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:
- Clean Water State Revolving Funds: existing program (FY 2024 preliminary allotments, updated estimates for FYs 2025-2026)
- Clean Water State Revolving Funds: emerging contaminants (FY 2024 preliminary allotments; figures remain unchanged from prior estimates)
- Drinking Water State Revolving Funds: existing program (FY 2024 preliminary allotments, updated estimates for FYs 2025-2026)
- Drinking Water State Revolving Funds: emerging contaminants (FY 2024 preliminary allotments; figures remain unchanged from prior estimates)
- Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants (FYs 2024-2025 & partial-year 2026 awards)
AGRICULTURE
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Announces ReConnect Broadband Technical Assistance Awards The 24 awards, totaling $9.7 million, are to support the expansion of broadband service in rural areas.
Administration Announces $773 Million for Rural Infrastructure Awards for 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands (listed here) are being provided under the following programs:
- Broadband Technical Assistance Program – $9.7 million (IIJA)
- ReConnect Program – $42 million (IIJA)
- Rural Partners Network – $76.6 million (IRA in part)
- Solid Waste Management Grants; Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants – $644.2 million (annual appropriations)
COMMERCE
Buy America Waiver Released for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program The waiver is available here, and FAQs are available here.
ENERGY
Department of Energy (DOE) Updates Build America, Buy America (BABA) Requirements Under Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
DOE Announces Availability of $24 Million for New Industrial Training and Assessment Centers Applications are open to community colleges, trade schools, union training programs, and other apprenticeship and internship training programs to support job training and help small and medium-sized manufacturers save money, reduce waste, and improve productivity and worker well-being. Optional concept papers are due March 28 and full applications are due May 16. DOE will host several engagements on the opportunity:
- Informational webinar/objective strategic session: March 5, 3:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Optional Q&A #1: March 27, 3:00 p.m. ET (register)
- Optional Q&A #2: May 7, 3:00 p.m. ET (register)
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Announces FY 2024 Allotments for Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Nearly $5.6 billion in state formula allotments were announced. EPA has not yet determined allotments for lead service line (LSL) replacement funds under the Drinking Water SRF because data analysis is ongoing.
INTERIOR
Department of the Interior (DOI) Releases Draft Guidance for Eligible States to Access $30 Million Each in Matching Performance Grants Under the Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Program Per the guidance, states that receive an Initial Grant may apply for a matching grant up to $30 million. The size of a grant would depend on a state’s commitment of funding in excess of the average annual amount spent by the state from FYs 2010-2019. Comments on the draft guidance are due March 22 and should be emailed to [email protected].
DOI and Partners Announce Availability of $119 Million for Conservation and Restoration Projects Through America the Beautiful Challenge Proposals are due April 4. A webinar for potential applicants will be held February 29, 2:30 p.m. ET (register).
CORRECTION: Bureau of Reclamation Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Last week, FFIS reported the availability of $30 million for these projects. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, this funding announcement was mistakenly posted to grants.gov; there is no open funding opportunity at this time.
DOI Announces Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Program Investment of $50.5 Million for Federal Lands
TRANSPORTATION
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Awards $631 Million for Three Projects Under Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants Program Projects were funded in Illinois ($100 million), Maryland ($214 million), and Pennsylvania ($317 million). Information on each project is here.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Announces Availability of More Than $1.25 Billion for FY 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grants Funds will support planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users. Only local and tribal governments or multijurisdictional groups thereof are eligible. Planning and Development Grants have three application deadlines: April 4, May 16, and August 29. Implementation Grants are due May 16. Additional information is here.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Launches Two New Programs Created by IIJA
- Prioritization Process Pilot Program (up to $30 million available): For grants to state and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop and implement a publicly accessible, transparent prioritization process for the ranking and selection of projects for inclusion in short-range and long-range transportation plans. Matching funds are not required. Applications are due May 1.
- Congestion Relief Program (up to $150 million available): For grants to states and MPOs to reduce highway congestion, reduce economic and environmental costs of congestion, and optimize existing highway capacity and usage of highway and transit systems. Applications are due April 22.
Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) Publishes Report on Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Charging It focuses on emerging practices and technologies that can bring the benefits of electric mobility infrastructure to residents in multifamily housing, residents dependent on curbside or on-street parking, and those without access to privately owned EVs.
Joint Office to Host Webinar on Workforce Development Tools and Resources for Transportation Electrification It will be held March 5, 2:00 p.m. ET (register at the link above).
Joint Office Launches $5 Million Clean Bus Planning Awards (CBPA) Program It will provide school and transit bus fleets with free technical assistance to develop comprehensive and customized fleet electrification transition plans. After completion of the plan, fleets may opt to receive deployment assistance. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
FHWA Proposes Amendments to Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Regulations to Reflect IIJA Provisions and Current Priorities The changes would clarify provisions regarding the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of HSIPs that are administered in each state. Comments are due April 22.
DOT Publishes Investing in America: Best Practices to Expand Access to Jobs and Economic Opportunity Through Transportation Infrastructure Investments Report
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. Allocations are provided this week for:
- HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (Round 2 of Leading Edge cohort; FY 2024)
- NOAA Investing in Coastal Communities and Climate Resilience
AGRICULTURE
USDA Announces $500 Million for Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy The funding includes $100 million for the Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program, which will use hazardous fuels funds from the IRA to treat areas in high-risk wildfire areas of the wildland-urban interface that are outside of the 21 priority landscapes. The program allows national forests, in collaboration with tribes, communities, and partners in 24 qualifying states to build local capacity for projects to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
USDA Invites Applications for FY 2024 Rural Energy for American (REAP) Technical Assistance Grants IRA funding of $16 million is available for FY 2024 for technical assistance to producers and small businesses applying to REAP. Priority will be given to applications to assist:
- producers and tribes
- projects located in disadvantaged or distressed communities
- projects using underutilized renewable energy technologies
- applications for $20,000 or less
Applications are due March 15.
COMMERCE
ENERGY
DOE Updates State and Local Solution Center Webinar Schedule Topics include EV charging infrastructure, weatherization, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and more.
DOE and EPA Make $9.4 Million Available for Advanced Biofuels Research and Development Concept papers are due March 22 and full applications are due May 24; state and local governments are eligible. An informational webinar for potential applicants will be held March 4, 3:00 p.m. ET (register).
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Seeks Comment on Information Collection Request (ICR) to Track Progress Under the Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving (EJCPS) and Government to Government (EJG2G) Programs Comments are due April 22.
HOUSING
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Announces Loans and Grants Under Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) Awards totaling $73.5 million target 10 HUD-assisted multifamily properties that provide housing for approximately 1,400 low-income families. A list of recipients is provided in the press release.
CHIPS AND SCIENCE ACT (CHIPS)
Department of Commerce (DOC) Announces Preliminary Agreement with GlobalFoundries, Inc. for Semiconductor Fabrication Projects in New York, Vermont
Demand for CHIPS Manufacturing Incentives Far Exceeds Available Funds DOC reports that it has received requests for more than $70 billion in manufacturing incentives for leading-edge chips. The CHIPS Act provides $39 billion for manufacturing incentives, $28 billion of which the department has planned to make available for leading-edge chips.
CORONAVIRUS
Download COVID-19 State Allocations Spreadsheet New allocations are provided for:
- FEMA Public Assistance
EDUCATION
Department of Education (ED) Updates COVID Materials Updates include:
- Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Reporting Resources and Expectations Letter – ED’s reporting system will be open for submission of the FY 2023 (Year 4) Annual Performance Report (APR) April 15, 2024, through May 2, 2024.
- Emergency Assistance to Non‐Public Schools (EANS) Reporting Resources and Expectations Letter – ED’s reporting system will be open for submission of the FY 2023 (Year 3) APR April 22, 2024, through May 9, 2024.
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) I, II, & III Annual Performance Report Form
HOUSING
HUD Posts Materials for from Webinar on Closeout for HOME, HTF, and HOME-ARP Grants The webinar provided HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) grantees with instructions and requirements for closing out HOME, HTF, and HOME American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) grants in HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
HUD Announces Office Hours for COVID-19 Planning and Response for Homeless Assistance Providers The next office hours will be March 15, 2:30 p.m. ET. The link will be available here.
HUD Announces HOME-ARP Implementation Virtual Problem Solving Clinics The next clinic is February 29, 2:30 p.m. ET. Registration will be available at the link above.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Provides Guidance on Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Supplemental Payments The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) answered frequently asked questions related to providing supplemental payments to LIHWAP beneficiaries. The guidance is only applicable to grantees with a no-cost extension.
TRANSPORTATION
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Report Finds Inconsistencies in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Awards Under the CARES Act The report states that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not always follow its processes for awarding and administering CARES Act airport development grants.
TREASURY
Treasury Updates FAQs for State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) New information is indicated by a date of 2/21/2024.
Treasury Updates SSBCI Capital Program Reporting Guidance The update clarifies demographic reporting self-certifications.
OTHER NEWS
GENERAL
General Services Administration (GSA) Issues Updated Guidance for Non-Federal Entities Access to Federal Supply Schedules The final rule amends the GSA’s Acquisition Regulation to update and clarify the requirements for use of Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts by eligible non-federal entities, such as state and local governments. It becomes effective March 25.
EPA, HUD, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Announce Two Interagency Agreements to Address Lead Risk The first expands, updates, and reaffirms a 1997 agreement between EPA and HUD to coordinate enforcement efforts addressing lead-based paint hazards in housing. The second—signed by EPA, HUD, and CDC— launches a pilot program in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, to facilitate information sharing about communities with high blood lead levels or higher lead exposure risks.
AGRICULTURE
USDA and DOE Launch New Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy (RAISE) Initiative The initial goal is to help 400 farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s REAP program (see IRA funding opportunity above). The press release details additional efforts under the initiative. USDA and DOE will host a webinar series beginning March 14; details and registration are available here.
USDA Publishes Rural E-Connectivity (ReConnect) Program Round 5 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Announces Webinar The program provides loans and grants to fund construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide rural broadband. Up to $700 million is available; applications will be accepted between March 22 and 11:59 a.m. ET on April 22. A webinar will be held March 6, 1:00 p.m. ET (register). Information on other upcoming ReConnect workshops and webinars is available here. Planned topics include mapping; network, financial, and environmental aspects of the program; and Ask Me Anything.
USDA Equity Commission Delivers Final Report
EDUCATION
Administration Releases State Breakdown of $1.2 Billion in SAVE Plan Forgiveness Nearly 153,000 borrowers are receiving $1.2 billion in forgiveness under the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. State figures are provided at the link above.
ED Releases Guidance on ESEA Preschool Programs The non-regulatory guidance addresses programs supported under Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
Dear Colleague Letter Highlights Sources of Funding for Preschool
Dear Colleague Letter Supports States in Prioritizing Early School Success
ED Proposes Priorities and Requirements for IDEA National Technical Assistance Center The objective is to improve state capacity to meet the early childhood data collection and reporting requirements under Part B and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Comments close May 7.
ENVIRONMENT
EPA Expands Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) Program to Include Engineering Support
EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule to Amend Clean Air Act Title V Permit Program Regulations Comments will now be accepted through April 10.
HEALTH
CMS Releases Guidance on Administrative Claiming for Nurse Advice Lines and Skilled Professional Medical Personnel The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised its guidance on the availability of federal claiming for these activities. It allows federal funds to support Nurse Advice Lines and expands the pool of behavioral health care providers eligible for enhanced Medicaid funding to include Master of Social Work and other master’s-level behavioral health care providers, such as marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.
CMS Publishes Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Third-Party Payer Rule The final rule updates regulatory requirements in response to legislative changes regarding the treatment of third-party payments for calculating hospital-specific DSH limits included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. It provides more clarity on how the limit will be calculated and makes other technical changes to the DSH program.
HUMAN SERVICES
ACF Proposed Rule Requires States to Collect Additional Information on American Indian/Alaska Native Youth Interacting with Child Welfare Systems The proposed rule would expand information submitted by states through the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS) report. Comments are due April 23.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ED Issue Joint Letter to Encourage States to Collaborate to Improve Access to Preschool The letter focuses on a mixed delivery approach to preschool and ways to leverage federal funds to improve access.
ACF Publishes Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Caseload Data for 2023
Administration for Community Living (ACL) Hosting Webinar on Increasing Participation in Senior Nutrition Programs The webinar will be held February 28, 11:00 a.m. ET. Register at the link above.
HOUSING
HUD Awards Funds to Study Ways to Boost Housing Supply Nearly $4 million was awarded to 11 grantees to support research to accelerate the adoption of policies that increase the production of affordable housing, including office-to-residential conversions. A list of grantees is provided in the press release.
HUD Issues Notice of Expansion and Proposed Restructuring of the Digital Opportunity Demonstration Program Known as ConnectHomeUSA, the program is designed to further collaboration among HUD-assisted housing organizations, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations to accelerate broadband internet adoption in HUD-assisted homes. The notice extends eligible applicants to include Continuum of Care and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grantees. It also extends the application deadline to April 12.
HUD and VA Award $14 Million to Help Homeless Veterans Find Permanent Housing HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers to 66 public housing agencies (PHAs) for more than 1,400 vouchers. The list of awardees is here.
INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers Release State of the Infrastructure Joint Report The report provides a high-level overview of the infrastructure asset portfolio and related asset management practices, collaboration efforts, and future strategies.
United States Geological Survey Launches Science Collaboration Portal for Colorado River Basin Preliminary content in the initial release of the portal is designed to facilitate discussions about the current science and future science needs related to water resource challenges.
JUSTICE
Bureau of Justice Statistics Report Describes Calculation Steps for Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) Formula Allotments
Bureau of Justice Assistance, Council of State Governments to Debut New Public Health and Safety Initiative The organizations will host a webinar on March 7, 3:00 p.m. ET, to launch Aligning Health and Safety, a new initiative to support states’ efforts to harness local knowledge to transform public health and safety systems.
LABOR
Department of Labor (DOL) Posts Funding Allotments and Operating Guidance for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) Grants Changes for FY 2024 address carry-over funds and RESEA funding uses.
DOL Presents Guidance on Reducing Administrative Barriers for Customers Seeking Employment and Training Services
NUTRITION
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Proposes Changes to Serious Deficiency Process in Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program A brief summary is here and a longer explanation is here. A webinar on the proposed rule will be held March 7, 2:00 p.m. ET (register). Comments close May 21.
FNS Seeks Comment on Information Collections
- Waiver Requests to Offer Incentives to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients Comments close March 22.
- SNAP Forms Comments close March 25.
FNS Updates Guidance for Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
FNS Posts Fact Sheet on Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Option for Child Nutrition Programs
FNS Presents Guidance for Submitting Unsolicited Proposals FNS encourages the submission of unique ideas or concepts, or innovative methods or approaches originated, conceived, or developed independent of government advice and which have application to the work of USDA.
FNS Reiterates, Clarifies Existing Policy Regarding Online SNAP Applications
FNS Posts Memo Regarding Disaster Plan Requirement for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) State Plans The disaster plans are required under the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022, as implemented by the final rule published last December.
FNS Shares Implementation Guidance Regarding Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Monitoring Requirements
TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration (MARAD) Designates 32 Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education A list of centers is here.
TREASURY
Treasury Issues Final Rule on Management of Federal Agency Disbursements The rule implements a statutory mandate requiring the federal government to deliver non-tax payments by electronic funds transfer (EFT) unless Treasury determines that a waiver of the requirement is appropriate. It becomes effective March 22.