehicle (EV) Corridors The IIJA requires DOT to designate national EV charging corridors that identify the near- and long-term need for, and the location of, EV charging infrastructure to support freight and goods movement along major national highways, the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN), and goods movement locations including ports, intermodal centers, and warehousing locations. A map and description of the corridors are here.
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT (IRA)
Download IRA State Allocations Spreadsheet The spreadsheet, updated weekly, lists state allocations and estimates, summary information on eligibility and other grant features, and links to additional information; each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. New or updated allocations are provided for:
- Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program (first round of awards; see item in IIJA section)
- State and Private Forest Landscape-Scale Restoration Program
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Awards $116 Million to Help Landowners Access Climate Markets State agencies in Michigan and Vermont are among the awardees. An additional $29 million is available to states and territories to help them develop technical assistance programs that connect underserved landowners to incentives, programs, and markets.
USDA Tentatively Awards $138 Million in IRA Funds for 138 Climate-Smart Conservation Easements A list of selectees was not provided. Applicants must still complete eligibility and enrollment requirements to receive their awards.
TRANSPORTATION
FHWA Launches Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program The IRA provided $2 billion for reimbursements and incentives to support the use of low carbon materials in transportation projects. FHWA is making $1.2 billion available through a Request for Applications (RFA); applications are due June 10. FHWA will make an additional $800 million available to non-state entities later this year. Additional information is here.
TREASURY
Treasury Analysis Shows IRA Driving Investment to Rural, Underserved Communities
CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT (CHIPS)
Download FFIS’s CHIPS Act Spreadsheet Updated weekly, the spreadsheet provides information on CHIPS-related NOFOs and awards that may be of interest to states.
White House Releases National Strategy on Microelectronics Research The strategy, called for in the CHIPS Act, establishes goals to support microelectronics research and manufacturing, build a technical workforce, and support the transition of research advances to production.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet Updated allocations are provided for:
- Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Benefits
- Pandemic-Related Unemployment Insurance
- Child Nutrition Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement (California)
GENERAL
Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) Complete Review of State Efforts to Provide Language Access During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency This review included trainings and technical assistance for states to ensure vital public health resources are available to people with limited English proficiency (LEP). The departments also sent letters to remind states that their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, including language services, extend to subrecipients of federal funding.
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) maintenance of equity materials
- Year 4 ESSER business rules guide (Excel spreadsheet available here, on ESSER Year 4 tab)
- Education Stabilization Fund Program for the Outlying Areas-Governors (ESF-Governor) reporting resources and expectations letter
- Year 4 Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) business rules guide (Excel spreadsheet available here, on GEER Year 4 tab)
- Year 3 Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) performance report review webinar and slides
- ESSER, GEER, and EANS liquidation guidance for funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act
- Links to state materials for maintenance of effort waiver requests
HEALTH
CMS Releases Resources Regarding Permissibility of Certain Practices During Medicaid, Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Renewals The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin and slide deck to address questions from states and others. These resources reiterate relevant federal renewal requirements, outline policy and operational practices that are not permitted, and provide illustrative examples.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Report Examines How Home Visiting Programs Supported Families During COVID-19 Pandemic The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) report examines how programs responded to the pandemic, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
TREASURY
Treasury Announces Awards Under SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program Awards totaling $27 million will be used to support small businesses applying for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) capital program and other small business programs. In addition, the department announced an award for American Samoa under the SSBCI Capital Program. A full list of technical assistance application approvals and descriptions is available here.
Treasury Approves Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Award for New Mexico Tribal Communities A fact sheet is here.
Webinar Provides Portal Demonstration and Overview of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Reporting and Compliance Responsibilities The reporting portal will open April 1.
Treasury Posts SLFRF Non-Entitlement Units (NEU) Quick Reference Guide
Treasury Posts SLFRF Explainer Videos These assist with topics including reporting troubleshooting, reporting resources, user roles, ID.me, and an orientation for new users. The orientation is also helpful in walking through recent updates to the SLFRF website.
Treasury Releases New Data on Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Data through December 31, 2023, are available here and include state detail.
OTHER NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization Moves to Senate Floor The bill would reauthorize EDA for the first time since 2004, making several changes to its programs. It was passed out of the Senate committee by voice vote but has yet to be considered by the House.
GENERAL
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Eases Permitting for Broadband Projects The amended program comment provides an alternative way for federal agencies to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act, streamlining permitting reviews. More information is available here.
Census Bureau Releases Additional Vintage 2023 Population Estimates The new release includes 2023 estimates for counties, metropolitan statistical areas, and micropolitan statistical areas.
AGRICULTURE
USDA Awards $40.6 Million in Organic Market Development Grants The list of awardees and collaborators (which includes awardees from a batch announced in January) includes state agencies in Connecticut, Oregon, and Texas.
EDUCATION
ED Releases Resource on Medicaid Funding for School-Based Services The resource is meant to help families access Medicaid funds provided to schools for eligible students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Medicaid, and CHIP.
ED, HHS to Host Convening on Children’s Mental Health The convening will feature schools, districts, and states that are successfully providing school-based services and will discuss resources available to ensure states are positioned to use Medicaid funds to sustain long-term efforts. It will be held April 1, 2:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
ED Releases List of Programs and Supports that Assist Rural Communities
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Finalizes Three Rules
- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): Gasoline Distribution Technology Reviews and New Source Performance Standards Review for Bulk Gasoline Terminals; effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register
- NESHAP: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review; effective upon publication in the Federal Register
- Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning/Open Detonation of Waste Explosives; effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register
EPA Hosting Grant Webinar Series
- Competition Process: March 26, 1:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Procurement, Subawards, and Participant Support Costs: March 27, 11:30 a.m. ET (register)
- New EPA Davis-Bacon (prevailing wage) Grant Term and Condition: March 28, 12:30 p.m. ET (register)
EPA Updates 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program Q&As
HEALTH
CMS Provides State Flexibilities to Address Change Healthcare Cyberattack Incident The informational bulletin highlights existing and temporary flexibilities with a focus on providing states with an expedited process for implementing interim payments to affected providers to mitigate disruptions. CMS is hosting a webinar on the response to the cyberattack today at 4:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
CMS Releases Guidance on Health Home Core Sets The letter outlines state requirements beginning in FY 2024 based on the final rule and provides updates to FY 2025 Health Home Core Sets.
MACPAC Releases March 2024 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) report provides recommendations to improve the beneficiary experience through Medical Care Advisory Committees and monitoring of the denials and appeals process in Medicaid managed care. It also covers Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allotments to states.
CMS Releases Medicaid Fraud Control Units Annual Report The 2023 report includes state data on expenditures and case outcomes.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Revises Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Financial Report ACF released guidance to inform states of the changes, effective for FY 2024 reporting.
ACF Releases Guidance to Help Tribes Apply for Funding to Operate a Child Support Program The release includes start-up application guidance, a program development plan work aid, and a PowerPoint presentation on the requirements. A recent final rule eliminated the non-federal share requirement for tribal programs, effective in FY 2025.
HOUSING
HUD Awards Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Funds This is the second round of FY 2023 awards. A list of grantees is included in the press release.
HUD to Host Community Disaster Preparedness Webinar Series The webinars support HUD grantees, stakeholders, and partners in addressing disaster recovery, community resilience, and environmental reviews. The next webinar addresses tiered environmental reviews and will be held March 26, 1:30 p.m. ET (register here).
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Releases Resources for Anticipating and Mitigating Climate Change’s Impacts on Cultural Heritage
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Posts Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Adopt New Emergency Alert System Event Code for Missing and Endangered Adults Comments close 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
FCC Increases Broadband Speed Benchmark The commission’s annual assessment of broadband deployment raises the benchmark for high-speed fixed broadband to download speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 20 Mbps—a four-fold increase from the 25/3 Mbps benchmark set by the commission in 2015.
FCC Adopts, Publishes Rules on Location-Based Routing of Wireless 911 Calls and 911 Texting National providers must deploy the needed technology by November 13, 2024, for such routing of calls; non-national providers have until May 13, 2026. All providers have until May 13, 2026, to implement such routing for texts. The commission also issued error corrections for the order.
LABOR
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Posts Child Nutrition Data Dashboard The dashboard uses public data to provide national and state level visualization of meals served, participation, and funding data for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. Other FNS data visualization pages—including the newly updated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Management FY 2023 Year-End Summary dashboard—can be accessed here.
FNS Posts Video with Update on Status of USDA Foods National Multi-Food Warehouse Transition
FNS Shares Research and Evaluation Plan for FY 2025
FNS Seeks Comment on Information Collection for SNAP Employment and Training Case Management Services Comments close April 18.
TREASURY
Direct File Officially Opens in 12 Pilot States Eligible taxpayers in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming can log in to Direct File to complete their federal tax return before the April filing deadline.