IMPORTANT and URGENT! PLEASE ACT BY JAN 13th FOR BROADBAND FUNDING ALLOCATION
Residents and businesses need to challenge the FCC allocation map by the upcoming deadline to ensure Indiana communities are granted appropriate funding for broadband infrastructure.
Access to broadband internet is a key topic in communities across the United States. The FCC will be distributing $700 million dollars for this infrastructure in late 2023/early 2024, prioritized by need. The FCC National Broadband map will be used to determine this need. The information currently contained in this map was submitted by broadband providers and reported to be quite inaccurate by representatives throughout the Region 3-A service area. Please take the time to challenge locations in your community and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same – an accurate map is imperative to receiving funding.
Helpful Information:
See below for useful links, a YouTube video tutorial, and other helpful materials. If you still need help or have questions about this program, please reach out to us for further guidance.
Indiana Farm Bureau formed the Indiana Broadband Strategic Partnership (IBSP)in order to help bring reliable broadband to the most unserved and underserved communities across the state. The Indiana Speed Testwas launched to gather data for project planning and as evidence for state and federal grant applications.
We encourage everyone to promote and participate in the testing as the mapped results will offer the most accurate representation of which areas are being left out of adequate and reliable broadband internet connectivity.
Indiana Speed Test Mapping
The IBSP partnership will promote the Indiana Speed Test, a crowd-sourced internet speed test created by GEO Partners, LLC, a Minnesota-based company that focuses on cost-effective planning and deployment of broadband.
GEO Partners will provide real-time internet speed data by collecting speed test information from residents. Displayed on GIS layers, the data pinpoints areas that are most in need of reliable, affordable access to broadband service. Click here to read INFB’s press release.
Speed Test Goals
The goal for the Indiana Speed Test is to gather data in all areas of the state. The software platform and the data will be available to local governments and organized broadband groups to analyze potential solutions and aid their applications for Indiana’s Next Level Connections Grants and a variety of federal grants.
About the Test
Testers will be asked to provide their address so it can record the speed results to the map. No personal identifying information is required and tracking cookies are not used. Location and test results will be stored for the purpose of mapping the results.
Future Benefits
COVID-19 restrictions along with the resulting increase of remote work opportunities has amplified the need for underserved communities to have reliable and affordable broadband access. The resulting grant opportunities could not only improve the quality of life for residents in these areas, but could help encourage growth to these areas as well.
Grow Wabash County has been awarded $50,000 in EDA CARES Act funding for a program designed to teach small Wabash County businesses skills to improve their e-commerce presence. Our team here at Region 3A will be assisting Grow Wabash County as they implement the program. We are very excited about the opportunities that this program will offer to Wabash area entrepreneurs.
E-Commerce Development Program
Grow Wabash County aims to use the funding to further cultivate the development of small businesses by providing resources for e-commerce strategy. The program will offer a variety of resources in order to teach Wabash business owners how to improve their visibility and presence in the digital landscape. The e-Commerce Development Program will be yet another valuable tool from the organization, designed to help entrepreneurs adapt, grow and maximize their existing operations.
What’s Next for Grow Wabash County’s New Program?
As a result of this grant award, the organization is currently accepting Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from consulting firms that demonstrate knowledge and a clear aptitude for developing effective e-commerce strategies.
Details regarding how and when small, for-profit businesses located in Wabash County will be able to participate in this e-commerce program will be announced in late September.
Further information on the program and a copy of the RFP can be found on the Build Your Business page.
EDA CARES Act Funding
Region 3A still has funds available to assist other communities with e-commerce programs. Please contact us for additional information.
About Grow Wabash County
Grow Wabash County (legal name Wabash County Business Alliance Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation that spearheads economic and community development efforts in Wabash County, Indiana. GWC is designed around five pillars of service – assisting business development needs, promoting livability, fostering entrepreneurship, supporting workforce development, and offering programming and investor services. GWC was formed with the merger of the EDG of Wabash County and Wabash County Chamber of Commerce in July 2017. For more information about GWC, please visit www.growwabashcounty.com
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.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has invested $1.3 Million to support the growth of transportation, distribution, and logistics businesses in Avilla, Indiana. The funds will be used for road, water and sewer infrastructure to complete the expansion of the town’s industrial park.
Grant Funding Impact
The industrial park expansion is expected to create 70 jobs, retain more than 360 jobs and generate $7.8 million in private investment. The EDA project is going to be matched with $1.3 million in local funds which have already been committed to the expansion. The awarded funds will be used for streets, sewer lines and water main installation in the park.
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Avilla as they work to expand regional economic growth and create new jobs,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will provide critical infrastructure for the much-needed expansion of the town’s industrial park to accommodate additional businesses and maintain its competitiveness as a regional hub for transportation, distribution and logistics.” (source: EDA Commerce News)
Economic Growth
40 acres have already been allotted in the 80-acre park. Avilla Town Council President Paul Shepherd noted that McLaughlin Furnace Group is currently in operation in the park, and that two other sites have been claimed.
Region 3A had the pleasure of working with the Town of Avilla to secure funding for the industrial park. The expansion will help the town continue to grow, create jobs and attract new businesses to the area. If you’d like to learn more about how Region 3A can help your area leverage their resources and move forward with growth projects, contact us.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
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.
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced the third phase of COVID-19 Response Program and it is now open for applications.
OCRA has awarded 112 grants to 62 communities, totaling more than $20.9 million through the COVID-19 Response Program since April to aid communities impacted by the virus.
For this round, eligible applicants include: non-entitlement and entitlement local units of government and can apply for up to $250,000.
Eligibility
Eligible activities include:
Mental health services
Childcare services
Public WiFi locations
Food pantry or bank services
Subsidence payment programs
Grants or loans to businesses to retain low-to-moderate (LMI) jobs
Phase 3 is a competitive process. Communities that received an award in either previous phase may apply again.
Deadlines
Proposals are being accepted until the end of the day Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Note: applicants are encouraged to submit by 4 p.m. ET as there will be no technical support available after that time. Proposals will be collected by the electronic Grants Management System. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 26th, 2021 with funding awards being announced on Thursday, April 1st, 2021.
In March, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 that allowed OCRA to redirect Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with COVID-19 needs, based on guidance from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Grant Application Assistance
Region 3-A is here to help communities in the grant application process. The northeast Indiana area is among the areas impacted most by COVID-19. We encourage our communities to take advantage of these grant opportunities, as we can provide application assistance and guidance to improve the chances of receiving funding.
The Economic Development Administration has awarded a $4 million grant to Wabash County, Indiana, allowing them to expand the Heartland Career Center. The new facility will provide adult education/career training in healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Region 3A worked with Wabash County to help secure EDA grant funding for the facility. The funding will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to help create or retain nearly 150 jobs.
Heartland Career Center
This new facility will be a hub for job training in the Wabash County region, providing the skilled employees that local businesses demand. The project’s location is near an EDA designated “Opportunity Zone” and is expected to continue to drive private investment to the community.
Opportunities from the facility will include workforce training and certifications in areas such as advanced manufacturing, welding and CNC. Space will also be dedicated to simulator training technology.
About Opportunity Zones
Created by President Donald J. Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Opportunity Zones are spurring economic development in economically-distressed communities nationwide. In June 2019, EDA added Opportunity Zones as an Investment Priority, which increases the number of catalytic Opportunity Zone-related projects that EDA can fund to fuel greater public investment in these areas.
We’re pleased to announce that a partnership between Steuben County, the Town of Ashley, and Region 3-A recently received the 2020 Local Government Cooperation Award by the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC). Our group was recognized for the infrastructure expansion project for economic development, working with the town of Ashley.
Project Background
Region 3-A partnered with Steuben County officials, officials from the town of Ashley. Together we worked to obtain federal and state grants for the development of Brightmark. Ashley was awarded a grant by the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to help expand water and sewer access for the new site in development by Brightmark.
Ashley was also awarded $1 million in Community Crossings money for a road, rail crossings and lighting for the Brightmark plant.
The new plant will recycle plastic waste back into fuel and industrial waxes. The innovative company will provide about 130 new jobs for the area. Brightmark is now in the testing phase. It has already produced fuel and is the first commercial scale operation of this type in the nation.
AIC Award Criteria
Counties that win the award must demonstrate that a project meets these criteria:
Demonstrates cooperation between one or more municipalities and county(s)
Shows innovation
Positive impact on the community and the participating governmental units; and potential for the activity to serve as a model for other local governments
The Association of Indiana Counties’ Annual Conference was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a regional unit of government serving Northeast Indiana, our sole imperative has always been to support the advancement of Northeast Indiana. We have assisted with many community, economic development, transportation and housing projects throughout the region. Now in the midst of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we are working on ways to help our community heal, help area businesses, and assist with economic growth to keep our region moving forward.
Point of Contact
Region 3A has also served as a regional liaison to many state and federal agencies, providing an efficient single point of contact for 6 counties and 32 municipalities. As an agency governed by local county and municipal officials, Region 3A is here to support development and rehabilitation needs.
Reliable Information
Our promise to the counties that we serve is that we will always be informed with accurate and up-to-date information on emerging federal, state, local and private sector business support initiatives and programs, and available as a source for information. Now more than ever, we encourage businesses and organizations to reach out to explore options for grants and assistance under our services offerings.
Relief and Moving Forward
Region 3A is developing a plan with local and regional organizations to provide information and help our community receive short-term relief and assistance. We are here to help residents navigate the quick changes of available resources, provide necessary details, and meet deadlines for upcoming relief funding.
If you would like more information on relief funding for businesses as it becomes available, please reach out to us at region3a@region3a.org.
