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:
- Restoring Fish Passage
- Brownfields Projects (FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup [MAC] and Supplemental Revolving Loan Fund [RLF] awards)
- Aging Infrastructure Account (FY 2024 projects)
- Safe Streets and Roads for All (FY 2024 Round 1 Planning and Demonstration Grants)
- Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (Round 1 Community Grants)
- Secure Rural Schools (FY 2024 awards [based on FY 2023 receipts/authorization])
- Weatherization Assistance Program (Enhancement & Innovation awards)
- All Stations Accessibility Program (FY 2024 awards)
COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Recommends $240 Million for Second Round of Fish Passage Projects Tribal project selections are listed here. Other project selections are listed here.
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 Awards $25 Million in Enhancement & Innovation Grants Through the Weatherization Assistance Program The grants will support projects in 12 states and the District of Columbia to perform innovative and comprehensive energy-saving repairs and upgrades in low-income homes. A list of awards is here.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Launches Clean School Bus (CSB) Program Oversight Webpage, Updates Q&As for 2023 CSB Grants
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Makes $6 Million Available for Ecosystem Restoration Projects in the Territories Applications are due July 31.
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Makes $10.5 Million Available for Planning Transit-Adjacent Development The Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning supports local planning and investment near transit hubs to promote sustainable, livable, and equitable communities, with a focus on projects that plan for affordable housing. Applications are due July 22 (funding opportunity). FTA will host a webinar on June 5, 2:00 p.m. ET (register). Additional information is here.
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Issues 2024 Q2 Update on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
FTA Awards $343 Million Through the All Stations Accessibility Program Recipients will use funds to make rail stations more accessible and in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. A list of awards is here.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Amends Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program Regulations The final rule implements IIJA provisions and makes other necessary updates. It is effective June 24.
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 allocations are provided for:
- Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (round 3 “Leading Edge” cohort awards)
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Awards $67 Million Under Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) The grants and loans will support energy efficiency and climate resilience renovations for properties housing low-income individuals. Recipients are listed in the press release.
HUD Aggregates Climate-Related Resources Materials include a “Build for the Future” natural hazard map, extreme heat resources, information about topics and opportunities featured on the Build for the Future page, and announcements of upcoming webinars.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Invests $81 Million for Water Conservation and Drought Resilience in San Joaquin Valley The funding will support projects to carry out a new long-term drought plan for the region, which was also announced this week through a Memorandum of Understanding between DOI and relevant water agencies. No project funding detail was provided in the announcement.
DOI Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for $11 Million for Water Supply Projects in the Territories Applicants can request financial or technical assistance. Requests for technical assistance are due August 25, and requests for financial assistance are due September 24. Application materials are available here.
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and DOE Announce Opening Date for Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit Allocation Round Allocations will total up to $6 billion. The portal is now open; concept papers must be submitted by June 21.
Treasury Corrects Guidance on Domestic Content Bonus Credit Amounts The corrected version includes text that was omitted in the original version.
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. New awards are listed for:
- Manufacturing Incentives (Absolics, Georgia)
Department of Commerce (DOC) Announces Preliminary Agreement with Absolics: $75 Million for Construction of Georgia Glass Substrate Factory
CHIPS for America, Natcast Release 2024 Roadmap for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) The two-page document includes discussion of plans for summer 2024 regarding workforce development and research funding opportunities, among other things. A webinar to discuss the roadmap and other NSTC updates will take place May 31, 12:00 p.m. ET (register).
DOC Invites Eight Teams to Submit Full Applications for National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program Funding Opportunity for Materials and Substrate Materials Full applications are due July 3. A list of invited teams was not provided.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet Updated allocations are provided for:
- Dislocated Worker Grants (Missouri)
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Reminder of June 6 submission deadline for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Year 4 Annual Performance Report
HEALTH
CDC Ending Free Vaccine Program Early The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it will end the Bridge Access Program in August (instead of December). The program provides free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.
TRANSPORTATION
TREASURY
Treasury Launches Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Research and Evaluation Webpage The page highlights how Treasury is researching the impact of economic recovery programs and how to apply lessons learned to future economic crises.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP) Application Due Date is June 3
OTHER NEWS
BUDGET UPDATE
House Appropriations Committee Approves Interim Subcommittee Allocations for FY 2025 The allocations—known as 302(b)s—divvy up available resources among the 12 appropriations subcommittees. According to the press release, the allocations comply with the discretionary spending caps set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), with no additional allowances for non-statutory side agreements that were announced when the FRA was negotiated. Non-defense programs would be cut by 6%, not evenly distributed.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Approves Health Reauthorization Bills The committee approved the following:
- Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act (S. 3765) reauthorizes the program, which provides grants to states and medical schools, at $24.3 million annually for FYs 2025-2029. A companion bill passed the House on May 15 (H.R. 6960).
- Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act (S. 4351) reauthorizes the Poison Control Center grant program and related programs at current levels through FY 2029. A companion bill (H.R. 7251) has been approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
- Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act (S. 3775) reauthorizes cooperative agreements to states and public health departments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through FY 2029. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved its version of the bill (H.R. 7218).
- Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3679) reauthorizes programs that promote mental health among the health professional workforce through FY 2029. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved its version of the bill (H.R. 7153).
- Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) reauthorizes the program at current levels through FY 2029 and modifies the definition of family caregiver to include individuals under age 18. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved its version of the bill (H.R. 6160).
House Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 was approved by a vote of 33-21, with all Republicans and four Democrats supporting. Among many other things, the bill—which would amend all 12 existing farm bill titles—makes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and rescinds unobligated balances from $17 billion appropriated in the IRA for conservation programs. It remains unclear if the bill will be considered on the House floor, and the Senate committee has yet to schedule consideration of a Senate version. The current one-year extension of the previous farm bill expires September 30. More resources from House committee leadership are here.
House Passes Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 The bill offers tax relief to people affected by hurricanes in Florida, wildfires in California, and the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. It now awaits action in the Senate.
GENERAL
Federal Reserve Board Issues Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2023 Report The report shows that financial well-being was nearly unchanged from 2022 as higher prices remained a challenge for most households and workers continued to benefit from a strong labor market.
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Expands Dairy Producer Supports in H5N1 Efforts
USDA Seeks Input Regarding Implementation of Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program The request is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register May 29, with comments accepted for 30 days thereafter.
EDUCATION
White House Announces New Actions to Advance Racial and Educational Equity
- The Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) announced $20 million in new awards for school districts in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas to establish magnet programs to further desegregate public schools by attracting students from different social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
- ED announced a new Technical Assistance Center on Fiscal Equity as part of the Comprehensive Centers Program.
- ED released a Civil Rights Data Collection report highlighting students’ access to and enrollment in mathematics, science, and computer science courses and academic programs, drawing from information in the 2020-21 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC).
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Allocates $25 Million for Monitoring Emerging Contaminants Through the Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Community Grant Program Funding by state is shown in the link above.
EPA Selects Three Recipients to Receive $30.7 Million for Training and Technical Assistance to Water Systems and Well Owners in Small and Rural Communities
EPA to Increase Enforcement of Cybersecurity Requirements for Community Water Systems, Outlines Steps Water Systems Must Take to Comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act
HEALTH
CMS Releases Updated 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Spousal Impoverishment Standards The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided the minimum and maximum resources and income that can be protected for a spouse in the community.
CMS Releases Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Maternal Health Infographic The infographic provides a snapshot of demographics, health outcomes, risk factors, access and utilization, and disparities among beneficiaries seeking pregnancy-related care and those with a recent live birth.
HRSA Makes $60 Million Available for Health Centers to Expand Operating Hours The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provided information on the NOFO (due July 23), technical assistance details, and other resources.
HRSA Seeks Feedback on Ways to Reduce Administrative Burden in the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program Comments must be received by June 27.
CDC Seeks Comment on Information Collection to Assess Capacity to Expand Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment CDC plans to send the survey to state and local departments of corrections. Comments must be received by July 29.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Outlines State Requirements for the Title IV-E Prevention Program The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) guidance provides instructions on the requirements and supersedes the initial guidance released in November 2018.
ACF Posts Instructions for Submitting the Child Support Enforcement Mandatory Form for FY 2025 The form (SF-424) ensures that ACF has accurate grant information on state child support programs. It is due October 31.
ACL Announces FY 2024 Falls Prevention Grant Awards The Administration for Community Living (ACL) awarded $3.5 million total to six grantees, which include state and local governments, academic institutions, and community-based organizations.
HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Announces Changes to Benefit-Cost Analysis FEMA is streamlining benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to increase access to its Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs. FEMA released updated guidance for completing a cost-effectiveness narrative for projects less than $1 million for all Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs, a new policy for the discount rate and the BCA streamlining efforts, and a policy aid for guidance navigating the discount rate change. Under the policy, FEMA will adopt a discount rate of 3.1%.
HOUSING
OIG Audit Finds HUD Did Not Comply with Improper Payment Law The audit found that for the seventh consecutive year, HUD was unable to estimate improper payments for FY 2023 for two of its largest rental assistance programs: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance and Project-Based Rental Assistance.
HUD Announces 2024 Uniform Relocation Assistance (URA) Low Income Limits The limits are used in connection with rental assistance payment calculations.
HUD Announces Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Awards The agency awarded $26 million in non-competitive funding to state and local fair housing enforcement agencies. FHAP provides protection to the public against discrimination in housing. Awards by state can be found here.
HUD Notice Implements FY 2024 Funding Provisions for Housing Choice Voucher Program
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Final Rule Updates AmeriCorps State and National Grant Program Among other changes, the Corporation for National and Community Service update limits AmeriCorps state and national grantees’ required share of program costs to a scale that starts at 24% for the first three-year grant cycle and increases incrementally until it reaches 30% in the fourth three-year cycle (the 10th year of the grant) and beyond. It is effective October 1.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Updates Broadband Data Collection Procedures
FCC Publishes Final Rule Regarding Its Authority Over Broadband Service, Open Internet Most of the rule takes effect July 22.
INTERIOR
DOI Awards $3.7 Million for 41 WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects
National Park Service Awards $1.5 Million in Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants Two awards went to Mississippi and a third to Virginia.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Establishes Nomination and Ranking Process for Federal Acquisition of Land or Interests Therein Per provisions of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2018, DOI was required to provide public notification of the procedures used to identify, by state, inholdings of land or interests therein for which the landowner has indicated a desire to sell to the United States and to prioritize the acquisition of inholdings. The notice describes the state role throughout the process.
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Updates Q&A on Flexibilities Used During Pandemic
FNS Posts Go/No-Go Decision Checklist for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Management Information System Transitions
FNS Posts Recording of Second Informational Webinar on FY 2024 SNAP Process and Technology Improvement Grants
Comment Period Extended for Proposed Rule Implementing Provisions of the FRA Regarding SNAP Work Requirement Exceptions, Exemptions The new comment deadline is June 14.
TRANSPORTATION
DOT Requests Information on Potential Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Transportation DOT is also interested in emerging challenges and opportunities in creating and deploying AI technologies in applications across all modes of transportation. Comments are due within 60 days of publication.
DOT’s OIG Releases Report Entitled FTA’s Oversight of Federally Funded Real Property Is Insufficient to Ensure Grant Recipients Meet Federal Reporting and Disposal Requirements