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:
- National Dam Safety Program (FY 2024 awards)
- Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants (FY 2024 Swift Current grant eligibility)
- WaterSMART Grants (FY 2023 Applied Science Grants)
- ReConnect Broadband Pilot Technical Assistance Grants
- Ecosystem – Fish Passage (Awards for FYs 2024-2025)
- Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (Awards for FYs 2022-2023)
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Announces Second Tranche of Broadband Technical Assistance Grants Fourteen grants totaling $5.2 million are going to rural cooperatives, local governments, and others in 11 states to fund feasibility studies, network design, hiring efforts, application development assistance, and similar activities.
COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration Approves Three Initial BEAD Proposals Kansas, Nevada, and West Virginia join Louisiana in having access to funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The BEAD Initial Proposal Progress Dashboard shows the progress other states have made towards unlocking funds.
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 Invests $331 Million for Transmission Line Between Idaho and Nevada The investment is financed through the Transmission Facilitation Program. This is one of three projects announced for selection in October; no funding detail was provided in that announcement.
DOE Selects Four Research Projects to Receive up to $17.5 Million to Improve Production of Critical Minerals and Coal By-Products A description of projects is here.
DOE Publishes Interim Final Rule Amending State Energy Program (SEP) Regulations to Reflect Changes in the IIJA It amends mandatory requirements for state energy conservation plans and became effective April 29. Comments will be accepted through May 29.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Updates Events Webpage Offerings include overviews and trainings on grant programs; Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements; emergency planning; and more.
INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Awards $70 Million Through the National Fish Passage Program for FYs 2024-2025 A list of awards is available here.
Bureau of Reclamation and Indian Health Service Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Further Develop Tribal Safe Drinking Water and Community Sanitation Infrastructure
TRANSPORTATION
Department of Transportation (DOT) Finalizes Temporary General Applicability Waiver of BABAA Requirements for Projects in Territories and Freely Associated States It is applicable to awards obligated between April 29, 2024, and March 1, 2025.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Awards $148 Million for 16 Projects Through the New Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program This is the first round of awards under the program and includes funds for FYs 2022-2023. A list of projects is here.
FHWA Updates Procurement of Federal-Aid Construction Projects Guidance It applies to projects authorized 60 days after its issuance.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Hosting Webinar on Proposed Changes to Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Policy Guidance It will be held May 2, 3:00 p.m. ET (register at the link above). The proposed guidance is 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:
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund – Zero-Emission Technology (final awards)
AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces Rural Partners Network Economic Development Awards Awards totaling $144 million will support 56 projects to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure, install clean energy technologies, and rehab affordable homes, among other uses.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Announces Availability of $1 Billion Through the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program EPA will award competitive grants, including to state and local governments, for projects that will reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles. EPA anticipates that approximately 70% of funding will be for school bus replacement; remaining funds will be for replacing non-school bus Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles. Applications are due July 25 (funding opportunity).
INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation Awards $11 Million in WaterSMART Planning and Project Design Grants The 34 awards, which include funds from the IRA, IIJA, and annual appropriations, will support projects to improve water sustainability and efficiency in 11 states and Guam.
FWS Selects Nature-Based Solution Projects for the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound (North Carolina) The investments are part of the $120 million from the IRA for rebuilding and restoring State Wildlife Management Areas and the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will receive $5 million directly; remaining funds are for the NWRS.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Publishes Map of 1,000+ Clean Energy Projects Potentially Eligible for IRA Tax Incentives The map uses data from the Energy Information Administration to provide information—sortable by state—on location, status, and estimated number of construction jobs associated with each project. To qualify for tax incentives, projects will need to satisfy the IRA’s prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship provisions, as well as other applicable requirements.
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Release Final Rules on IRA Provision to Expand Reach of Clean Energy Tax Credits The final rules address transferability, which allows businesses to transfer all or a portion of any of 11 clean energy credits to a third party in exchange for tax-free funds, so that businesses can take advantage of tax incentives if they do not have sufficient tax liability to fully utilize the credits themselves.
Treasury and DOE Release Additional Guidance on IRA Programs to Incentivize Manufacturing and Clean Energy Investments in Hard-Hit Coal Communities The IRA provided $10 billion for the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit program. The notice describes how interested parties can apply for an allocation in Round 2.
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. Each week’s changes are highlighted in yellow. This week’s award updates include:
- Manufacturing Incentives (Micron/Idaho, New York)
- FuSe2/NSF Research and Education Awards (North Carolina)
- Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC)
CHIPS for America Program Office (CPO) Invites 53 Applicants to Submit Full Applications for Small-Scale Supply Chain Projects Invited applicants were notified last week. The Small-Scale Supplier NOFO, released in September 2023, requested applications for projects with capital investment less than $300 million involving the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities in the United States for semiconductor materials and equipment. Full applications are due July 1.
CPO to Host Webinars
- Resources for Supporting International Business Attraction in the Semiconductor Industry
- April 30, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Application Evaluation Process Overview for Commercial Fabrication Incentives
- May 1, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
- May 9, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
CPO Publishes First Annual Report Regarding Opportunity and Inclusion Activities The CHIPS Act requires the Department of Commerce to ensure that applicants for commercial fabrication incentives increase the participation of and outreach to economically disadvantaged individuals, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet Updated allocations are provided for:
- WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Benefit Delivery Modernization Grants (California, Florida, Illinois, Virginia)
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Dear Colleague letter providing administrative flexibilities and/or waivers that affect American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER), ARP Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (ARP EANS), and ARP Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY)
- Webinar slides outlining the above flexibilities
- Links to ARP ESSER maintenance of equity materials
- Links to status of state maintenance of effort waiver requests
HOUSING
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Publishes Report on Child Nutrition Operations During Pandemic
TREASURY
OTHER NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
House and Senate Committees Reach Agreement on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization The bill would reauthorize the FAA and its programs for FYs 2024-2028. It now heads to the Senate floor for consideration, using the House-passed reauthorization bill as a vehicle. Bill text and a section-by-section summary are available at the link in the heading.
COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Evaluates Seven Coastal Management Programs Alabama, Connecticut, Guam, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia were found to be compliant with program guidelines. The most recent findings for all states and territories are available here.
EDUCATION
ED Releases Spreadsheet Listing Guidance Documents Issued by Student Privacy Policy Office
ED Releases Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) State Completion Rate Data
ED Issues Request for Information (RFI) to Develop Postsecondary Student Success Award Program for IHEs The award would recognize institutions of higher education (IHEs) that support students to complete affordable credentials that prepare them to participate in the workforce and their communities. Comments close May 28.
Census Bureau Releases 2022 Annual Survey of School System Finances
ENERGY
DOE Releases Pathways to Commercial Liftoff Offshore Wind Report The administration also released a new interagency fact sheet describing federal tax programs, grants, and other programs to support offshore wind.
DOE Finalizes Rule on Permitting Process for Electric Transmission Infrastructure The rule establishes the Coordinated Interagency Authorizations and Permits (CITAP) Program, consistent with provisions in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, to better coordinate federal permitting processes and establish a two-year deadline for completion of federal authorizations and permits for electric transmission. It is effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. DOE will host a webinar on the rule May 15, 1:00 p.m. ET (register). Additional information is here.
DOE Establishes Categorical Exclusions (CEs) Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for Certain Energy Storage Systems, Revises CEs for Solar and Upgrading and Rebuilding Powerlines The rule is effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here.
DOE to Host Listening Session on Potential Updates to Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Regulations It will be held May 8, 2:00 p.m. ET (register at the link above).
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Launches Environmental Justice (EJ) Clearinghouse It features searchable categories to simplify access to EJ information.
EPA Finalizes Rules on Procedures for Chemical Risk Evaluation Under Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) It is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here.
EPA Finalizes Four Rules to Reduce Pollution from Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants
- New Source Performance Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units; and Repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule (webpage)
- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (webpage)
- Supplemental Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category (webpage)
- Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) from Electric Utilities; Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments (webpage)
The first three rules are effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register; the fourth is effective 180 days after publication.
HEALTH
HRSA Announces FY 2024 Healthy Start Awards The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $105 million. Awards by state are available here.
HRSA Seeks Comment on Revised Definition of Rural Areas HRSA is proposing to modify the definition of rural areas to include terrain factors by integrating the new USDA Road Ruggedness Scale. This proposal would not affect rural areas included in the current definition. Comments are due May 28.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Partners with States, Releases Recommendations to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce HHS announced that 20 states have been selected to participate in two technical assistance programs that will help improve recruitment, training, and retention of direct care workers who provide home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults and people with disabilities. In addition, HHS and DOL released recommendations for building data infrastructure to support the development of policies to strengthen the HCBS direct care workforce.
HHS Releases Plan for Promoting Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Automated State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Government Benefit Systems HHS notes the recent AI advances in automated or algorithmic systems creates significant opportunities to enhance the administration of public benefits to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
HHS Issues Final Rule to Protect Civil Rights in Health Programs The final rule establishes civil rights protections for people who use health programs and services funded by HHS.
HHS Releases National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and Federal Action Plan
CMS Releases Guidance on Identifying Deceased Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Enrollees The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided information to help states understand the available sources to identify individuals enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP who may be deceased.
CMS Releases Quarterly Listing of Program Issuances The listing includes manual instructions, regulations, and other notices published in the Federal Register from January through March 2024.
CMS Innovation Center Announces Decarbonization and Resilience Initiative The voluntary initiative is part of the proposed Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) and is the first time HHS proposes to collect data on health care greenhouse gas emissions.
CDC and NOAA Launch New Heat and Health Initiative The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—in partnership with NOAA—developed a HeatRisk Forecast tool and a HeatRisk Dashboard to inform the public on how to best protect themselves when outdoor temperatures are high. CDC also released clinical guidance to keep at-risk individuals safe.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Posts Policy for Requesting an Exemption from Required Electronic Application Submission The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) policy outlines the requirements for an exemption.
ACF Finalizes Rule to Strengthen Protections for Youth in the Child Welfare System The final rule clarifies how states must meet their statutory requirements to appropriately serve LGBTQI+ children in foster care, including ensuring that these children have access to specifically designated foster care placements.
ACF Releases Guidance to Child Welfare Agencies on Ways to Promote Family Violence Prevention Services The memorandum highlights effective strategies to support families affected by domestic violence and encourages child welfare agencies to enhance partnerships with Family Violence Prevention Services Act grant recipients.
ACF Provides Guidance on Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Transitional Waiver Flexibilities The guidance outlines the provisions and provides information on the process for submitting transitional and legislative waiver requests.
ACF Provides Update of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Training and Technical Assistance Activities
ACF Releases Additional Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Allocations ACF distributed remaining second quarter funds and full third quarter allocations for FY 2024. A state table is available here.
ACF Revises Due Date for Child Support Certification Statement of Compliance with Security and Privacy Requirements The report is now due June 28. The initial deadline was April 30.
ACF Provides Details on FY 2024 Head Start Funding Increase
HOUSING
HUD Posts Resources to Address Extreme Heat
HUD Releases Notice on Housing Information Portal (HIP) Implementation The notice describes the process to transition to the HIP.
Webinar Series Will Cover New Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) Final Rule The first session is May 30, 1:30 p.m. ET. Register here.
INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Issues Final Renewable Energy Modernization Rule for Outer Continental Shelf, Releases Five-Year Offshore Wind Leasing Schedule The rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here. BOEM also released a schedule of up to 12 potential offshore wind lease sales through 2028.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Seeks Input on $348 Million in Proposed Investments on Public Lands in Nevada, the Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Responses are due June 5.
JUSTICE
Department of Justice Posts FY 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Funding Opportunities Estimated formula allocations are available here. Applications for the competitive portion are due July 1 (funding opportunity).
LABOR
DOL Publishes Final H-2A Farmworker Protection Rule A press release highlighting key provisions in the rule—including one requiring states to discontinue services for debarred employers—is here, and a memo highlighting certain changes is here. The rule takes effect June 28.
DOL Adds 16 Federally Funded Infrastructure Projects to Mega Construction Project Program For projects designated as megaprojects, DOL works with contractors to strengthen their hiring, recruitment, and employment practices and to broaden the pool of available workers to include workers from underrepresented backgrounds. A map of designated projects is here, and a sortable table is here.
DOL Posts Guidance and Allotments for FY 2024 Foreign Labor Certification Grants Annual grant applications must be submitted within 30 days of issuance of the guidance.
DOL Extends Period of Funding for Transaction Costs for National Identity Verification Offering (NIDVO) The memo also advises states that they must enter into a data sharing agreement with DOL by June 28 to participate in NIDVO with transaction costs covered by the department. The NIDVO was initially offered to states in July 2023.
NUTRITION
FNS Updates School Meal Nutrition Standards The agency also posted resources to help providers understand the new standards, including a summary, infographics, videos, and answers to frequently asked questions. The new standards take effect July 1, but changes are to be phased in over time with no menu changes required until school year 2025-2026 at the earliest.
FNS Posts Guidance on Implementing Revisions to WIC Food Packages The final rule on the revisions to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages was published April 18 and is effective June 17.
FNS Posts Memo with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Quality Control Error Tolerance Threshold for FY 2024 Based on changes in the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan, the new threshold will be $56. Errors less than or equal to the threshold must be excluded from payment error rate calculations.
FNS Announces FY 2024 Food and Administrative Funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) TEFAP state agencies were required to inform FNS whether they want to convert any portion of their administrative funds into food funds by April 29.
FNS Pilots Online-Only Retailers as SNAP Option
FNS Posts Framework for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Public Benefit Administration The document—issued in response to an executive order—lays out three principles for AI use:
- Protecting rights and safety and advancing equity
- Upholding accountability for program decisions and operations
- Promoting responsible innovation that engenders public trust
California, Oklahoma to Begin Issuing New SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Chip Cards FNS also posted chip card technical resources.
TRANSPORTATION
FTA Releases Programmatic Assessment of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Transit Projects The document:
- Reports on whether certain types of proposed transit projects merit detailed analysis of their GHG emissions at the project level, and
- Provides a source of data and analysis for FTA and its project sponsors to reference in future environmental documents for certain projects