Welcome to the Friday Update from the Federal Funding Hub!
This message shares news and resources so that our region can make the most of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other federal funding.
How is ARPA supporting a renaissance of service programs across the country? Read on to find out!
Upcoming Deadlines
DEED: The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program is due August 4th, 2022, no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time. FAQs have been added to the Mn DEED Broadband website. A reminder that June 23 is the Pre-Application Outreach deadline.
US DOT: The deadline for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program is September 15, 2022.
News from MSP Cities and Counties
Minneapolis: Minneapolis City Council passed the final round of spending from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) on May 26, dedicating $160,000 for two new vans for the city’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response team (BCR) pilot program.
St. Paul: St. Paul officials on Wednesday reaffirmed their intent to make reparations to Black descendants of slaves, but they still have to decide how to make it happen. Members of a reparations advisory group recommended next steps for St. Paul leaders, including looking at the city's federal American Rescue Plan dollars, sales taxes, land sale proceeds and philanthropic contributions as potential funding sources.
Minnesota News
Medicaid: Minnesotans who qualify for Medicaid because of pregnancy can now maintain the coverage for 12 months after delivery — a significant extension from the previous postpartum coverage that ended at 60 days. Overall, Medicaid programs in 14 states now provide the extended postpartum benefits, HHS says. The extended benefits are an option for states under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
National News
Bridges: The U.S. Dept. of Transportation has started accepting applications for what will likely be one of the highest-profile programs in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act—the Bridge Investment Program. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration, in announcing the funding-availability notice on June 10, said the program will total $12.5 billion over five years.
School Funding: The Biden administration recently announced the new funding for this year, in addition to $5 billion in Infrastructure Act funds, for school districts to replace polluting diesel buses. But making the switch to electric will be challenging for some communities.
Service Programs: Investing in educational and career opportunities for young adults is a smart bet on the future. And that is exactly what many states, cities, and counties are doing with American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds.
IIJA Strategy: The Biden administration is judging applicants for new infrastructure grants based on their ability to do these two things. Here are four proven models to increase your community’s shot at winning funding.
Student Homelessness: An influx of funding from the American Rescue Plan has created a historic opportunity to strengthen services for one of the most underserved groups of U.S. students—those experiencing homelessness.
ARPA Spending: The clash is the latest instance of GOP lawmakers assailing pandemic relief spending under the American Rescue Plan Act.
NACo: Treasury releases updated Compliance and Reporting Guidance for counties ahead of July reporting deadline. NaCo outlined key takeaways from the report.
EDA:
Applicant Pool for Good Jobs Challenge Proposes Robust Partnerships: This summer, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will announce grantees for the $500 million American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge. The applicant pool – 509 proposals spanning every state and territory -- shows a collective vision of reaching underserved populations and areas, and creating an equitable pathway to good jobs across the country.
New Funding Opportunity: Economic Recovery Corps and Equity Impact Investments Programs: EDA is excited to announce a new funding opportunity that includes two programs that will strengthen equitable economic development strategies across the nation. The Economic Recovery Corps program will add staff resources to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country. The Equity Impact Investments program will provide technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects. Click here for The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Upcoming Webinars and Events
Practical Approaches to Weaving Equity into Public Engagement: Join a panel on June 21st, at 12-1 pm of local government leaders as they take a deeper dive into real life, practical applications of public engagement best practice and equity building. The session is designed to help governments better position themselves and their projects in the highly competitive federal funding environment. Register here.
Building for Success: How Counties can leverage Federal Funds for Workforce Housing: On June 23rd from 2-3 p.m. learn new strategies and ideas from fellow county leaders, top research organizations and NACo staff that can help you leverage federal funds to support your county’s workforce through housing. Register here.
DEED: Please join the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on July 6th from 10 am to 11 am for informational presentations to learn more about the Redevelopment Grant Program and Demolition Loan Program. DEED will have $2 million of Redevelopment Grant funding available for the August 2022 grant round. The workshops and webinar will provide valuable information about the Redevelopment Grant Program and Demolition Loan Program, including eligible applicants and activities, and projects that will compete well for grant or loan funds. Click here to join the meeting.
Resources
IIJA aka BIL: To better position states and localities to fully leverage these funds and become more future-ready, this paper from the Center for Digital Government provides an overview of funding streams within IIJA — and outlines how governments can best put these dollars to use.
Data: Athens, Ga., is helping residents use open data to improve city infrastructure projects.
Have a great weekend, all! Allison