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:
- FTA Formula Grants (FY 2024 apportionments, updated estimates for FYs 2025-2026)
- Water recycling and reuse projects (FY 2024 projects)
- Water desalinization projects and studies (FY 2024 projects)
- Intelligent Transportation Systems Program (FY 2024 awards for Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating Vehicle to Everything [V2X] Deployment Program)
- Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (FY 2023 awards)
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Publishes FY 2024 Broadband Technical Assistance NOFO Funding of $25 million is available to support broadband expansion into rural areas. State, territorial, and local governments and institutions of higher education are among those eligible to apply. Additional information is available on the program website. Applications are due August 20.
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 Posts Recording of Webinar on Award Negotiation Improvements for Large Capital Projects Administered by Office of Infrastructure
DOE Announces Notice of Intent (NOI) to Provide up to $900 Million for Certain Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technologies The funding solicitation is expected to be released in late summer/fall of this year. The NOI is here.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Updates Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program Q&As New items can be found by searching for “*new*” in the document.
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
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Awards $60 Million Through the Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Deployment Program The awards were made to entities in Arizona, Texas, and Utah. The program supports road safety, mobility, and efficiency through technology that enables vehicles and wireless devices to communicate with each other and with roadside infrastructure and provide warnings.
FHWA Awards More Than $108 Million for Infrastructure and Road Safety Improvements on Federal and Tribal Lands Through Two Programs
- Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (FY 2023; $88 million for five projects)
- Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund (FY 2024; $20.5 million for 80 projects)
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Releases Three Publications on Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Charging Infrastructure Deployment
- Physical Safety and Security at Electric Vehicle Charging Sites
- Embedding Equity into Electric Vehicle Charging Station Design
- Embedding Equity into Community EV Readiness Planning
FHWA Seeks Comment on New Information Collection Regarding Intergovernmental Efforts to Reduce Motor Fuel and Other Highway Use Tax Evasion Comments are due August 20.
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. No new allocations are provided this week.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA and DOE Announces Availability of $850 Million for Oil and Gas Methane Monitoring Through the Methane Emissions Reduction Program The funding will help small oil and natural gas operators reduce methane emissions and transition to methane emissions reduction technologies, while also supporting partnerships that improve emissions measurement and provide accurate, transparent data to affected communities. State and local governments are eligible. Applications are due August 26 (funding opportunity).
INTERIOR
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Selects 21 Projects in 18 States to Receive Funding for Collection of Elevation and Hydrography Data Recipients for lidar (elevation) partnerships are listed here and for hydrography partnerships here; no funding detail is provided.
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Announce Oregon as First New State to Join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025 IRS Direct File was made possible by new funding in the IRA.
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. Updates are provided for:
- Assessing and Predicting Technology Outcomes (APTO; Ohio, Illinois)
- Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC; various states)
CHIPS Research and Development Office Releases Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Plan Guidebook The book is a resource for funding applicants required to submit an EWD plan.
Application Window Closes for CHIPS Commercial Fabrication Facilities Funding All full applications received by 5:00 p.m. ET on June 18 will be considered for funding. The CHIPS office reports that it received more than 230 applications, with 10 preliminary memoranda of terms representing more than $29 billion in proposed funding announced so far.
Webinar Announced: CHIPS Women in Construction Framework Overview The framework is a set of five recruitment and retention best practices that will support on-time and successful completion of CHIPS-funded projects by expanding the construction workforce through increasing the participation of women and economically disadvantaged individuals. The webinar will take place July 1, 2:00 p.m. ET (register).
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet No updates are provided this week.
GENERAL
PRAC Releases Semiannual Report to Congress The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) report summarizes work during the first half of FY 2024 and updates Congress on efforts to promote transparency and ensure coordinated oversight of more than $5 trillion in pandemic relief.
AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund This new Healthy Food Financing Initiative program will make $60 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) available for loans, grants, and technical assistance for retailers and suppliers to increase access to healthy foods in communities underserved by grocery stores. Stakeholders can submit an interest form to share contact information and preliminary details about their project. A full request for applications will be released in August.
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- June 3, June 10, and June 17 issues of Newsflash, with recent communications, upcoming deadlines, and other resources
- Links to ARP Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) maintenance of equity state and local submissions
- Links to maintenance of effort waiver request materials
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Announces CDBG-CV Problem Solving Clinic The Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) clinic supports grantees in implementing their programs and expending funds in a timely manner. The clinic will be held June 27, 12:30 p.m. ET. Register here.
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Updates Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Data Dashboard The dashboard now includes state, tribal, and territory data for the second quarter of FY 2024.
TREASURY
NEU Deadline Looms By June 30, states must obtain signatures from their non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs) on the decline and transfer form for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).
OTHER NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Broadband Bill Struggles to Find Support in Senate Committee For the fourth time, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee cancelled a markup planned for the Spectrum and National Security Act due to insufficient support for the bill. Among other things, the bill would provide $7 billion to restart the Affordable Connectivity Program and additional funding for CHIPS for America programs.
Senate Committee Releases WIOA Draft, Seeks Feedback The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released a discussion draft of a bill to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The committee provided a template for feedback, asking that comments be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 5.
GENERAL
Treasury Announces New Efforts to Lower Housing Costs The efforts include:
- A new program administered by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund that will provide an additional $100 million over the next three years to support financing of affordable housing
- An effort to provide greater interest rate predictability to state and local housing finance agencies borrowing from the Federal Financing Bank to support new housing development
- A call for Federal Home Loan Banks to increase their spending on housing programs
- A new “How-To Guide” to support state and local governments in using recovery funds provided by Treasury to construct housing
- An update to the Capital Magnet Fund to provide greater flexibility to CDFIs and non-profits that finance affordable housing (see new interim rule, for which comments close on August 26)
AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Seeks Comment on Draft Old Growth Forest Management Guidance Comments close 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. Further information is available on the Forest Service National Old Growth amendment website and the project website, including a draft environmental impact statement.
USDA Releases Updated Climate Adaptation Plan
EDUCATION
OSERS Issues 2024 IDEA State Implementation Determination Letters The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) releases determinations each year on state implementation of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
ED Issues Request for Information on Identifying and Tracking Data Related to Early Childhood Education Providers The notice requests written comments that include information, research, and suggestions regarding operational aspects of the possible inclusion of for-profit early childhood education providers as eligible employers for the purpose of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Comments close July 22.
ED Awards Grants to Improve Postsecondary Education Access and Completion for Rural Students More than $44.5 million was provided for 22 grants under the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) program. A list of awards by state is included in the press release.
ED’s Office for Civil Rights Releases New Resources on Protecting Students with Disabilities in K-12 and Higher Education
ENERGY
DOE Releases NOI to Issue $36 Million Funding Opportunity for Enhancement and Innovation Through the Weatherization Assistance Program The opportunity is scheduled for release roughly 30 days after the NOI’s publication.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Awards $1.5 Million to Three Organizations to Provide Technical Assistance to Grant Recipients on Evaluating Program Outcomes
EPA Releases 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan
EPA Proposes to Remove Affirmative Defense Provisions for Certain Emissions Standards Under the Clean Air Act (CAA) The proposal is in response to a Circuit Court decision that vacated these provisions in one of EPA’s CAA regulations. Comments are due August 8.
EPA Amends Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund) The rule is effective August 23.
HEALTH
HRSA Awards $56 Million to Health Centers to Improve Quality Health Services in High-Need Communities The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding will support modernizing technology and data to improve quality of care and health outcomes. A list of awards by state is available here.
SAMHSA Proposes to Modify State Opioid Response Program Instrument The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeks comment on proposed changes to the instrument, including broadening the language to include new medications and technologies. Comments are due by August 23.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Releases Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Annual Report The FY 2022 annual report provides state detail on expenditures, recipients, and service areas.
ACF Updates Grants FAQs The document provides information on applying for and managing ACF funding.
ACF Provides Guidance on Uses for Office of Refugee Resettlement Grants The guidance discusses the use of Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) and Refugee Social Services (RSS) funding for housing assistance, food assistance, and other services.
ACL Announces Direct Care Workforce Strategies Webinar The Administration for Community Living (ACL) webinar will focus on workforce investment systems. It will be held July 11, 3:00 p.m. ET (register here).
ACL Hosts Webinar on Final Rule Implementing Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act The webinar will cover new requirements for recipients of federal funding. It will be held June 27, 2:30 p.m. ET (register here).
HOMELAND SECURITY
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Issues Strategic Guidance and National Priorities for U.S. Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Memo
FEMA Amends FY 2024 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) NOFO to Include $160 Million in Supplemental Funds P.L. 118-50 was enacted in April to provide assistance for Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region, and other foreign policy issues. It also included $390 million for the NSGP; FEMA has increased funding under the FY 2024 NOFO to $434.5 million. The application due date was yesterday. Target allocations for the state portion of the program (50% of available funding) have been updated here. FEMA expects the remaining $230 million from P.L. 118-50 to be made available later this year.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Releases Report Entitled Enhancing Election Security Through Public Communications The report provides a framework and practical tools for developing and implementing a year-round communications plan to mitigate risks to election infrastructure and operations.
CISA Issues FY 2024 Guidance on Emergency Communications Grants The document, which is updated annually, provides current information on national policies, eligible costs, best practices, and technical standards for state, local, tribal, and territorial grant recipients investing federal funds in emergency communications projects.
HOUSING
HUD Releases Updated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
HUD Awards $10 Million to Public Housing Agencies Through Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program A full list of awards is here.
HUD Posts Resources for Protecting People Experiencing Homelessness from Extreme Heat and Other Climate Risks
HUD Issues Revised HAP Set-Aside Shortfall Funding Requirements The notice establishes additional eligibility requirements for calendar year 2024 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) shortfall funding and provides updated information on the shortfall funding calculation and funding awards.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Announces Availability of $10.5 Million for Mine Health and Safety State Grants Applications for these formula grants are due August 20.
DOL Posts Memo Regarding FY 2024 State Funding for Unemployment Insurance Administration
DOL Posts Minimum Disaster Unemployment Assistance Weekly Benefit Amount by State for July 1 – September 30
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Posts Guide for State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Agencies on Keys to Application Processing Timeliness
FNS Extends Gerber Infant Formula Supply Chain Disruption Declaration State agencies implementing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) with Gerber contracts may submit waiver requests under the declaration, which is in place through August 5.
USDA Approves Disaster SNAP for Areas of Iowa, Arkansas Recovering from Storms
TRANSPORTATION
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Issues Final Rule for Trains Transporting Hazardous Substances It requires railroads to generate in electronic form, maintain, and provide to first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel, certain information regarding hazardous materials in rail transportation to enhance emergency response and investigative efforts. The rule is effective July 24.