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:
- Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (FY 2023 awards)
- Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program (FY 2024 allotments)
COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Highlights Permitting Streamlining The blog post lists actions taken by NTIA to accelerate the federal permitting process for broadband programs.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Awards $123 Million for FY 2023 Coastal Habitat Restoration Awards are listed here for the National Coastal Zone Management Program and here for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Further award announcements are forthcoming.
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
HOMELAND SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Awards $24.2 Million to States Through FY 2024 National Dam Safety Program
FEMA Announces State Funding Eligibility Under FY 2023 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Swift Current Funding Opportunity FEMA announced the availability of $300 million for FY 2023 last November. FEMA has determined eligibility for up to $295 million for 16 states and one tribe. Funding will be distributed on a rolling basis as these selectees submit applications until funding is exhausted; FEMA will provide application deadlines directly to selectees.
FEMA Hosting 30-Minute Webinar Series on Build America, Buy America Act The sessions will be held from April 24 through August 28. Registration is available through the link in the heading.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Invests Nearly $30 Million for Drought Resilience in the Upper Colorado River Basin The press release does provide project detail.
Bureau of Reclamation Announces Availability of up to $95 Million for FY 2024 WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects Two application submission deadlines are provided: June 18, 2024, and March 11, 2025. Projects that provide benefits to multiple water use sectors will be prioritized. The funding opportunity is here.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Invests $3.1 Million to Restore Wildlife Habitat Areas in Six Western States No funding detail is provided.
Bureau of Reclamation Awards $13.3 Million for 51 Applied Science Projects Awardees will develop tools and information to support water management for multiple uses. A complete list of projects is here.
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Announces Availability of $316 Million for Ferry Programs
- Passenger Ferry Program ($51 million): For capital projects to buy, replace, or modernize passenger ferries, terminals, and related equipment
- Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program ($49 million): For transit agencies to buy ferry vessels that reduce emissions by using alternative fuels or on-board energy storage systems
- Ferry Service for Rural Communities ($216 million): For initiating or expanding ferry services in rural areas, including capital, planning, and operating costs
Applications for each program are due June 17. FTA will host a webinar May 2, 2:30 p.m. ET (link; passcode: 638376).
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Makes $54 Million Available to Enhance Electric Mobility The Communities Taking Charge Accelerator will provide grants to public and private entities for local investments that address barriers to expanding electrified mobility access for individuals without home charging; accelerating the transition to electrified micro, light, and medium duty fleets; and maturing the implementation of managed charging systems to mitigate impacts and optimize usage of the grid. Applications are due July 16 (funding opportunity).
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Publishes 2024 Northeast Corridor (NEC) Project Inventory The inventory is used to guide long-term capital planning on the NEC and to reference when selecting NEC projects under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) to Participate in Transportation Access Pilot Program The IIJA required FHWA to establish a pilot program to measure and improve transportation accessibility across various modes of transportation. Participating states will receive support in measuring accessibility to important destinations. The results of the pilot will inform possible future national transportation accessibility datasets, measures, and analysis practices. LOIs are due June 7.
FHWA Issues Two Funding Opportunities
- Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program ($2 million, set-aside of Highway Research and Development): To research transformational improvements to plan, build, renew, and operate safe, congestion free, and environmentally sound transportation systems. Applications are due June 5.
- Highway Construction Training Program ($4.2 million, set-aside of Training and Education): To develop, test, and review new curricula and education programs to train individuals at all levels of the transportation workforce; and to implement the new curricula and education programs to provide hands-on career opportunities to meet current and future needs. Applications are due June 17.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Amends FY 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Funding Opportunity The amount available for Planning and Demonstration Grants was increased from $580 million to $780 million, and the amount available for Implementation Grants was reduced from $657 million to $461 million. The revision also clarifies that funds will be awarded to applications submitted after each deadline; whether awards can be issued under later deadlines is contingent on the availability of remaining funds. Other changes are indicated in the updated NOFO, available at the link above.
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.
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Announces IRA-Funded Clean Energy Awards The awards include $194 million in grants and loans to farmers and rural small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and $43 million in grants to fueling station and distribution facility owners through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The HBIIP is designed to expand access to domestic biofuels. A detailed list of awards is here.
ENERGY
DOE Makes $12 Million Available from the IRA for the Renewable Energy Siting Through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) Program The funding will support the creation or expansion of state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy siting processes at the state and local levels. DOE will host a webinar on the opportunity May 2, 3:00 p.m. ET (register). The funding opportunity is here; applications are due June 13.
DOE Requests Information from State and Local Governments to Inform Partnership Opportunities for Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electric Vehicles The IRA appropriated $2 billion for programs under Section 712 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which includes the domestic manufacturing conversion grant program to provide grants to clean vehicle manufacturers and related entities for domestic production of efficient vehicles. The Request for Information (RFI) solicits feedback from state, local, and government entities on issues related to design and implementation of the program to assist small and medium manufacturers. The input will inform how DOE can best partner with state and local entities to implement the program. Responses are due May 20.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Selects 60 Recipients to Receive $7 Billion Through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All Competition Grantees—which are mostly state entities—will develop long-lasting programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed residential solar. A full list of awards is here. EPA will host an informational webinar on selections April 29, 4:00 p.m. ET (register).
INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Announces Investment of $17 Million for Rebuilding and Restoring State Wildlife Management Areas and the National Wildlife Refuge System The IRA provided just more than $120 million for these activities; last year, FWS provided a list of conservation areas targeted for investment, although no project-specific funding was provided. The projects announced this week are in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
TREASURY
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Updates FAQs for Energy Efficient Home Improvement and Residential Clean Energy Property Credits The Fact Sheet addresses the federal income tax treatment of purchases of energy efficient property and improvements.
IRS Updates FAQs Related to New, Previously Owned, and Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credits
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 (Samsung/Texas)
National Institute of Standards (NIST) Posts Video of April 9 Webinar on National Semiconductor Technology Center
CHIPS for America Announces $54 Million Funding Opportunity to Encourage Small Business Metrology Research and Development The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants allow small businesses to explore the technical merit or feasibility of an idea or technology for a metrology-related product or service for the commercial microelectronics marketplace. Applications are due June 14. NIST expects the earliest start date for awards under this NOFO to be September 2024.
NSF Solicits Proposals for Additional Regional Innovation Engines The foundation seeks to add to the 10 initial engines announced in January. Details and a link to the full solicitation are available on the program page. Letters of intent are due June 18; preliminary proposals are due August 6 (both required). Eligible applicants include state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and tribes, among others. Two webinars about the new funding opportunity are planned:
- Introduction to the new opportunity: April 25, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Questions and answers: April 30, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet Updated allocations are provided for:
- Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Benefits
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Links to status of state maintenance of effort waiver requests
- Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) year 3 annual performance reporting technical webinar, slides, and data collection tool user guide
- Year 4 Education Stabilization Fund – State Educational Agencies (ESF-SEA) business rules guide spreadsheet (available here)
- Analysis of 2022 spending under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
NUTRITION
USDA Announces 2023 Healthy Food Financing Initiative Partnerships Program Grants The grants, totaling more than $40 million, are going to 16 public-private partnerships involving 75 partners in 20 states. Funding for the grants—designed to increase equitable access to healthy foods—comes primarily from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Details on partnerships receiving awards are here (award amounts are not provided).
TREASURY
Treasury Updates State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Compliance and Reporting Guidance The update reflects a new expenditure category for costs associated with certain legal and administrative requirements, and upload requirements for certain Title I projects. On a related note, Treasury announced in an email that it is extending the deadline for reporting estimated costs for certain legal and administrative requirements. Recipients must submit an estimate if they want to cover such costs using SLFRF funds that would otherwise be returned to Treasury as unobligated. Treasury has extended the deadline for reporting this estimate from April 30 to July 31 for quarterly reporters, or April 30, 2025, for annual reporters. There will be additional guidance on this in a future user guide.
Treasury to Host Webinars on SLFRF Obligation Requirement The same material will be presented at both webinars. Sessions will be held May 8, 10:00 a.m. ET (register here) and May 9, 1:00 p.m. ET (register here).
GAO Updates Report on SLFRF Spending The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on SLFRF spending through September 30, 2023, finds that states reported spending 53% of their awards and obligating 73%.
OTHER NEWS
BUDGET UPDATE
OMB Issues Final Sequestration Report for FY 2024 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) finds that enacted appropriations are at or below the defense and non-defense caps after accounting for cap adjustments. As a result, a sequestration of discretionary budget authority is not required.
AGRICULTURE
USDA To Hold ReConnect Round 5 Deep Dive Webinar on Mapping The webinar will take place Thursday, April 25, 1:00 p.m. ET. Registration is required.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Announces Webinar for Prospective Regional Conservation Partnership Program Applicants The webinar will take place Tuesday, April 23,
2:00 p.m. ET. (register).
EDUCATION
ED Publishes Final Rule on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance The regulations become effective August 1.
ED Publishes Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Student Debt Relief Plan The deadline for comments is May 17.
ENERGY
DOE Issues National Wind Workforce Assessment: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Needs Report
DOE Publishes Three Reports Related to the Power Grid
- Transmission Interconnection Roadmap: Identifies solutions to accelerate the connection of clean energy projects to the electric grid. DOE will host a webinar on the roadmap May 8, 1:00 p.m. ET (register).
- Innovative Grid Deployment Liftoff: Focuses on pathways to accelerate deployment of commercially available but underutilized advanced grid solutions on the existing transmission and distribution system to address near-term hotspots and modernize the grid to prepare for a wide range of energy futures.
- 2024 The Future of Resource Adequacy: Outlines solutions to address increased electricity demand on the nation’s power grid while continuing to reduce emissions.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Designates Two Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as Hazardous Substances Under Superfund Law, Announces Plan for Enforcement The final rule enables investigation and cleanup of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) at contaminated sites; it is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA also issued an enforcement discretion policy, which makes clear that EPA will focus enforcement of the final rule on parties who have significantly contributed to the release of PFAS into the environment. Additional information is here.
EPA Issues Notice of Data Availability for Final Emission Allowance Allocations to Certain Units Under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) The allocations cover the 2023 control periods. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case to temporarily block EPA’s “good neighbor” program, under which these emission allowances are enforced. EPA’s ability to enforce these allowances may be affected by the court’s decision.
HEALTH
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Releases Two Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Final Rules The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule focuses on multiples areas of access in fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems, including home and community-based services (HCBS). A summary of the changes is here and effective dates by provision here. The Medicaid and CHIP Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality rule strengthens standards for timely access to care and states’ monitoring/enforcement efforts; enhances standards for state directed payments; addresses health-related social needs; modifies medical loss ratio requirements; and establishes a quality rating system for Medicaid and CHIP managed care plans. A summary of the changes is here and effective dates by provision here.
CMS Final Rule Establishes Minimum Staffing Standards to Enhance Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes The final rule requires nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid to meet specific staffing levels and ensure a registered nurse is always on site (with flexibilities and hardship exemptions in limited circumstances). It also requires states to report on the percentage of Medicaid payments for services in nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities that are spent on compensation to direct care workers and support staff. A fact sheet is available here.
CMS Releases Bulletin on Enforcement of Medicaid Health Care-Related Tax Programs and Hold Harmless Arrangements The bulletin advises states that CMS will not enforce its February 2023 guidance on health care-related taxes and hold harmless arrangements involving the redistribution of Medicaid payments until January 2028. This will allow CMS to provide technical assistance to states and continue to gather information on these arrangements to ensure that future enforcement action does not result in unanticipated and significant Medicaid program disruption.
CMS Launches Maternal Health Summer Webinar Series, Convenes Affinity Groups The webinars will focus on the challenges pregnant and postpartum people face addressing their mental health, substance use, and hypertension management. Register at the link above. Beginning in Fall 2024, CMS will convene two affinity groups: 1) Addressing Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use and 2) Improving Maternal Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health. State teams may join one or both groups to address maternal health in their state.
CMS to Host Webinar on Understanding Budget Authority in Self-Directed Home and Community-Based Services The webinar is May 8, 2:00 p.m. ET. Register at the link above.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Seeks to Establish Up to 10 Centers for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response The goal is to improve public health preparedness and response by increasing evidence-based strategies and interventions that align with community needs. CDC is seeking comments on the workplans, which must be received within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
HHS OCR Issues Final Rule to Support Reproductive Health Care Privacy Under the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) final rule prohibits the disclosure of protected health information related to lawful reproductive health care in certain circumstances. A fact sheet is available here.
HRSA Updates Incomes Used for Various Health Professions and Nursing Programs The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) updated incomes used to identify a “low-income family” for determining eligibility for programs that provide health professions and nursing training to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
HRSA Releases 340B Drug Pricing Program; Administrative Dispute Resolution Final Rule The rule finalizes new requirements and procedures to make the administrative dispute resolution process more accessible and efficient for stakeholders. It is effective on June 18.
GAO Issues New Report on Health Centers The report examines grant funding, revenue, and efforts to meet certain access-to-care requirements.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Provides Second Release of FY 2024 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Funds The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released $384 million. To date, ACF has allocated 99% of total funding. State allocations are available here.
ACF Releases Updates to Earth Day Webpage and LIHEAP Cooling Season Toolkit
ACF Launches the National Prevention Learning Collaborative on Youth Homelessness The learning collaborative is in partnership with The Raikes Foundation. It aims to identify best practices for enhancing youth homelessness prevention programs, and to learn from homelessness prevention programs and research.
ACF Posts Annual Report to Congress on State Child Welfare Expenditures The report provides FY 2023 planned spending by service category for the Child Welfare Services program and planned (FY 2023) and actual (FY 2020) spending for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program.
ACF Provides Details on Supplemental Funds for Child Care Disaster Recovery The program instruction covers implementation grants (Phase 2) for areas affected by Hurricane Fiona or Ian. It provides information on allowable activities, how to apply, and other details.
ACF Outlines Proposed Revisions to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Annual Report The letter also provides timelines for implementation and reporting.
ACF Releases Unaccompanied Children Program Final Rule The final rule establishes a comprehensive framework setting clear standards for the care and treatment of unaccompanied children. It is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) and Bipartisan Policy Center Announce Webinar on Addressing the Direct Care Workforce Shortage The webinar is April 25, 2:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
HOMELAND SECURITY
State and Local FY 2024 Allocations Announced for Certain FEMA Preparedness Grants FEMA issued NOFOs for its preparedness grant programs, which include allocations to state and local governments for the following formula programs: State Homeland Security Grant Program ($373.4 million), Urban Area Security Initiative ($553.5 million), Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State ($137.25 million), and Emergency Management Performance Grants ($319.5 million). State figures for each of these four programs are available here. The NOFOs can be found in FFIS’s Competitive Grant Update 24-17; applications are due June 24.
FEMA Hosting Summits on Ways to Combat and Prepare for Extreme Heat
FEMA to Host Webinar on Improving Individual and Community Wildfire Resilience It will be held April 29, 2:00 p.m. ET (register at the link in the heading).
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Announces Voucher Management System Reporting Requirements for Moving to Work Public Housing Agencies
HUD Announces Additional Administrative Funding for HUD-VASH The notice announces the availability of $20 million to be made available for public housing agencies (PHAs) administering the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program.
HUD Issues Notice of Regulatory Waiver Requests Granted for the Third Quarter of Calendar Year 2023
HUD Releases Methodology for Annual Inflationary Adjustments to Income Calculations in Subsidized Housing Programs Comments close May 17.
HUD Announces Tenant Protection Voucher Awards for FY 2023 Housing Choice Voucher Program The announcement includes a list of awards.
Final Rule Implements Regulations for Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands The rule aims to protect communities from flood risk, heavy storms, increased frequency of severe weather events and disasters, changes in development patterns, and erosion. It becomes effective May 23.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation Awards $1.9 Million for Eight Desalination and Water Purification Research Projects
DOI Announces Formula Allocations to States and Tribes Totaling $124.8 Million Through the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Program This program is funded through fee collections on all domestic coal production. Allocations are available here.
JUSTICE
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Implements New Regulations The direct final rule implements provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Denial Notification Act. Comments on the rule are due May 20. ATF also finalized implementation of BSCA provisions related to what it means to be “engaged in the business” as a firearms dealer, effective May 20.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Posts Memo Regarding Modernization of the Unemployment Insurance Database Management System Changes will include shifting the system from on-premises servers to the cloud. A webinar on the changes was held April 22 and a video of the webinar may be made available here.
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Proposes Amendments to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Regulations To implement provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the proposal would add helping low-income adults obtain employment to the program purpose language. It would also update regulations regarding exceptions to the able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) time limit and related exemptions. Comments will close 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. FNS also provided an overview of key changes as well as an infographic on what’s changing and when.
USDA Publishes Report Comparing Food Insecurity Among U.S. Military and Civilian Adults The study found that the prevalence of food insecurity was 25.3% in the military population and 10.1% in the demographically equivalent civilian adult population in 2018 and 2020.
FNS Updates Guidance for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) The guidance sets forth the process for state agencies to pursue operational changes to their programs, and to seek program flexibilities, with regard to coupon processing.
FNS Extends Comment Period for Interim Final Rule Establishing Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program, Rural Non-Congregate Option in Summer Meal Programs Comments on the interim final rule, published in December 2023, will now be accepted through August 27.
FNS Launches Online Child Nutrition Data Visualization Dashboard
FNS Posts Memo on Meal Claim Validation in the Summer Food Service Program
FNS Issues Final FY 2024 Caseload Allocations for Commodity Supplemental Food Program