Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• Congressionally Directed Spending/Community Project Funding
• U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All
• U.S. DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
• U.S. DOT Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program (MPDG)
• CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
• CT DOT/FHWA Transportation Alternatives Program
• U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program for Bridge Project Grants
• CT DEEP Urban Forest Equity Grant Program
• CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Grant Program
• EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program 
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Carbon Utilization Procurement Grants
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2023 Discretionary Funding Opportunities

BIL Workshop Series: Next Session Coming Soon!

CRCOG is collaborating with industry experts to bring you an informative session about Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure.

Final date is TBD, but we anticipate this will take place in May at our new office space - 350 Church Street in Hartford. Looking forward to welcoming you there!

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 14

The Offices of U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are now accepting applications for requests of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from public and non-profit entities.

Discretionary funding may be awarded for specific projects in specific locations, relevant to the following bills:

1. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
2. Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
3. Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies
4. Financial Services and General Government 
5. Homeland Security 
6. Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
7. Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
8. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Learn more about submitting a request for CDS here. Applicants only need to submit one application through the online portal, and it will be reviewed by both offices.

Please contact all Senate Office Staff with questions or for more information:

Team Blumenthal:

Kasandra Navarro (Kasandra_Navarro@blumenthal.senate.gov)  

Ashley Law (Ashley_Law@blumenthal.senate.gov)

Team Murphy:

Jake Ecke (Jacob_Ecke@murphy.senate.gov) 

U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program 

Planning and Demonstration Grant Deadlines: May 16, or August 29, 2024

Implementation Grant Deadline: May 16, 2024

U.S. DOT is now accepting applications for Round 3 of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A). This is an excellent opportunity to fund projects and develop strategies that will prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. Over $1.2B is available. Learn more here, or in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

CRCOG has prepared guidance documents for each of the two types of grants. Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson if you are interested in receiving these documents or would like to discuss your project in greater detail.

Apply online through ValidEval before the application deadlines:

• Planning and Demonstration Grant Application Signup
• Implementation Grant Application Signup

U.S. DOT Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

Application Deadline: June 17, 2024

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced availability of $44M for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP).

ATIIP seeks to fund projects that will provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in networks (connections between destinations within a community or metro-region) and spines (connections between communities, metro-regions, or States). Integrating active transportation with transit services is a goal of the program to improve access to public transportation.

Two types of grants will be awarded:

1. Planning and Design (minimum planning and design cost of $100,000); and
2. Construction (minimum total costs of $15M).

Visit FHWA's ATIIP Webpage and obtain the NOFO for more information.

Apply online through Grants.gov before the deadline.

U.S. DOT Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant Program (MPDG) - Mega/INFRA/Rural

Application Deadline: May 6, 2024

U.S. DOT's MPDG program is back for FY 2025-2026. The program seeks to fund regionally significant transportation projects that may be difficult to fund without Federal assistance.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and information about past awards are available here.

These are highly competitive grants, but you can apply for three grants at once:

1. National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega)
2. Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA)
3. Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural)

Apply online through Grants.gov before the deadline.

CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until funds are exhausted

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has created a new Active Transportation Microgrant Program to work in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Program. The purpose of the program is to provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 for non-infrastructure resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking, and rolling.

Eligible applicants include schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible items include bicycle helmets; bicycle locks; bicycle fleets; safety vests; bicycle maintenance training and materials; League Cycling instructors training; and programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.

Up to $500,000 is available for this program, which will be administered and distributed by COGs until utilized. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per 12-month period. View the Program Guidelines for more information.

Apply online using this Application Form and send to Mike Cipriano, CRCOG's Representative, once complete. Since this is a rolling application process with limited funds available, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Mike Cipriano with questions.

CT DOT Transportation Alternatives Program

Application Deadline: 3 pm on Monday, May 13

The Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program is back. $12.7M is available for the Hartford Transportation Management Area (TMA).

Learn more about CRCOG's solicitation for funding requests here.

The TA program is designed to fund generally smaller-scale transportation projects, such as bicycle/pedestrian facilities; turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas; historic preservation and vegetation management; environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity; recreational trails; safe routes to school projects; and vulnerable road user safety assessments.

Municipalities are encouraged to review some of the following Federal guidance documents related to this program:

• National Roadway Safety Strategy
• Safe System Approach
• Complete Streets
• FHWA’s Environmental Justice Reference Guide and US DOT's Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making Guide

Email all required application materials to Mike Cipriano before 3 pm on May 13, 2024.

U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program 

Bridge Project Application Deadline: March 19, 2024

Large Bridge Application Deadline: August 1, 2024

Planning Grant Application Deadline: October 1, 2024

There is still time to apply for Federal funding from FY2023 and FY2024 for Bridge Project Grants (under $100M) through FHWA's Bridge Investment Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to improve existing bridges or culverts that are listed on the National Bridge Inventory. The goal of this program is to improve bridge condition and the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over existing bridges.

There are two funding categories in this program: (1) Planning; and (2) Bridge Project grants (with total eligible costs not greater than $100M).

• Planning Grants: Up to $80M is available for FYs 2023 through 2026. There is no maximum or minimum grant award amount; however, grant awards must not exceed 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
• Bridge Project Grants: Up to $9.62 B is available for FYs 2023 through 2026 for projects with total eligible costs of $100M or less. Minimum grant awards of $2.5 M, and maximum grant awards of 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
• Large Bridge Project Grants: Funding available for projects with total eligible costs greater than $100M.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Planning and Bridge Project Grants establishes a “rolling application” process. The schedule, requirements, and selection process for applications is provided for the remaining available amounts of BIP funding.

View CRCOG's three static maps and/or interactive online map depicting bridges rated in poor or fair condition based on data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Some of the bridges have been allocated funding through state or other programs, while others have not.

See CRCOG's Summary and FHWA's Program Webpage for more information. FHWA provides application templates (Planning and Bridge Project) and a Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool to assist applicants.

If you have a bridge that is listed on the National Bridge Inventory, and it is rated in poor or fair condition, then please contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about how a Planning Grant or Bridge Project Grant through the Bridge Investment Program could be used to improve road safety and connectivity in your town or city. Project bundling is encouraged. More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA here.

Applications will be accepted at Grants.gov on a rolling basis.

CT DEEP Urban Forest Equity Grant Program 

Application Deadline: April 17, 2024

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) Urban and Community Forestry Program is requesting proposals for the Urban Forest Equity Grant Program. The program seeks to increase tree canopy coverage, and the benefits this provides, in nature-deprived communities.

Projects must demonstrate direct benefit to disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). Based on a review of the CEJST, the following municipalities in CRCOG include disadvantaged communities: East Hartford, Enfield, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, and Vernon.

Award amounts are available in three tiers:

1. $5,000 - $25,000
2. $25,001 - $75,000
3. $75,001 - $200,000

There is no match requirement. Eligible projects may include tree planting; urban forestry assessment and/or planning; workforce development; invasive species management; wood material management; urban food forests; and extreme heat mitigation.

Apply online here before the deadline.

CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Grant Program 

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) is accepting grant applications for the construction and deployment to buildout broadband infrastructure in underserved areas.

Up to $40.8M is available for this program, which is designed to expand access to affordable, resilient, and reliable broadband. A minimum 25% cost share/match is required, unless a waiver is received.

Eligible projects must be located within underserved areas. Applicants should first consult the FCC National Broadband Map to determine eligibility; however, other sources may be used to determine grant eligibility.

Visit CTDEEP's Program Webpage for more information, contact DEEP Broadband with questions, or Elizabeth Sanderson to discuss your project's potential eligibility.

Applications must be submitted to DEEP's online portal by 4:30 pm on the due date.

U.S. EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until November 21, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $2B available to fund community-driven projects to address climate challenges and reduce pollution through the Community Change Grants. The program will enable communities and their partners* to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and in the future. 

There are two funding tracks:

1. Community-Driven Investments for Change will fund about 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million - $20 million to meaningfully improve the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities. A review of the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map reveals that 19 CRCOG Member Municipalities contain Census Tracts that meet EPA's definition of disadvantaged community: Berlin, Bloomfield, Columbia, East Hartford, Enfield, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Southington, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.
2. Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance will fund about 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million - $3 million. 

Grants may be used for:

• Air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions1 and other air pollutants;
• Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events;
• Climate resiliency and adaptation;
• Reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution;
• Facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemakings, and other public processes; or
• More, as detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Funds must be used within 3-years. EPA offers technical assistance for eligible entities for pre- and post-award activities. More information about the technical assistance program is available here.

Apply online at Grants.gov at any time before the final application deadline.

*Partners are expected to comply with competitive procurement contracting requirements. More information about partner selection is in the NOFO.

U.S. DOE Carbon Utilization Procurement Grants (UPGrants)

Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

The Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $100M over fiscal years 2023 through 2026 for UPGrants. UPGrants are demonstration grants that will allow states, local governments, and public utility or agency entities to procure and use commercial or industrial products that are derived from anthropogenic carbon oxides, which are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions concentrated through human activity. Through innovation we can support a transition to clean energy, curb climate crisis, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Applicants must submit Concept Papers in advance of submitting Full Applications. Visit the DOE's Program Webpage for more information. 

HUD FY2023 Discretionary Funding Opportunities 

Application deadlines vary by program.

HUD has over 20 discretionary grant programs available that support agency initiatives such as Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Community and Economic Development, Environment and Energy, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Homeownership, Rental Assistance, Supportive Housing and Services:

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPE) Elements

Deadline: March 28, 2024

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPL) Leading Edge

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRPC) Comprehensive

Deadline: May 30, 2024

FY2023 and FY2024 Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships

Deadline: June 30, 2025

More information is available on Grants.gov or HUD's Grant Information webpage.

U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant

CRCOG, in partnership with Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG), Lower Connecticut River Valley COG (River COG), Naugatuck Valley COG (NVCOG), Northwest Hills COG, South Central Regional COG (SCRCOG), Western CT COG (West COG), and Connecticut Green Bank, have submitted a coalition application to U.S. EPA requesting $17.7M.

If awarded, funding will be used to build on and supplement Connecticut Green Bank's existing programmatic framework to further accelerate the deployment of solar energy and battery storage on municipally owned affordable housing and housing authority properties in CT.

We are excited for this opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in CT and to build resilient infrastructure in our communities!

A Reminder About ARPA Funds

On September 20, 2003, the U.S. Department of Treasury published the Interim Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF, a.k.a. ARPA Funds). This 2023 Interim Final Rule expands eligible uses of SLFRF to include:

1. Emergency relief from natural disasters;
2. Projects eligible under certain Surface Transportation Projects; and
3. Projects eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Restrictions and timelines apply. Here's a complete summary of the 2023 Interim Final Rule.

Here's a webinar conducted by the U.S. Department of Treasury on YouTube.

Visit FHWA's Complete Streets Funding Sheet for more funding opportunity ideas.

View FHWA's Lighting Handbook and Fact Sheet to learn more about how lighting can help save lives.

A link to learn more about FHWA's Proven Countermeasures to improve road safety.

View information about available U.S. DOT technical assistance, including a Rural Grant Toolkit and a new Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet Template, for your use.

View CRCOG's On-Call List of Qualified Consultants for Infrastructure Related Economic Analysis. Three consultants were selected for CRCOG and/or Member Municipalities to contract with to perform infrastructure related economic analysis services, such as Benefit Cost Analyses for studies or grant applications. Such technical assistance is in addition to the assistance CRCOG currently provides.

Visit CRCOG's BIL Webpage for more information about many of the grants and funding opportunities featured in this newsletter.

View previous Funding Newsletters here

View upcoming CRCOG Events here

View CRCOG Open RFPs/RFQs here

We're Hiring! Check job postings here