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Monthly Newsletter

April 2024

Message from the Executive Director


As we enter the spring season, there is a lot going on in our region and at NCNMEDD.


In April, NM Counties is hosting our board of directors meeting on April 25 at 1:30 pm. A virtual option is available at www.ncnmedd.com, for guests who can't attend in person. At that meeting, we hope to approve the purchase of our new office building at 644 Don Gaspar. After decades of renting, this is a major accomplishment for the organization!


NCNMEDD did well in the 2024 Legislative session. We thank the Legislature for significant new funding for the Aging Network, renewed funding for our successful grant writing program, and $300,000 to administer GRO (Government Recurring Opportunity) projects. For local governments and entities expecting GRO funds, we will start working on Requests for Proposals and contracts in late April/early May, so that everyone can hit the ground running in July.


As always, I want to thank to the tremendous staff at NCNMEDD and our board, communities and regional leaders. We are proud and honored to serve the region.



-Monica Abeita

Capital Outlay Reporting

Capital Outlay Reporting will be transitioning back to the Capital Projects Monitoring System (CPMS) from the Budget Formulation Management System (BFM). This transition will begin in April 2024. The CPMS system will look the same as it did before with the active projects showing when you login and the inactive projects available with the click of a button. Agencies and local entities will continue to update the system quarterly as they were doing with BFM. DFA will notify everyone when CPMS goes live again in April.


For any questions, please contact: Wesley Billingsley

wesley.billingsley@dfa.nm.gov DFA Office: 505-819-1915

Capital Outlay Bureau | New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (state.nm.us)

FY26-30 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) Trainings

Lead Service Line Inventory

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) require Community and most public water systems to identify the service line materials of all service connections in their distribution system regardless of ownership status.


The LCRR establishes the information federally required in service line inventories, publicizes the service line inventory results, and when updates to the inventory are required. It is recommended to fill out as much information as possible in the service line inventory as part of a robust asset management plan.


Community and Non-Transient, Non-Community (NTNC) Public Water Systems must complete and submit to NMED DWB a lead service line inventory by October 16, 2024. As per federal mandate, all community water systems are required to have this inventory completed by this time.


The Southwest Environmental Finance Center at UNM (set up by the Congressional Delegates) will assist communities in documenting their water lines at no charge.


Additional information can be found by reviewing the Code of Federal Regulations (title-40/part-141/subpart-I) and the lead service line inventory requirements at Code of Federal Regulations (title-40/section-141.84. EPA has also published guidance for developing inventories that can be found at Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.


The Association of Safe Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) has a free webinar series on LCRR and service line inventories, with monthly presentations as well as past recordings. 

Additionally, EPA published a webinar on August 10, 2022, that addresses guidance for developing service line inventories and finding information.


Contact Person:

Heather Himmelberger

heatherh@unm.edu

505-277-0113

Southwest EFC | Southwest Environmental Finance Center (unm.edu)


Drinking Water Bureau (NMED DWB)

drinking.water@env.nm.gov

505-476-8620

877-654-8720


Utility Operator Certification:

505-467-9333

UOCP.certification@env.nm.gov


For more Information, please visit: LCRR Lead Service Line Inventories (nm.gov)

OBAE: Connect New Mexico Fund Challenges

The FCC has a new map showing where high-speed service is- and is not- available across the country. The map shows where internet service providers report service and depends on input from consumers, like you. This reporting process is part of the OBAE Map Challenge.


It is critically important to correct any data that may be inaccurate and to achieve meaningful broadband access for those who need it most. Connect New Mexico can help with this process.


To learn more visit: Map Challenge Forms

And check out Connect New Mexico's new Funding Resource Library - CONNECT NEW MEXICO (nm.gov)!



To review the maps and learn more about the challenge process, go to our mapping and data webpage:

Connect NM Pilot Program

Broadband Mapping

Transportation Update

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP)


The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is a new competitive grant program created by Section 11529 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to construct projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in active transportation networks or active transportation spines.


ATIIP will award two types of grants: Planning and Design grants and Construction grants. Planning and Design grants are for eligible applicants to develop plans for active transportation networks and active transportation spines. Projects seeking Planning and Design grants must have planning and design costs of at least $100,000 to be eligible.


Construction grants are for eligible applicants to construct projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in an active transportation network or active transportation spine. Projects seeking Construction grants must have total costs of at least $15 million to be eligible.


Active transportation networks are active transportation facilities that connect between destinations within a community or metropolitan region, including schools, workplaces, residences, businesses, recreation areas, medical facilities, and other community areas.


Active transportation spines are active transportation facilities that connect between communities, metropolitan regions, or States.


A goal of both types of ATIIP grants is to integrate active transportation facilities with transit services, where available, to improve access to public transportation.

ATIIP - Bicycle and Pedestrian Program - Environment - FHWA (dot.gov)

 

It is Transportation Project Fund Season!


This round of submission for TPF funding has closed. NPRTPO received 7 projects submitted for a total of $23.8 million in proposed budgets. NERTPO received a total of 27 projects at $40 million. The next steps in the process will be receiving feedback from NMDOT and rating and ranking among NPRTPO members. The final submission date for complete proposals is May 31st.


The next meetings are:


NERTPO: April 24th 2024 - Angel Fire

NPRTPO: May 1, 2024 - Rio Arriba County



Northern Pueblos RTPO Planner Contact:

Patrick Million, NCNMEDD

patrickm@ncnmedd.com



North East RTPO Planner Contact:

Patrick Million, NCNMEDD Julie Surina, EPCOG

patrickm@ncnmedd.com, jsurina@epcog.org

AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA

NCNMEDD VISTA program is looking to recruit a subsite that can host a cost-share VISTA starting in August 2024. This type of VISTA placement costs the organization about $23,000. The subsite receives a full time VISTA member who builds capacity to alleviate poverty in their community. The VISTA member receives a variety of benefits, including a living allowance, educational stipend, health care coverage, among other things.


If your organization would like to host a cost-share VISTA position starting in August 2024, please contact Nancy Kastning to learn more. nancyk@ncnmedd.com or 505-819-9449.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

BOR WaterSMART: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects, This rolling NOFO has three application submission periods with a final closing on September 30, 2024.

Provides technical assistance to local water agencies for the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water, which increases water management flexibility and makes our water supply more reliable. Second Application Submission Period Due Date is March 29, 2024. Third and Final Application Submission Period Due Date is September 30, 2024, 4:00 pm MT.



DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding (SS4A), Planning Deadlines: May 16, and August 29, 2024. Implementation Deadline May 16 only.

Funds are to support planning and demonstration activities, as well as projects and strategies to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians; bicyclists; public transportation, personal conveyance, and micro-mobility users; motorists; and commercial vehicle operators.



SBA PRIME 2024, Deadline April 12, 2024. The purpose of this Funding Opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from private, non- profit microenterprise development organizations; microenterprise development programs run by State/ Local/Tribal Governments; or Indian tribes interested in providing assistance and guidance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs and/or microenterprise development organizations for the purposes stated in this Announcement. • Track I (Technical Assistance) – seeks applications for funding to provide training and technical assistance programs to disadvantaged entrepreneurs as defined in section 1.2 above. • Track II (Capacity Building) – seeks applications for funding to provide training and capacity building services to MDOs, microenterprise development programs, and groups of such organizations to assist them in developing microenterprise training and services as defined in section 1.2 above


NPS Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, Deadline April 19, 2024.

In recognition of the significance of Route 66 to America's heritage, Congress passed an act in 1999 to create the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. Administered by the NPS, the program is dedicated to preserving the special places and stories of the historic highway.


DOJ Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program, Deadline April 29, 2024. The Second Chance Act (SCA) Community-based Reentry Program supports organizations and tribal governments providing comprehensive reentry services to individuals who have been incarcerated. With this solicitation, BJA seeks applications for funding from community-based non-profit organizations and federally recognized tribal governments to enhance or implement evidence-based responses to improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and support successful transitional planning for individuals who are currently, or were formerly, involved in the criminal justice system.


DOL Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) National Grants Competition for Program Year (PY) 2024, Deadline May 6, 2024. The Department anticipates awarding approximately 10-22 national grants, ranging from $2 million to $50 million, to organizations that will provide workforce development activities to support older workers in developing skills and obtaining unsubsidized employment. SCSEP provides subsidized, part-time, community service training for unemployed, low-income individuals aged 55 or older who have poor employment prospects.


IHS Native Public Health Resilience Planning, Deadline May 14, 2024. To assist applicants to establish goals and performance measures, assess their current management capacity, and determine if developing a Public Health program is practicable. Specifically, programs should asses the availability and feasibility of the 10 Essential Public Health Services (EPHS).


IHS Native Public Health Resilience, Deadline May 14, 2024. To enhance Tribes', Tribal Organizations', and Urban Indian Organizations' capacity to implement core Public Health functions, services, and activities, and to further develop and improve their Public Health management capabilities.


NIH Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes and Advance Health Equity in Rural Populations, Deadline May 17, 2024. The purpose of this initiative is to support research to improve health and promote health equity in rural populations.


EPA FY25 Pollution Prevention Grant Program Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Deadline May 17, 2024. A two-year competitive funding opportunity for awards to eligible entities to provide technical assistance (TA) to businesses to encourage the development and implementation of source reduction practices also known as pollution prevention or "P2."


ACF Social and Economic Development Strategies, Deadline May 20, 2024. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announces this program, which is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families and cultures, and decrease the high rate of current challenges caused by the lack of community-based businesses, and social and economic infrastructure in Native American communities.


ACF Environmental Regulatory Enhancement, Deadline May 20, 2024. The Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native Americans announces the ERE program, which provides funding for the costs of planning, developing, and implementing programs designed to improve the capability of tribal governing bodies to regulate environmental quality pursuant to federal and tribal environmental laws.


NEH Cultural and Community Resilience, Deadline May 21, 2024. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Division of Preservation and Access is accepting applications for the Cultural and Community Resilience program. This program supports community-based efforts to address the impacts of climate change and COVID-19 by safeguarding cultural resources and fostering cultural resilience through identifying, documenting, and/or collecting cultural heritage and community experiences.


DOE Clean Energy Technology Deployment on Tribal Lands 2024, Deadline May 30, 2024. DOE Office of Indian Energy is solicits applications from Indian Tribes to: (1) Install clean energy generating system(s) and/or energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal building(s); or, (2) Deploy community-scale clean energy generating system(s) or community energy storage on Tribal lands; or, (3) Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential Tribal buildings during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience; or, (4) Provide electric power to Tribal Building(s), which otherwise would be unelectrified. 


NPS Historic Preservation Fund Annual Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) Grants, Deadline May 30, 2024. Grants to THPOs for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) by such means as: survey, planning, technical assistance, physical preservation, review of Federal undertakings, education, listing in the in National Register of Historic Places and Tribal Registers.


DOI Slip-On Tanker Units, Deadline June 4, 2024. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is bringing much-needed support to communities across the country to increase the resilience of lands facing the threat of wildland fires and to better support federal wildland firefighters. The BIL provides funding and authorizes the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to develop and implement a pilot program to provide local governments with financial assistance to acquire slip-on tanker units to establish fleets of vehicles that can be quickly converted to be operated as fire engines.


DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), Deadline, June 17, 2024. The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) projects will help improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of active transportation networks and communities; improve connectivity between active transportation modes and public transportation; enhance the resiliency of on- and off-road active transportation infrastructure and help protect the environment; and improve quality of life in disadvantaged communities through the delivery of connected active transportation networks and expanded mobility opportunities. 


HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, Deadline June 20, 2024.

The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program provides Capital Advance funding for the development of supportive rental housing for Very-Low-Income persons aged 62 years or older and project rental subsidies in the form of a Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) to maintain ongoing affordability.


Fish and Wildlife Service FY24 Tribal Wildlife Grant (TWG) Program, Deadline June 21, 2024. The TWG Program provides opportunities for federally recognized Tribes to engage in fish and wildlife conservation efforts on Tribal lands. Many of the TWG Program-funded project activities increase fish and wildlife populations, allowing for hunting and fishing opportunities on and off Tribal lands. Additionally, the TWG Program funds project activities that align and assist with Endangered Species Act (ESA) conservation activities supporting species down-listing (threatened to endangered), delisting (removal from the list due to species recovery), and preventing new species listings under the ESA.


DOE Solar and Wind Interconnection for Future Transmission (SWIFTR), Deadline June 28, 2024. To support innovative work to enable simpler, faster, and fairer interconnection of clean energy resources while enhancing the reliability, resiliency, and security of our electrical grid.


NPS Cultural Resources Management Services, Deadline July 15, 2024. The National Park Service, following its Management Policies (2006) seeks to work with partners to collaboratively conduct a variety of activities, including, but not limited to the named studies outlined in NPS-28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline. Examples include (but are not limited to): Archeological Identification/Evaluation Studies, Archival Records Management Plans, Development Concept Plan, Ethnohistory and Ethnography, General Management Plan, Historic Resource Study, National Heritage Area Plans and Evaluations, National Register of Historic Places Documentation and Bulletins, etc.


USDA RUS Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants, Until funds are exhausted.

Grants to qualified entities for expenses related to water infrastructure systems in designated areas that were impacted by events that occurred during calendar year 2022 and were recognized through Presidentially Declared Disasters.


USDA Community Facilities Program Disaster Repair Grants, Until funds are exhausted.

To eligible public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized Tribes. Grants may cover up to

75% of total project cost. There is no minimum or maximum award amount.


EDA FY23 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs, Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new PWEAA NOFO.

To meet the full range of communities' and regions' economic need from planning and technical assistance to construction of infrastructure.



Planning Ahead



BOR WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I for FY23, Deadline September 3, 2024. States, Indian Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, local governmental entities, non-profit organizations, existing watershed groups, and local and special districts (e.g., irrigation and water districts, conservation districts, natural resource districts) may submit proposals for Phase I activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and design watershed management projects.


EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program, Deadline November 21, 2024.  Funds community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation.



To sign up for the Weekly Grants Advisory from New Mexico's Federal Delegation,

please contact Greg Knadle at: greg.knadle@heinrich.senate.gov

Work with NCNMEDD! See our

Contract and Employment Opportunities.

Workforce Integration Network (WIN) Mobile Training Unit (MTU)

The WIN Mobile Training Unit (MTU) will bring skilled trades training to remote areas of Northern New Mexico with a focus on apprenticeship readiness and full-time employment via its three-week training programs in rural and tribal communities.


To schedule a MTU visit to your community, click HERE or scan the QR code.


The MTU is in partnership with and operated by the Local Union 412.


To learn more the WIN program, please visit Northern New Mexico Workforce Integration Network (WIN) | Get A Good Job (nnm-win.com)

Featured Community of the Month: Red River!

Every day is an adventure in this iconic New Mexico mountain town, which is at 8,750 feet in altitude. A morning of angling nets you a rainbow trout. A hike into deep wilderness reveals spectacular views of towering peaks against a brilliant blue sky.


Step back into the Old West during an afternoon walk on Main Street, where the locals you meet have colorful stories to tell. Later, as a glowing sunset paints the sky, you're already planning your return for the family ski trip.


Source: Red River

THINGS TO DO IN RED RIVER!


In Red River, you can find Off-Roading / OHV, Horseback Riding, Skiing, Ropes Courses, Chairlifts, Ziplines, Disc Golf, Fishing, Hiking, Rafting, Biking, Tubing, Hunting, Distilleries and Tastings, Shopping, Family Fun, Live Music, and much more as you are gladly welcomed to "24,000 Acres of Smiles."


Learn more about the Red River Ski and Summer area HERE.

Picture Source: Sunset Magazine, "Summer on the Slopes in Red River, NM"

In case you missed it!

USDA Grants Help People Repair Homes Damaged in 2022 Forest Fires


Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant Program. Residents in Mora, San Miguel, and Colfax Counties may be eligible for funding of up to $40,675 to repair their homes.


For more information, visit: USDA PROGRAMS

Featured Picture: Collins Lake Ranch, Mora, NM