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:
- PROTECT competitive grants (awards for FYs 2022-2023)
AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Announces FY 2023 Secure Rural Schools Payments More than $232 million will go to 745 eligible counties in 41 states and Puerto Rico to support public schools, roads, and other services in rural areas.
COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Highlights Coordination with Grantees The blog post highlights stakeholder engagement during the rollout of its broadband programs and includes links to further technical assistance resources.
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.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Awards $1.275 Million to Advance Resilience in Disadvantaged Communities Through the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Grants were awarded to five recipients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including state and local governments, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations.
EPA Awards $35 Million to Minnesota for Cleanup at the Thomson Reservoir on the St. Louis River The funds were provided through IIJA appropriations for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
EPA Posts FY 2023 Clean School Bus Grants Reporting Template
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Posts BABA Resources for CPF Grantees Community Project Funding (CPF) grantees engaged in construction activities are encouraged to become familiar with Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
SBA Launches Investing in America Resource Hub The Small Business Administration (SBA) hub highlights funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), IIJA, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Consumer Advisory on New Broadband Labels Now Required As of April 10, the new labels must provide basic information on broadband service offerings to consumers including prices, speeds, and introductory rate details. The IIJA directed the FCC to require such labels. The agency also published a consumer advisory about the labels.
FCC Announces Maximum Partial Reimbursement Amounts for Affordable Connectivity Program for May With funding running out, April was the last month in which the full statutory benefit was available to households.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Announces Dedication of $79 Million for Wildland Fire Management Activities will include landscape restoration, revegetation, fuels management, and more.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Invests $3.1 Million for Habitat Restoration in Six Western States The release lists the areas where BLM will seek contracting opportunities; no project-specific funding is included.
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Awards $830 Million in Competitive Grants for 80 Projects Through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Grant Program Awards include funds from annual appropriations bills for FYs 2022 and 2023. A full list of awards is here.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Issues Final Rule for Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans (PTASP), Updates National Public Transportation Safety Plan Both actions reflect requirements in the IIJA. The PTASP rule is effective May 13, and the applicable date for the National Safety Plan is April 10. Additional information is here and here.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Updates Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) Program Implementation Regulations The programs aim to provide small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts. A summary of the rule, which is effective May 9, is available here. DOT will host a webinar series on the rule from April 23-July 30 (registration is available here).
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Posts Report on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Charging Station Requirements and Standards The report was prepared by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Posts Overview Webinar on FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Funding Opportunity
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 or updated allocations are provided this week.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Posts Information for Potential Applicants to Prepare for Upcoming Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program The IRA appropriated $1 billion to replace existing heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and train and develop workers.
INTERIOR
BLM Finalizes Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Rule The rule (available here) codifies provisions in the IRA and IIJA, including by increasing royalty rates and updating bonding requirements for leasing, development, and production. It is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Issue Corrected Census Tracts for Qualified Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit The press release identifies added tracts in Alaska, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, New York, and South Dakota.
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. There are no updates this week.
Department of Commerce Announces Preliminary Agreement to Invest $6.4 Billion in Semiconductor Manufacturing in Texas
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet No updated allocations are provided this week.
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Annual Performance Report year 4 submission period runs April 15 – May 2
- GEER year 4 annual reporting technical webinar, slides, and user guide
- March 25, April 1, and April 8 Newsflash, with recent communications, upcoming deadlines, and other resources
- Links to state materials for maintenance of effort waiver requests
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) year 4 business rules webinar
HEALTH
Administration Releases Executive Order on COVID-19 and Public Health Preparedness and Response The executive order transfers certain roles and responsibilities to the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, which was established in December 2022.
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Updates Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Dashboard The dashboard now reflects state, territory, and tribal data for the first quarter of FY 2024 for those recipients that have an approved no-cost extension.
JUSTICE
Department of Justice Releases 2024 COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Report
TREASURY
Treasury Releases SLFRF Quarterly Reporting Analysis, Updates Dashboard The analysis for State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) summarizes activity through December 31, 2023. The data dashboard was also updated.
OTHER NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
House Passes WIOA Reauthorization Among other things, the bill reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) directs 50% of adult and dislocated worker funding to increasing workers’ skills through individual training accounts and on-the-job learning. The bill also supports skills-based (as opposed to degree-based) hiring. FFIS will provide more details on the bill in a forthcoming brief.
GENERAL
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Releases Final FY 2024 Sequestration Report for Discretionary Funds CBO estimates that FY 2024 appropriations are within the discretionary spending caps set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act; therefore, no sequestration is required. However, the authority to make a final determination rests with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
OMB Releases Text of Updated Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance The updated guidance incorporates policy priorities and reduces burdens. It incorporates certain statutory requirements and clarifies sections of the prior version that recipients or agencies interpreted differently. It becomes effective October 1.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Issues Final Rule and Guidance to Implement Pregnant Workers Fairness Act It becomes effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Office of Science and Technology Policy Requests Comment on Federal Flood Standard Resources The beta website and assessment tool are designed to assist recipients of federal assistance in the implementation of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard. Comments are due May 28.
Census Bureau Releases Experimental Estimates of State and County Undercounts and Overcounts of Young Children in the 2020 Census
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to Hold ReConnect Round 5 Deep Dive Webinar on Network Portion of Application The webinar will take place April 18, 1:00 p.m. ET. Registration is required.
EDUCATION
Administration Announces Additional $7.4 Billion in Approved Student Debt Relief for 277,000 Borrowers State figures are included in the press release. In a related action, the administration announced a first set of draft rules to provide debt relief to borrowers.
Secretary Sends Policy Letter to Schools Regarding Rollout of Better FAFSA The department also posted Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates by state.
ENERGY
DOE Opens Application for Technical Assistance to Remote and Island Communities Through the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP) Program Application materials can be accessed here. DOE will host a webinar April 24, 3:00 p.m. ET (register). Applications are due July 10.
DOE Posts FY 2024 Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) State Allocations
DOE Awards up to $10.6 Million for Six Projects to Support State Engagement and Analysis in Wholesale Electricity Markets The awards were made to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Finalizes Rule to Reduce Ethylene Oxide, Chloroprene, and Other Air Toxics Emissions The rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information, including fact sheets, a regulatory analysis, and more is available here.
EPA Announces Actions Related to PFAS
- Updated Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Materials Containing PFAS: Comments will be accepted for 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Rulemaking: Effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information, including registration for three webinars that will be held April 16, April 23, and April 30, 2:00 p.m. ET, is available here.
EPA Seeks Feedback on Draft Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV The plan outlines objectives for 2025-2029; input will be accepted until May 24.
EPA Updates Annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory The data have been updated through 2022.
EPA Denies Petition to Remove Stationary Combustion Turbines from List of Major Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants Petitions for judicial review of the action must be filed within 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here.
EPA Hosting Webinar to Provide Overview of Fair Share Negotiations, Guidance, and Processes It will be held April 30, 2:00 p.m. ET (register through the link in heading).
EPA Adopts Categorical Exclusion (CE) for Restoration Activities of Wetland, Riparian, Instream, and Native Habitats Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The CE was adopted from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
EPA Finalizes Changes to Test Procedures for Wastewater and Other Samples for Reporting Under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program It is effective June 17.
HEALTH
HRSA Announces Policy Action, Releases First-Ever Funding Opportunity for Health Centers to Support People Leaving Incarceration The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) policy clarifies that health centers can provide services to individuals in the 90 days prior to release. The funding opportunity makes $51 million available to support transitions in care prior to release.
CDC Provides Update on Data Modernization Efforts to Detect and Respond to Health Threats The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that highlights progress from 2023 and an updated Public Health Data Strategy for 2024-2025. The strategy outlines the data, technology, policy, and administrative actions essential to address challenges in data exchange between healthcare organizations and public health authorities and among state, tribal, local, territorial, and federal public health authorities.
HHS Unveils Health Care and Public Health Sector Cybersecurity Gateway The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website provides cybersecurity information and resources from HHS and other federal agencies.
SAMHSA Report Describes Key Elements of a Core Curriculum for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report provides curriculum content for the integration of SUD treatment in early-career graduate health care education programs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Releases Three New Quality Improvement Resources for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services The resources include:
- 2024 Home and Community-Based Services Quality Measure Set
- Home and Community-Based Quality Measure Set Reporting Requirements for Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Recipients
- 2024 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Quality Measures Technical Specifications and Resource Manual
CMS Proposes New Policies for Inpatient and Long-Term Care Hospitals The proposed rule focuses on improving health outcomes for Medicare recipients by addressing social determinants of health, strengthening emergency preparedness, and improving maternal health. Comments are due June 10.
MACPAC Report Examines Medicaid Payments to Hospitals The Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission (MACPAC) report reviews each type of payment. It also provides state information on supplemental payments to hospitals.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Posts FY 2024 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Allocations
ACF Notifies States Out of Compliance with CCDF Payment Rates States and territories are considered out of compliance with the equal access requirement if their child care subsidy payment rates are set below the 50th percentile of their most recent market rate survey. The release includes state data on payment rates by provider type and age of child.
ACF Posts Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Reports to Congress ACF posted the FY 2019 and FY 2020 reports. The reports include several state tables on the use of funds, number of state personnel, client characteristics, and more.
ACF Offers Emergency Preparedness Training for Individuals Eligible for Refugee Resettlement Program States may request this training, which is facilitated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to help individuals prepare for natural disasters.
HOMELAND SECURITY
- Formula program: DHS will distribute $275 million to 55 grant recipients, as detailed in the funding opportunity. An additional $25 million will be allocated later this year to accommodate operational requirements. Applications are due April 26.
- Competitive program: New this year, DHS is making $340.9 million available as competitive grants. Applications are due June 13. DHS will host a webinar series from April 16-June 12; registration is available here.
FEMA Hosting Webinar on Improving Individual and Community Wildfire Resilience It will be held April 29, 2:00 p.m. ET (register at the link in heading).
HOUSING
HUD Announces Grants to Protect Families from Health and Safety Hazards Awards totaling nearly $70 million include funding through the Healthy Homes Production Grant Program, the Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration Grant Program, the Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program, the Lead Technical Studies Grant Program, the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant Program, and the Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program. The press release lists awards by state.
Notice Extends Adjustment to Tenant Accounts Receivable (TAR) Sub-indicator Under the Management Assessment Subsystem (MASS) Indicator for FY 2023 Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) Assessment Cycle
HUD Announces Community Disaster Preparedness Webinar The next webinar will address historic properties in flood zones and is intended for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grantees. It will be held April 18, 1:30 p.m. ET. Register here.
HUD Announces Recovery Housing Program (RHP) Webinar Series The next webinar will be April 30, 2:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
Proposed Rule Reduces Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing The rule would revise regulations that govern admission for applicants with criminal records or a history of involvement with the criminal justice system and eviction or termination of assistance of persons on the basis of illegal drug use, drug-related criminal activity, or other criminal activity. Comments close June 10.
INTERIOR
BLM Issues Final Renewable Energy Rule It reduces acreage rents and capacity fees, improves the BLM’s application process, and delivers greater predictability for how BLM will administer future solar and wind project authorizations. The rule is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
FWS Awards $21 Million in FY 2024 Boating Infrastructure Grants More than $4.4 million was awarded through the Tier 1 subprogram for small projects, and more than $17 million was awarded for larger-scale projects through the Tier 2 subprogram.
JUSTICE
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Awards $17 Million for Building Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success Initiative The awards are listed here.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Awards $65 Million in Strengthening Community College Training Grants The grants will support 41 colleges—including 16 lead institutions and 25 consortia members—in 14 states.
DOL Proposes Information Collection for Retirement Savings Lost and Found Searchable Database Comments close June 17.
TRANSPORTATION
DOT Awards $23.6 Million for Technical Assistance to 112 Communities Through the Thriving Communities Program Awards were issued to three national and six regional capacity builders (some of which are states), which will provide technical assistance to communities.