Large municipal projects often only consider bonding alone or grants and cash as funding sources. While these methods are tried and true, new ways to fund projects are available to innovative municipalities. Today, municipal governments and districts have more options than ever in funding options.
Instead of trying to find one large source of funds, municipalities can use multiple sources of funding to create a “capital stack” by combining different types of funds, grants, and debt to pay for a project. With state and federal governments issuing billions of dollars in grant funding every year and private financing options growing in popularity, municipal project leaders have huge flexibility in tailoring a capital stack to each project. Each financing mechanism has its benefits and drawbacks – the capital stack approach can create more flexibility, responsiveness and enable utilization of the benefits of each.
For example, a water project may earn a state grant that matches 50% of the estimated cost. The municipality could then issue bonds for 25% of the cost, then seek a public-private partnership to utilize private lending for the remaining 25%.
Sometimes, this capital stack approach makes the difference between a project moving forward or not.
Approaching projects with a layered, or “stacked”, financing approach allows municipalities to decrease reliance on large grants while still funding projects in a cost effective manner. Region 3A is ready to help you access grant funding and work with our partners to secure other sources of financing.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has made $700mm of grant dollars available to state and municipal entities to fund the construction of new alternative energy charging stations for vehicles powered by electricity, propane, and hydrogen. Region 3A is ready to help individual counties, towns, and cities apply for this new grant through a regional application for multiple communities. We would like to pursue a regional application due to the minimum project size requirements and because many of the communities that we serve could benefit from this program.
The program, part of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program), will give half its funding to Community Charging and Fueling Program Grants (CFP) and half to Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (FCG). CFP grants will focus on charging stations near residential developments, businesses, parks, and similar areas. They have a $500,000.00 minimum award amount, $15mm maximum award amount, and require a 20% local match.
FCG grants focus on building alternative energy vehicle charging infrastructure near areas already designated “alternative fuel corridors” by the Department of Energy. FCG grants will cover facilities that serve light, medium, and heavy vehicles. They have no maximum award amount and a $1mm minimum.
Region 3-A to apply for federal funds bringing more EV stations to NE Indiana Communities
Region 3A sees this as an opportunity for northeast Indiana to bolster its already strong passenger and commercial travel arteries. Even if Hoosier businesses and citizens don’t widely adopt alternative energy vehicles, having robust charging infrastructure will encourage vehicles moving interstate to continue traveling, delivering, and spending in Indiana.
If you want to learn more about this program and/or participate in the regional application, please contact Matt Brinkman at mbrinkman@region3a.org or (260) 402-8834.
Ten Indiana communities have received funding through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to complete new roadway projects aimed at eliminating dangerous intersections and roads. With grant-writing assistance from Region 3A, Huntington County was awarded $200,000. Per the USDOT, the funds will be used “to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.” Neighboring Whitley County also secured $60,000 in funds through SS4A. In the state of Indiana, all SS4A funding went to safety action plan development. For more information, check out this article from the Journal Gazette: Federal grants will help communities make roads safer
Map of awards
Region 3A is proud to empower lifesaving programs through successful grant writing. We work with Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash and Whitley counties to streamline the process of securing state and federal funding, bringing the expertise necessary to ensure maximum awards.
For serious traffic engineering projects that depend on state or federal funding, successful grant awards can mean life or death for motorists. Huntington had 26 traffic-related fatalities between 2016 and 2020, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The county’s average annual fatality rate per capita is 14. On Valentine’s Day of this year, two drivers were seriously injured in a crash on US-24 in Roanoke. A comprehensive plan and new roadway projects will make crashes like this less likely. With the help of Region 3A, Huntington County is evolving into a safer county. We hope this is just the beginning.
Brownfields Assessment Grant programs have always been highly competitive due to limited funding. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has significantly increased the amount of grant funding available for 2022, creating more opportunity for projects. There has never been a better time for communities to apply for brownfields project grant funding. There will be a presentation at our board meeting on June 16th with more details on program requirements.
About Brownfields Assessment Grants
Assessment Grants provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities. Activities may include the development of site-specific clean-up plans, and the organization of community involvement related to brownfield sites.
There are two main types of Assessment Grants:
Community-Wide Assessment Grants
Site-Specific Assessment Grants
Community-wide Assessment Grants
A Community-wide Assessment Grant is appropriate when a specific site is not identified and the applicant plans to spend grant funds on more than one brownfield site in its community.
An applicant may request up to $500,000 to assess sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum), and/or petroleum. The performance period for these grants is three years.
Site-Specific Assessment Grants
When a single site is identified and the applicant plans to only spend grant funds on the designated “site,” a Site-Specific Assessment Grant is the appropriate course of action.
In these instances, an applicant may request up to $200,000 to assess a site contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum), and/or petroleum.
An applicant may seek a waiver of the $200,000 limit and request up to $350,000 for a site contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, and/or petroleum. Waiver requests must be based on the anticipated level of contamination, size, or status of ownership of the site. The performance period for these grants is three years.
Resources
For more information on available funding for these programs, visit the EPA Brownfields Assessment Program webpage. As always, Region 3A is available as a resource for questions about the application process.
Region 3-A is pleased to announce our participation in the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center Inc’s (NIIC’s) “Northeast Indiana Adaptive Community Navigator” project.
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR PROJECT?
The program, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will use a community navigator approach to help small businesses, with a focus on those owned by veterans, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals – including in rural and urban communities.
The program consists of a lead “Hub” at the center of a network of “Spoke” organizations that deploy community advocates to work with small businesses during economic recovery. Recovery services can include financial assistance, access to capital supports, contracting and procurement assistance, marketing, operations, and business development, export and importing, and industry specific training, among other areas of technical assistance to aid businesses in stabilization and expansion.
OUR ROLE
Region 3A Development & Regional Planning Commission will in and supporting the in the following ways:
Assistance in initial project planning to ensure that the project optimally addresses the needs of our business constituents, entrepreneurs and our 2020-2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Coordination and integration of a regional support network including LEDOS, EDOs, and trusted connector organizations for early identification and project SPRINT response for businesses facing business closure risks.
Coordinating with the project team for creating a localized delivery channel for distribution of marketing and program-specific communications and outreach to ensure local businesses know what is available through the program.
Coordinating with the HUB and project team for delivering local workshops, training, technical assistance, etc. with local trusted connectors region-wide
Ensuring activities are aligned and congruent with our 2020-2024 CEDS plan and future updates of the plan.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
This project is a particularly good fit for this time of crisis in Northeast Indiana and the NIIC’s Adaptive Community Navigator process and toolset for use via Trusted Connectors is a proven way to reach business builders that haven’t been reached before.
The NIIC’s understands the needs of the underserved small business owners in our region, particularly as many of their businesses have been impacted by the pandemic and are now looking to reemerge. In most cases, these needs go far beyond simple quick fixes and money.
Region 3A is excited to be part of this effort and is now accepting referrals for entrepreneurs and businesses which could benefit from this program. Contact us today for more information on how to get involved!
American Rescue Plan project funding is a topic of discussion and uncertainty for many communities across the country. Current guidelines have many projects have been put on hold as communities experience delays due to restrictions and questioning qualifications for funding.
Recently, the Senate has unanimously passed the “State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act” (S. 3011/H.R. 5735). This has now moved to The U.S. House for voting.
Information from the National Association of Counties (NACo) outlines that the Senate-passed legislation can impact America’s counties in three major ways:
1. Allows increased flexibility for the use of Treasury ARP county dollars, including for eligibility under:
Federal surface transportation infrastructure projects (including non-federal match requirements)
Provision of government services (consistent with Treasury’s rules and guidance for ARP county aid)
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
Emergency relief from natural disasters, including negative economic impacts of natural disasters
2. Modifies eligibility for public lands counties under ARP’s Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund:
Clarifies an “eligible revenue share county” is the same as Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) counties
Redirects $15M (or 1%) from the original $1.5B for public lands “revenue share” counties to U.S. territories
3. Directs unclaimed Treasury ARP dollars for federal deficit reduction
National Association of Counties | www.NACo.org | October 2021 | 3
National Association of Counties | www.NACo.org | May 2021
S. 3011: State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility ActFor America’s counties, enactment of S. 3011 would mean:
$27 billion in new infrastructure flexibility for county ARPA Recovery Funds
$17 billion in flexibility to carry out U.S. Treasury-defined “government services”
Eligible Transportation and Infrastructure Projects
The bill would allow counties to use the greater of $10 million or 30 percent of their ARPA Recovery Fund allocation for a wide variety of transportation infrastructure projects, including:
National Significant Freight and Highway Projects
Federal Lands Transportation Program
National Highway Performance Program
Federal Lands Access Program
Bridge Investment Program
RAISE Grant Program
Surface Transportation Block Grant Program
Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS)
Metropolitan Transportation Planning
TIFIA Program (including repayment of TIFIA loans)
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Urbanized Area Formula Grants
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants
Territorial and Puerto Rico Highway Program
Formula Grants for Rural Areas
National Highway Freight Program
State of Good Repair Grants
Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program
Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities
Carbon Reduction Program
National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration
PROTECT Program
Community Development Block Grant
Alternative Fueling Infrastructure
Bridge Replacement, Rehabilitation, Preservation,
Tribal Transportation Program
Protection, and Construction Program
(Bold indicates flexibility)
S. 3011 AT A GLANCE
The legislation would also allow counties to flexibly invest Recovery Funds into projects that are eligible under the Community Development Block Grant:
As always, Region 3A is here to assist your community with planning projects that can move our area forward. If you would like to learn more about eligible ARP project funding and how it can be paired with other funding sources, contact ustoday.
Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) recently announced a new program aiming to help more Hoosiers get access to reliable and quality broadband. The Indiana Connectivity Program will assist qualifying residents and businesses that lack access to broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations. This is an excellent opportunity for underserved residents and businesses in our region to get reliable broadband access.
Program Details
The program applies to residential and business locations that are unserved or underserved. Underserved locations are defined as having access to actual speeds less than 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. Applications for consideration can be submitted by entering information into the Next Level Connections portal to indicate interest in receiving broadband internet service.
Internet Service Providers will have the opportunity to review these locations and submit bids to the state on the cost of providing service to these locations. OCRA will evaluate these bids and make awards to the providers whose bid presents the lowest cost to the state for extension of the service.
Inputting location information into the Next Level Connections portal does not guarantee extension of service.
Funding Information
Next Level Connections Broadband Programs have been allocated $270 million in total. The Indiana Connectivity Program is included as part of this larger program. Limits per line extension are set by Indiana Code including a per line extension amount that cannot exceed $25,000 and a per passing amount that cannot exceed $4,800.
Timeline
The Indiana Connectivity Program and Next Level Connections online portal will open on Monday Sept. 27, 2021. The bidding and challenge processes must take place before awards can be made. Once made, projects must be completed within 9 months of the contract date.
Assistance
Region 3A is proud to be a resource for our area residents and businesses who require reliable internet access. If you need assistance with application or have questions about this program please contact us at region3a@region3a.org.
Additional Program Information
For more information or questions on the Indiana Connectivity Program, please visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/ or call 833-639-8522.
Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo recently announced the “Investing in America’s Communities” programs, in which the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will execute to invest the $3 billion it received from The American Rescue Plan.
The programs include six individual areas to apply for funding. We anticipate that applications for funding will be highly competitive and want to encourage our NE Indiana communities to seek assistance in preparations. Region 3A specializes in helping communities achieve funding for following two program areas.
Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance Program makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to communities.
The EDA cites this program as their “most flexible” most flexible, as grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation. Funds can be used to plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
A wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program.
Eligible applicants for EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program include a(n):
District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Program
Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $750 million of EDA’s American Rescue Plan funds are allocated to support the following efforts:
Competitive Grants include $240 million in funding dedicated to helping communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. These funds can be used to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
Competitive Tourism Grants
Eligible applicants for EDA’s Competitive Tourism Grants program include a(n):
District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Individuals or for-profit entities are not eligible.
The funding from these programs have the potential to help our community on a large scale. Region 3A is prepared to assist organizations in our area and help to make their grant funding applications highly competitive. For more information on application assistance, contact us today.
For more information on available funding, visit the American Rescue Plan Programs page on the EDA website. EDA webinars will be held to provide an overview of the American Rescue Plan funding on July 27 and July 29.
On March 11th, the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion package designed to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 was signed. Part of this package is a $350 billion in direct aid to state and local governments. In Indiana, the state will receive $3.2B, and local governments will receive a total of 2.6B.
Unlike the prior CARES Act dollars, which was made available to local governments at the State’s discretion, the ARP aid will be a mandatory distribution.
The American Rescue Plan Act: Northeast Indiana
So what does this mean for our area? Local governments will be receiving funding that is expected to be distributed around mid-May. Qualifications for use of the funding are fairly broad in order to assist their local citizens and businesses that were impacted by COVID-19. Local governments are receiving funding which will allow the money to be used in ways which will directly impact the community.
American Rescue Plan Community Impact Meeting
Region 3A will be hosting a virtual call Friday April 23rd at 10AM for project ideas, questions and regional community discussion. The call will include a representative from Baker Tilly who will be able to discuss which community projects are eligible for ARP Act funding. Community participation is encouraged as we move toward relief in our area. Here, we can get an understanding of what issues are specific to our community and prioritize funding and projects.
General Meeting Items
How will ARP funds be distributed?
When will ARP funds be distributed?
How may ARP funds be used?
What time period does the ARP cover?
Community Q&A
Region 3A is committed to assisting the Northeast Indiana community in COVID-19 recovery projects and programs. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to attend this meeting, contact us at region3a@region3a.org for virtual meeting details.
The start of a new year means that many communities are examining and prioritizing areas for improvement and expansion. While further information on COVID-19 related programs and funding is largely pending at this time, we would like to remind communities of the ongoing opportunities available and how we can assist.
Economic Development Administration
Grants are available for projects related to infrastructure or workforce development that lead to job creation.
Brownfields – Rehabilitation of a site where there are environmental concerns.
Shovel Ready – Assistance in obtaining a shovel ready designation on an industrial site.
EDA – Technical assistance with projects related to public works, economic adjustment, and planning.
Tax Abatements – We can complete all required paperwork for a designating body.
Office of Community and Rural Affairs
Their current grant funding opportunities include projects related to wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater. Also, there are funding opportunities available for certain types of planning activities. We must be able to show a residential benefit to have a competitive grant application.
Wastewater/Drinking Water Program – Up to $700,000 available to improve a community’s wastewater or drinking water infrastructure.
Storm Water Improvement Program – Up to $600,000 to improve a storm water system.
Public Facilities Program – Up to $500,000 available for a project that benefits the community. Projects we have done under this program include community centers, fire stations, libraries, and council on aging facilities. (Temporarily suspended)
Main Street Revitalization Program – Up to $600,000 available to improve a downtown area. Approved activities include streetscapes, façade improvements, and downtown infrastructure. Must be part of an Indiana Main Street organization to qualify. (Temporarily suspended)
Blight Clearance Program – Up to $500,000 available to rehabilitate deteriorated or abandoned downtown buildings, or vacant or unusable industrial sites. (Temporarily suspended)
Planning Grants – Funding that allows for a planning study to take place on any infrastructure projects. Comprehensive plans are also permitted.
COVID-19 Response Grants – Up to $250,000 available to address issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transportation
Region 3-A can assist with traffic counts, road reclassification, accident studies, and traffic impact studies. We can also provide technical assistance with grant applications for Community Crossings funding.
Community Crossing Application Preparation – Preparation and staff trained in PASER. Small communities have only a 25% match requirement.
FA3-FA4 Grant Application Preparation – Preparation for submittal by local employees in responsible in charge (ERC).
Road Reclassification Application – Traffic counts and submittal, prerequisite for some FA3-FA4 applications.
Accident Studies – Review accident data and review for possible roadway remediation.
Traffic Impact Reports – Analyze and report on new business impact on existing roadways.
Member Road Safety Audit Review team for Northeast Indiana – Review accident locations and suggest possible remediation.
Region III-A serves an area including Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Whitley counties in Northeast Indiana. If you are interested in securing funding for opportunities in the above categories contact us today. We look forward to a productive 2021 for our area.
