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). No new or updated allocations are provided this week.
ENERGY
Department of Energy (DOE) Awards $16 Million for Three Projects to Advance Marine Energy
DOE Posts State and Local Solution Center Webinar Schedule Topics include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, weatherization, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more.
DOE Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for Second Round of Transmission Facilitation Program DOE anticipates deploying up to $1.2 billion through capacity contracts, which commit DOE to purchase up to 50% of the maximum capacity of a transmission line. The submission deadline for Part 1 of the application is March 11; DOE will invite certain applicants to complete Part 2 of the application. DOE will host a webinar on February 21, 3:00 p.m. ET (register). Additional information is here.
HOMELAND SECURITY
- February 16, 10:00 a.m. ET
- February 27, 6:00 p.m. ET
The link to join both webinars is available through the link above.
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Seeks to Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing for Housing Infrastructure Projects HUD’s request for information (RFI) seeks public input on implementing the Build America, Buy America Act. Comments close April 15. A webinar will be held February 22, 1:00 p.m. ET (join through the headline link above).
HUD Encourages Assistance in Locating Homes and Businesses that Lack Internet Access HUD is encouraging affordable housing facilities to help states and territories determine where to direct grant funding to expand high-speed Internet access by participating in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program challenge process.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Announces Availability of $5 million for New Slip-On Tanker Units Pilot Program The program can be used by local governments to purchase slip-on tanker units that will allow them to quickly convert trucks and other vehicles to be operated as wildland fire engines. Statements of interest are due March 21 and full applications are due June 4; the funding opportunity is here.
DOI Allocates $157 Million for FY 2024 Ecosystem Restoration Projects A list of projects is here.
DOI Announces Investments Totaling $7 Million to Advance Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Restoration in the Territories Funds come from the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Makes $5 Million Available to Survey Mine Waste Through Cooperative Agreements Under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative Only state geological surveys are eligible. Applications are due April 2.
TRANSPORTATION
Department of Transportation (DOT) Hosting Webinar on New Electric Vehicle Grant Opportunities and Technical Assistance Resources It will be held February 14, 1:00 p.m. ET (register).
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Posts Updated Q&As on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Announces Availability of $1.5 Billion Through Two Bus Programs
- Buses and Bus Facilities: Competitive Grants ($390 million)
- Buses and Bus Facilities: Low- or No- Emissions ($1.1 billion)
Applications for both are due April 25. FTA will host two webinars on the opportunities: February 22, 1:00 p.m. ET, and March 5, 2:00 p.m. ET (register here for one or both).
FHWA Distributes Obligation Limitation to States Under Third Continuing Resolution The Notice covers the period from October 1, 2023, through March 1, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Makes $1.1 Million Available to States to Develop and Implement Processes for Informing Consumers of Motor Vehicle Recalls Applications are due May 6.
FTA Issues Consolidated Bus Procurement Guidance The Dear Colleague letter highlights tools available to transit agencies to address trends and challenges in federally funded bus procurement, including information about managing component prices, modifying contracts, lowering vehicle contract and production costs, and reducing unnecessary customization. It also provides links to FTA bus procurement resources, including a webinar schedule for February 29, 2:30 p.m. ET (register).
FHWA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule to Update National Performance Management Measures Under Federal-Aid Highway Programs Comments on the rule will now be accepted through March 12.
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.
ENERGY
DOE Requests Information on Manufacturing Capital Connector (MCC) Initiative The initiative would connect companies applying for DOE-administered clean energy manufacturing programs with a range of private capital providers. It may be particularly beneficial for programs like the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit, which received $10 billion in the IRA and provides investment tax credits to qualifying manufacturing projects. Responses are due March 4. Additional information is here.
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hosting Webinar on Implementation Grants General Competition Under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program It will be held February 15, 3:00 p.m. ET (register at the link above).
EPA to Host Webinars on Waste Emissions Charge Proposed Rule
EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Information Collection on CPRG Implementation Grants The information would be used to determine the accuracy of calculations and analyses submitted by grantees, assess compliance with program requirements, and perform other program evaluations. Comments are due April 8.
TREASURY
Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Release Analysis Showing Return on Investment from IRA Resources The analysis estimates that the IRA as enacted would increase revenue by as much as $561 billion over 2024-2034, substantially more than earlier estimates.
Applications to Close for Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program The program provides a 10- or 20-percentage point boost to the Investment Tax Credit for qualified solar or wind facilities in low-income communities. New applications for the 2023 program year will not be accepted after February 29. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until that time and only applications submitted in categories with remaining capacity will be considered.
CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT (CHIPS)
Department of Commerce (DOC) Announces Final First Round Award from Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund The award of $42 million will fund the establishment of a testing and research center in the Dallas, Texas area and a satellite facility in the District of Columbia area by a consortium of carriers, universities, and equipment suppliers.
National Semiconductor Technology Center Consortium Formally Launched The Center is authorized and funded by the CHIPS Act. The administration also released a fact sheet with other CHIPS-related funding plans.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet New allocations are provided for:
- FEMA Public Assistance
- COVID-19-Related Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Benefits
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Announces Seven New Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grants to States New awards are going to Colorado ($4.1 million), Connecticut ($2.7 million), Delaware ($2.1 million), Kentucky ($8.6 million), Louisiana ($6.2 million), Utah ($3 million), and West Virginia ($4.5 million). The program is authorized and funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). State agencies will issue competitive subawards to producers, processors, nonprofits, local governments, schools, universities, and hospitals.
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) reporting resources, including FY 2023 Intervention Participation and Expenditure Reporting Review email, webinar and slides
- Reminder of March 15 deadline for submitting maintenance of effort final expenditure data for FY 2023 overall state spending
- Davis-Bacon webinar materials
- February 5 Newsflash, with recent communications, upcoming deadlines, and other resources
HEALTH
CMS Releases Updated Vaccine Toolkit for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) toolkit serves as a compilation of vaccination policies, including related flexibilities and coverage and payment requirements, for states to consider as they transition away from the COVID-19 public health emergency and implement the IRA’s coverage requirements.
HOUSING
HUD Announces CDBG-CV Problem Solving Clinic The Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) clinics support grantees in implementing programs and expending funds in a timely way. The final clinic will be held February 22, 12:30-5:30 p.m. ET (register here).
TREASURY
Treasury Updates Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) FAQs The FAQs address the 2022 final rule, eligible uses in the 2023 interim final rule (IFR), and guidance in the Obligation IFR. A table on page 2 identifies questions that have been updated or added.
Study Examines Streamlining Income Verification to Broaden Access to Rental Assistance
OTHER NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Senate Committee Advances Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act The bill would reauthorize the FAA and its programs through FY 2028. It now awaits consideration on the Senate floor.
AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service Seeks Comment on Proposed Revisions to National Handbook of Conservation Practices Comments close March 4.
ENERGY
DOE to Establish National Center of Excellence to Accelerate Domestic Offshore Wind The Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW) will be led by a consortium of universities, state energy offices, and other groups.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Publishes Bringing the Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to Low-Income Communities: Case Studies and Program Profiles The profiles highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and community-based organizations to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to low-income and disadvantaged communities. A three-part webinar series on the resource will be held as follows:
- Renewable Energy – February 15, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – February 20, 2:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Community Partnerships and Engagement – February 22, 2:30 p.m. ET (register)
EPA Finalizes Rule to Reduce Annual Allowable Levels of Fine Particulate Matter Under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) The rule would reduce the allowable level from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. It is effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Additional information is here.
HEALTH
HRSA Releases Ryan White HIV/AIDS Ambassador Toolkit The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) toolkit provides best practices to improve HIV care and services.
HHS Finalizes Provisions to Enhance Integrated Care and Confidentiality for Patients with Substance Use Conditions The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) final rule increases coordination among providers, strengthens confidentiality protections, and enhances integration of behavioral health information with other medical records.
CMS Releases Updated Medicaid and CHIP Telehealth Toolkit The toolkit serves as a compilation of telehealth policies, including related flexibilities and requirements, for states to consider when using telehealth to deliver Medicaid and CHIP benefits and services.
CMS Posts Quality Improvement Tools to Improve Behavioral Health Care CMS released a set of tools designed to help states improve behavioral health follow-up care including: a driver diagram/change ideas table, a measurement strategy, and a brief that gives an overview of state projects.
HHS, HUD Announce Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator Grantees The program will support states in developing or expanding innovative housing-related supports and services for Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities and older adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Eight states (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Washington) and the District of Columbia were selected.
CDC Highlights Funding Flexibilities and Guidance to Prevent and Treat Syphilis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided information on how funds can be used to implement HIV and syphilis prevention.
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Final Rule Eliminates Tribal Non-Federal Share Requirement for Child Support Programs The final rule is effective October 1, 2024.
ACF Releases Guidance on Strengthening Support for Adolescents and Young Adults The Dear Colleague Letter includes information on co-regulation practices, youth peer support, and partnering with youth with lived experience.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) Announces Older Americans Act (OAA) Back-to-Basics Webinar Series The series is to facilitate implementation of the updated OAA regulations. The first webinar is February 15, 2:00 p.m. ET (register here).
HOMELAND SECURITY
FEMA Issues Two Memoranda Related to Shelter and Services Program (SSP) The first addresses reimbursements to recipients based on error rates of SSP-allowable costs. The second removes the requirement that FY 2023 tranche 1 and subsequent recipients submit subrecipients’ 990s to FEMA; recipients must still maintain these 990s for auditing purposes.
HOUSING
HUD Notice Describes Application Process for Special Administrative Fees to Support Development of Housing Mobility-Related Services Plans (HMRPs)
HUD Notice Updates Federally Mandated Exclusions from Income The notice specifies the income and asset sources required by federal law to be excluded from consideration in HUD programs.
INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation Awards $20.9 Million for Six Salinity Control Projects in Colorado and Utah
National Park Service (NPS) Awards $1.25 Million to 21 Projects for the Survey and Nomination of Historic Places in Underrepresented Communities
JUSTICE
Department of Justice Releases FY 2024 Program Plan The plan details all projected FY 2024 grants for the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Office on Violence Against Women. Funding is subject to change due to the availability of appropriations.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Posts Planning Estimate for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2024
DOL Announces Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Interest Rate for Title XII Advances Treasury will charge states 2.6134% for these advances to state unemployment funds.
DOL Announces 2024 Unemployment Insurance Interstate Benefits and Federal Programs Training The training will take place in Pittsburgh, March 12-14. DOL intends to provide travel funding to each participating state for up to two state staff to attend the training, pending availability of funding.
NUTRITION
USDA Expresses Concerns to Governors about Administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The department is concerned about delayed and inaccurate benefits.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Awards $3.8 Million in Farm to Food Bank Grants A list of these grants to state agencies administering The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is here.
FNS Publishes Revised Income Eligibility Guidelines for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) The new guidelines apply July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
FNS Posts Videos of Webinars on Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program
- Plans for Operations and Management – The agency also posted a template for such plans, a final version of which is due from states by February 15.
- Interim Final Rule for the New Summer EBT Program
FNS Posts CY 2024 Income Guidelines for Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
FNS Posts Memo Regarding FY 2024 Reallocation of State Administrative Expense Funds in Child Nutrition Programs
FNS Posts Documents Regarding Community Eligibility Provision for School Meal Programs
- Revised Planning and Implementation Guidance
- Memo Regarding State Agency Procedures to Ensure Identified Student Percentage Accuracy
- Memo Regarding Statutory Annual Notification and Publication Requirements and School Year 2024-2025 Election Deadline
- Questions and Answers
TRANSPORTATION
DOT Hosting Webinar Series on Climate Change and Transportation The webinars will be held on a monthly basis through June. Registration is required (see link above).
FHWA Seeks Comment on Proposed Reinstatement of Information Collection Regarding Truck Parking Facilities for Commercial Motor Vehicles Engaged in Interstate Transportation Comments are due April 12.
DOT Requests Information to Inform Learning Agenda Supplement: Fiscal Year 2024-2026 The input will help identify priority evidence needs and propose research, evaluation activities, and data gathering to address those needs. Comments are due April 9.