EDA Accepting Applications for CARES Act Grant Funding

Chris McKim on May 19, 2020

adult architect blueprint business

The Economic Development Administration has begun taking applications for their funding opportunity (NOFO) CARES Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), signed into law by President Trump on March 27 to provide the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” 

CARES Act Funding

This program will fund eligible economic development projects 80% and up to 100% under certain conditions. Eligible applicants include local governmental entities, institutions of higher educa­tion, not for-profit entities, and federally recognized Tribes. 

EDA Requirements

The EDA’s requirements are that projects must have a commercial/industrial benefit, and that multiple current or incoming businesses benefit from the project. 

Here are the types of projects that the EDA has funded in recent years:

  • Infrastructure – Water and sewer
  • Industrial parks – New or expansion of existing
  • Workforce training facilities
  • Business incubators
  • Brownfield redevelopment
  • Technology-based facilities
  • Multi-tenant manufacturing facilities
  • Science and research parks
  • Telecommunications infrastructure and development facilities
  • Revolving loan funds     
  • Economic diversification
  • Travel and tourism marketing campaigns

The above projects are examples of projects that will be funded, but it is not limited to these types of projects. Projects that specifically address COVID-19 issues, or a project that would allow for resiliency from this pandemic, would have a great opportunity to receive funding.

Applications for the CARES Act

The EDA will award grants to successful applications on a rolling basis. EDA began accepting applications on May 7, 2020 and will deploy its CARES Act funding as quickly, effectively, and efficiently as possible, and in a manner that meets the needs of these communities. 

Funding for eligible projects available on a “first come, first served” basis, so communities and organizations seeking funding should act fast. 


Contact us at region3a@region3a.org for more information on how to get your application started. For information and frequently asked questions regarding the CARES Act, visit the FAQs page of the EDA website.

Town of Ashley Indiana Awarded EDA Grant Funding

Chris McKim on April 17, 2020

residential property

The Region 3-A team worked with the town of Ashley Indiana for more than a year to help them achieve EDA grant funding for infrastructure at the site of the new Brightmark Energy plant. We’re pleased to announce that earlier this week, Ashley Indiana was notified that they will receive a $1.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration.

The EDA grant will help complete infrastructure projects to service the Brightmark Energy project that is under construction. Brightmark is going to use a patented process to convert waste plastics into fuel and industrial wax at their new 114,000 sq. ft. facility.

As a result, the 136 jobs are expected to be created within the new facility, along with opportunities for construction and infrastructure work as well throughout the project.

About The Project 

The Town of Ashley approached Region 3-A for assistance in EDA funding after Brightmark became the controlling owner of RES Polyflow. Our role was to help the community leverage their resources and ensure that all of the information and criteria is provided so that they could get the most funding available.

Steuben County provided a loan guarantee to Ashley of up to $1.5 million for the project, much of which will go toward matching funds. The town has set aside $1 million in tax increment financing money. Some of that financing money will pay for right of way acquisition and engineering fees.

About EDA Grant Funding

The EDA grant provides a 50/50 match of grant funding for infrastructure projects. However, it can more or less depend on economic factors. Private investment and community investment go a long way in making potential infrastructure projects come to fruition. If you’re interested in learning more about EDA Grant funding and how to best use the resources available to your town, contact us at region3a@region3a.org. 

Services Overview

Sarah on September 25, 2019

neighborhood and nature street view

We have recently redesigned our website to include more information on our services. As a reminder, here you can find an overview of our mission and the areas of focus in regional collaboration.

Region III-A operates under the Regional Planning Commission statute of the Indiana Code (I.C. 36-7-7) as a regional unit of government. A 32-member Board of Directors appointed by the counties, cities, and towns located within its service area governs the organization.

Area Services Overview

Region III-A serves an area which includes Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, and Whitley counties in Northeast Indiana. There are similar organizations within the State of Indiana covering approximately two-thirds of the state’s 92 counties.

Region III-A concentrates its efforts in four primary activities: 

  • Economic Development
  • Community Development 
  • Transportation
  • Housing Programs

Activities within the four primary areas above are generally confined to long-term planning, technical assistance, and wide-ranging support for efforts at the local level. 

If you would like more information, contact us today.