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Monthly Newsletter

May 2024

Message from the

Executive Director


The big news of this past month is the award NCNMEDD received from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to purchase our building. With support from the Board of Directors, the staff, property committee and I have been working diligently through the process. Meanwhile, like our communities, we are developing our fiscal year 2025 budget. I am very happy to add in new funding for the Aging Network, as well as funds to administer Government Reoccurring Opportunity (GRO) funding. The new funding will help NCNMEDD afford the additional staff we need to support our work.


As you can see from this newsletter, this is grant season. While we are low on grant writing funds, we are accommodating new requests to the extent possible. Fortunately, we secured funding for grant writing and technical assistance for the next two fiscal years from this year’s GRO appropriation. Successful, completed projects are just as important as the grant award, so please also reach out to us for help with grant implementation, administration and reporting.


Happy Spring to you all, -Monica Abeita

Spotlight on Creative Industries: Mora County Summer Markets

Mora County received an award from the Creative Industries Division to plan and implement a series of summer markets. The County collaborated with Mora MainStreet, the Mora Creative Council, WESST, civic leaders, community organizers, and many others - to quickly plan and prepare a Downtown Market for Summer 2024.


This collective effort has purchased a stage, tent, and PA system and planned a summer schedule of live music - with opportunities for local employment and training in live entertainment.


These weekly markets will feature local artisans and bring additional business training to local creative entrepreneurs. Mora is not reinventing itself or pandering to outsiders: it is centering and celebrating its rich cultural heritage (including its popular Fiestas) to rebuild from tragedy with new creative industry opportunities.


Creative industries are resilient, creative industries are collaborative, creative industries are empowering.


Other NCNM Creative Industry Highlights:

  • Poeh Cultural Center, Pueblo of Pojoaque: Answers are Indigenous Project
  • Rio Arriba County: Rio Arriba County & Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area Arts Program
  • City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development: Community Navigator Hub for Creative Industries
  • Taos County: Taos County, Taos Arts Council, Taos Chamber of Commerce, and Taos Center for the Arts business development training and workshops, and educational and work-integrated learning opportunities for high school aged and recent grad individuals

For more information, please visit: January 2024 NM CID Updates: Investing in New Mexico's heart and soul, or learn more here: Creative Industries (newmexico.gov)

JemezPueblo Wins EDA Award

Congratulations to Jemez Pueblo, who was awarded $3million under EDA's 2023 Disaster Supplemental Funding. This EDA investment supports the Pueblo of Jemez with updating public infrastructure to help sustain rural economies and agrarian lifeways in Sandoval County, New Mexico. Heavy monsoons following fire disasters, most recently the 2022 Cerro Pelado Fire, have caused severe damage from flooding and sedimentation throughout the Pueblo's irrigation system. The project repairs will result in efficient water conveyance, higher crop yields and economic gain for Jemez food vendors. Once completed, the project will strengthen the regional economy and support economic growth and resiliency throughout the region.

 

EDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA’s grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov


WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects 2024

United States Department of the Interior's (DOI's) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) Program leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply reliability through investment in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.


This Environmental Water Resources Projects NOFO provides funding for water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration projects and nature-based solutions that provide significant ecological benefits, have been developed as part of a collaborative process, and help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.


Deadline to apply: June 18, 2024


For more information: WaterSMART | grants.gov

For WaterSMART Program Notifications, please fill out this form: WaterSMART Program Notifications (office.com)


For additional information on WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects, contact:

Avra Morgan, 303-445-2906 or aomorgan@usbr.gov

Robin Graber, 303-445-2764 or rgraber@usbr.gov

Transportation Funding and Technical Assistance

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided cities with unprecedented opportunities to apply directly for federal funding, but some cities and towns have fewer resources and staff, impeding their ability to bid effectively.


Eight partners, including the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors present the Local Infrastructure Hub, where small and mid-sized municipalities can receive an expert suite of supports to develop strong, competitive grant applications through pro-bono technical training and grant-writing Bootcamps.


Over the past five Bootcamp series, the Local Infrastructure Hub has supported over 700 cities to navigate the federal grant writing process. The Hub is working with more than 1,200 localities across all of its program offerings, including virtual webinars and learning opportunities for cities of any size.


New Bootcamp Offerings:

Bridge Investment Program

Brownfields Program

Railroad Crossing Elimination/Consolidated Rail Infrastructure & Safety Improvements -

Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods

The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Program

Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program

Plan Ahead for These Federal Transportation Funding Opportunities:


Charging and Fueling Infrastructure - This grant opens in early summer, mainly for rural, fast charging stations for EVs. It has a $500,000 minimum.


Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) - This is a federal grant with three tiers (planning, demonstration and implementation). It has several deadlines, the last one being August 29.


RAISE -This is a federal grant covering planning and capital projects. Fifty percent of projects selected are rural and is expected to open again in November 2024.


Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program - There is $780 million available; these are for large projects over $25 million. This is an annual opportunity, applications were due in May.


NCNMEDD can provide grantwriting and engineering assistance to help you successfully pursue these and other grants. We recommend starting early and using DOT tools, such as webinars. Please reach out to Patrick Million if you have a project!

Rating and ranking season for the Transportation Project Fund (TPF) is here!

NCNMEDD hosted the Northern Pueblos Regional Transportation Planning Organization (NPRTPO) meeting at the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) offices in Espanola on May 1 to rate and rank TPF projects from Taos County, Taos Pueblo, Town of Taos, Santa Fe County, NCRTD, Rio Arriba County, Red River, and Los Alamos. The North East Regional Transportation Planning Organization (NERTPO) rating and ranking session will be in Santa Rosa on May 24 and will include more than 30 presentations.


The next meetings are:

NERTPO: May 22, 2024 - Santa Rosa

NPRTPO: June 5, 2024 - Santa Fe 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 Members in Service in Northern New Mexico

AmeriCorps VISTA

VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members working in Northern New Mexico are making a difference. The Volunteers are advancing community-driven projects to alleviate hunger, create businesses and jobs, increase volunteer support for community improvement activities, and connect at-risk youth with educational and employment opportunities.


Currently serving the North Central New Mexico Development District's (NCNMEDD) AmeriCorps VISTA Program are:


Christopher Woodstock is serving at NCNMEDD to build capacity for the VISTA Program. Christopher’s three previous AmeriCorps terms were served directly with the Saint Bernard Project (SBP) in New Jersey, rebuilding houses devastated by Superstorm Sandy.


Noah M. Tamas-Parris is serving at the Santa Fe County community development department to expand broadband access to un-served county residents. He has given presentations to Santa Fe County’s broadband working group, researched and reported on funding opportunities, and collaborated with various departments in strategic planning meetings for the county’s broadband initiatives.


Marcus Murrell, City of Santa Fe’s Poverty Alleviation Navigator VISTA, is addressing poverty within marginalized communities in the City of Santa Fe. Marcus is working with city staff to develop and implement the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan and Community Navigator Program. These projects aim to bridge the gap between under-represented communities in poverty and essential business resources and entrepreneurial opportunities.


Betty Bastai is serving as a VISTA member with the Las Vegas New Mexico Community Foundation (LVNMCF) supporting the Calf Canyon Hermit's Peak Fire Long-Term Recovery Group.


AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a non-profit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

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 assess 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.


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

Funds 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.


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 to businesses, and 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) 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 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. To support community-based efforts that 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. 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.


USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Deadline June 3, 2024. To improve the economic condition of rural areas by assisting individuals or entities in the startup, expansion, or operational improvement of rural cooperatives and other business entities.


USDA Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant, Deadline June 3, 2024. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service announces the availability of $3,000,000 in competitive grant funds for the FY 2024 Socially Disadvantaged Groups in rural areas.


DOI Slip-On Tanker Units, Deadline June 4, 2024.

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 operate as fire engines.


DOT-FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research Program, Deadline June 5, 2024. The EAR program addresses the need for longer-term, higher risk breakthrough research with the potential for transformational improvements to plan, build, renew, and operate safe, congestion free, and environmentally sound transportation systems. The overall goal of this NOFO is to collect diverse pedestrian data, provide researchers access to this data, and encourage novel approaches for analysis of diverse data in support of increasing the safety and mobility of all people.


USGS Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, Deadline June 17, 2024. Grants to state, territorial, local, and Tribal governments to research, map, assess, and collect data on landslide hazards within the jurisdictions of those governments. This funding opportunity solicits Risk Reduction Proposals as described in this NOFO.


DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), Deadline, June 17, 2024. To 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. 


BOR WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Project 2024, Deadline June 18, 2024. Funding for water conservation and efficiency projects, water management and infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration projects and nature-based solutions that provide significant ecological benefits, have been developed as part of a collaborative process, and help carry out an established strategy to increase the reliability of water resources.


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.


DHS FEMA Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Security Grant Program, Deadline June 24, 2024.

To provide funding to federally recognized tribal nations to enhance their ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from potential terrorist attacks and other hazards. The program directly supports FEMA national priority areas including enhancing cybersecurity, enhancing the protection of soft targets/crowded places, enhancing information and intelligence sharing and analysis, combating domestic violent extremism, enhancing community preparedness and resilience, and enhancing election security.


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.


ORD Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grants, Deadline June 30, 2024. Trails+ was created to grow outdoor access for New Mexicans and preserve wild places within our state. This grant invests in conservation-minded shovel-ready projects. Examples include trail design or construction, signage, river access, whitewater amenities, outdoor classroom infrastructure, trailhead improvements, picnic shelters, and wildlife viewing areas.


USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant, Deadline June 30, 2024. The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The ultimate recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA.


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.


DOE Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) - Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: Communities Taking Charge Accelerator, Fiscal Year 2024 Funding Opportunity Announcement, Deadline July 16, 2024. Aims to help everyone ride and drive electric, foster public and private relationships, build interdisciplinary teams, advance the American blueprint for transportation decarbonization, and promote managed charging. Applications can be proposed exclusively as planning projects, exclusively as demonstration and/or deployment projects, or as a combination of both planning and demonstration and/or deployment.


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 needs, from planning and technical assistance to construction of infrastructure.



Planning Ahead


NEA Our Town, FY25, Deadline August 1, 2024. Our Town is the National Endowment for the Arts' creative placemaking grants program. Through project-based funding, we support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design as part of strategies for strengthening local communities, ultimately centering equity and laying the groundwork for long-term systems change tailored to community needs and opportunities. All applications are submitted by one organization and require one partner organization.


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.


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. Third and Final Application Submission Period Due Date is September 30, 2024, 4:00 pm MT.


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: Springer

Old Colfax County Courthouse, Springer, New Mexico

Date: 1893

Old Colfax County Courthouse / Santa Fe Trail Museum, Springer, New Mexico To-Date Photo

VISITING SPRINGER

With a history as colorful as the buildings that line its streets, Springer finds its beginnings in the turbulent days of the Maxwell Land Grant, when the Utes and Apaches roamed the territory, and trappers, prospectors, buffalo hunters, cattlemen, and outlaws sought their fortunes all across the land.


Located on the Santa Fe Trail, Springer is the "Old West Town" that celebrates its history. As with many towns in the west, Springer came to life in 1879 with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The community was a hub of trade for the region. Many buildings from this period still stand. The Santa Fe Trail Museum and Historic Society are located in the Old Colfax Courthouse. The museum includes a fine collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the history of the trail and local ranching pioneers. Springer was once the county-seat of Colfax County and just outside the Old Courthouse, the Town of Springer saw one of the last gun battles of the Colfax County War. The town takes great pride in the historic courthouse; it is one of the must-see gems of the community.


Today, Springer offers a friendly, rural lifestyle, pleasant climate, and is close to many cultural and outdoor opportunities.


Springer Lake, four miles outside of town, is a premier fisherman lake known for its prize-winning pike. It is also a great camping spot. Charrette Lakes makes a great area for camping, boating and fishing for rainbow trout. Charrette Lakes are located 14 miles south of Springer.


As the gateway to the Enchanted Circle, Springer provides easy access to three of New Mexico's finest ski facilities: Taos Ski Valley, Angel Fire, and Red River.


Additional nearby opportunities include:

  • Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is about 12 miles north of springer via I-25. Wildlife can be viewed year-round and the refuge also offers camping, picnicking and hiking
  • Cimarron Canyon State Park is located 34 miles west of Springer and offers camping, hiking, and fishing
  • Sugarite Canyon State Park is located near Raton, 35 miles north of Springer, and offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating and winter sports.
  • Taos and Taos Pueblo, are about one hour away by car, and the world renown Santa Fe Opera can be reached in two hours.



Sources:

Town of Springer, NM

Springer | Sangres

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