Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
• CRCOG Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) Solicitation
• U.S. DOT FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Programs
• EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRGP) Implementation Grants
• EPA Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program
• CT DAS HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants
• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Carbon Utilization Procurement Grants
• CT DECD Community Investment Fund 2030
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fiscal Year 2023 Discretionary Funding Opportunities



Before getting into the latest funding opportunities, a quick note to share that CRCOG is working to establish an On-Call list of qualified consultants who can provide Member Municipalities with technical assistance for grant applications - this is in addition to the assistance we currently provide. We will share more information about this soon.

Also, U.S. DOT provides technical assistance, including a Rural Grant Toolkit and a new Benefit-Cost Analysis Spreadsheet Template, for your use.

To learn more about funding opportunities, and how CRCOG can help you apply, please contact Elizabeth Sanderson (unless another point of contact is listed).

BIL Workshop Series

CRCOG is seeking your input about subject matter for future BIL Workshops.

Please take this brief survey to provide your feedback and help us meet expectations for future workshops.

Your response is requested by Friday, December 29.

Thanks in advance for your participation!

Request for Qualifications - Coming Soon!

CRCOG plans to publish an RFQ next week related to the Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan Update. More information to follow, please stay tuned!

U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) 

Application Deadline: February 28, 2024

The U.S. DOT is soliciting applications for round 3 of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program.

This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to receive funding for large surface transportation projects that will improve safety, economic strength and global competitiveness, equity, and climate and sustainability. $1.5 billion is available to be dispersed across the nation in rural areas, urban areas, historically disadvantaged communities, and areas of persistent poverty alike.

USDOT expects to award a minimum of $5 million for capital projects located in urban areas and a minimum of $1 million for capital projects located in rural areas. Planning grants are also available, with no minimum award amount. There is a $25 million maximum award for both capital and planning grants.

CRCOG was awarded $16.4 million in Round 1 for a trail project in New Britain and Plainville that will connect people to jobs. In Round 3, the City of Hartford was awarded $19 million for streetscape improvements to the northern section of Main Street.

Projects do not need to be locate on State- or Federally-owned facilities. However, if your project involves State Right-of-Way, CTDOT has established a process to review projects and potential applications. CRCOG can help with this.

If you have a project with a significant local or regional impact, contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about how a RAISE Grant could help.

Visit CRCOG's RAISE Summary or USDOT's Program Webpage for more information.

Applications must be submitted on Grants.gov before the deadline.

LOTCIP Solicitation is Here!

The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is inviting municipalities to submit proposals for Transportation Improvement Projects for funding under the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP).

CRCOG is reserving $42 million from the following categories for this purpose:

• Reconstruction (roadway and bridge) projects,
• Bicycle/Pedestrian projects,
• Pavement Rehabilitation projects and
• Stand-Alone Sidewalk projects. 

Each municipality may submit materials for two (2) Project proposals in any combination, however CRCOG will limit the award to no more than $4 million per municipality.

Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis according to project rating procedures developed by CRCOG’s Transportation Committee as documented in the LOTCIP Project Selection Policy. Copies of this policy, application forms, and all supporting documents may be accessed at: 2024 LOTCIP Solicitation Webpage.

As per CTDOT LOTCIP Guidelines, projects must meet the following eligibility requirements upon application submission:

• LOTCIP projects must be located on roadways functionally classified as urban collector or higher. Projects on rural minor collectors and local road classifications are not eligible. See the link: https://connecticut-ctdot.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/76c04dd1fb5b4933a0aefa12c632457c/explore
•  Exclusive (stand-alone) sidewalk projects and pedestrian improvements are eligible along roadways of any classification.
•  Bridge improvements are eligible on any roadway classification, however bridges on rural minor collectors and local roads must meet requirements defined in 23 CFR650.305 (length of 20 feet or more).

 To apply for LOTCIP funds, please complete the following forms for each project:

• LOTCIP Application (maximum two (2) proposals per municipality)
• CTDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Needs Assessment Form
• 2023 LOTCIP Cost Estimating Template (please use unit prices

Please submit an electronic copy of your application package by Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 2:00 pm to: smontanari@crcog.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sotoria Montanari or 860-724-4220.

U.S. DOT FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program

NOFO Coming Soon!

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) anticipates issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soon 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 for more information. Sign-up with FHWA to receive email updates here.

FEMA - BRIC and FMA

Application Deadline to State: January 9, 2024

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced two funding opportunities:

• $1 billion is available through the FY 2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, and
• $800 million is available through the FY 2023 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program.

Eligible applicants are limited to States, though you may be able to apply as a subrecipient through the State's Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS).

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) is a pre-disaster hazard mitigation program that seeks to fund hazard mitigation projects and reduce risks from disasters and natural hazards. Sub-recipients must submit applications to the State by 3 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in accordance with requirements outlined here.

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) is a program that funds projects and planning that reduce or eliminate long-term risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Sub-recipients must submit applications to the State by 3 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in accordance with requirements outlined here.

Visit the State DEMHS Hazard Mitigation and Resiliency Webpage and FEMA's BRIC and FMA Webpage for more information. FEMA will accept applications from States until February 29, 2024.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG) 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency has opened the implementation phase of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG).

This second phase closely follows the first phase of the program, which focuses on developing Climate Action Plans. Up to $4.6 billion is available to fund measures in applicable Priority Climate Action Plans.

Over the past few months, CRCOG has been collaborating with the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) and other COGs and stakeholders in Connecticut.

On Tuesday, November 14, CRCOG and other local stakeholders hosted an information session about CPRG - if you missed the session, you can view a recording here.

Visit the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) webpage here and CRCOG's CPRG Webpage for more information.

Contact Kyle Shiel, CRCOG Principal Planner and CPRG project manager with questions or to learn more about potential implementation projects and how you can participate in this program.

EPA 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program

Application Deadline: January 31, 2024

This program is available for municipalities interested in doing their part to combat the climate crisis through reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The program offers rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The rebates will allow selectees to receive awarded funds before purchasing the buses and associated infrastructure listed in the application.

EPA anticipates offering $500 M in funding for this program. Visit EPA's program webpage for more information.

Submit applications electronically through EPA's portal at: https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.

CT DAS HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants

Application Deadline: December 31, 2023

The State of Connecticut Department of Administration (DAS) announced availability of approximately $244M for the Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system grant program. According to DAS' Program Guidance, the purpose of the grant is to "encourage public school districts to install, replace, or upgrade, their heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This program addresses school facilities’ needs and repairs for improved ventilation and indoor air quality to support healthy learning environments in districts and schools." 

Visit DAS' Grant Program Webpage for more information. Email DAS Grants Administration with questions.

Submit applications electronically through the State of Connecticut CORE-CT system under the “Vendor Self Serve” (VSS) section.

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. 

CT DECD Community Investment Fund 2030

Application Deadline: December 15, 2023

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced Round 4 of the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF). The program seeks to foster economic development in historically under-served communities in CT. Up to $175M is available each fiscal year to eligible applicants, which include 55 municipalities listed here and non-profit organizations and community development corporations within them.

Application materials are available here.

Visit DECD's CIF Program Website for more information. An informational webinar that was held October 17, and DECD anticipates posting a recording. Contact DECD with questions about this funding opportunity.

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:

FY 2023 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants

Deadline: February 13, 2024 (Implementation Grants) or March 4, 2024 (Supplemental Grants)

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.

Reflect and Plan

As we approach the New Year, now is the perfect time to reflect and plan for the future.

What do we want to prioritize for our communities in the coming year?

A few ideas:

• Create safer roads for everyone, particularly children, elders, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable users
• Promote healthy lifestyles so people can live up to their potential:
• Encourage physical activity through walking, biking;
• Invest in programs that educate, enrich, inspire, and connect all people within your community;
• Reduce or eliminate pollution and contaminants in our environment.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships in your communities – be consistent and following through on what you say you will do.

Identify two or three goals you want to accomplish over the next year, and map a course to achieve them. Now is the time to think about budgeting for local match/cost share and grant administration. Set up for success by making a plan and following through.

How can the Federal funding opportunities help to achieve your goals? Contact me to learn more.

View Secretary Buttigieg’s Call to Action, and subscribe to join.

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.

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. A complete summary of the 2023 Interim Final Rule is available here.

A webinar conducted by Department of Treasury is available on YouTube here.

U.S. DOT FHWA Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program

CRCOG is pleased to share that we have taken a first step towards improving electric vehicle charging infrastructure in our region. By applying for the replacement and upgrade of EV chargers near I-84, we are helping to build a sustainable and reliable Alternative Fuel Corridor.

CRCOG's BIL Workshop Series: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Thank you to those who attended CRCOG's first seminar of the BIL Workshop Series!

This first seminar was held in-person at CRCOG on Wednesday, October 18, and featured presentations by Jake Buckman of Eversource; Malcolm Beeler, Johanna Hall, and Sam Alpert of Weston & Sampson; and Matt Hart, Executive Director of CRCOG about planning, permitting, building, and funding electric vehicle charging stations.

Presentation materials and an audio recording of the seminar are now available in the "BIL Workshop Series" section of CRCOG's BIL Webpage.

We will share information about upcoming seminars soon. In the meantime, please take our survey to provide your input about the EV Charging Station session and tell us more about what topics you are interested in learning more about. Thanks in advance for participating!

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

View previous Funding Opportunities Newsletters here.

View upcoming CRCOG Events here.

View CRCOG Open RFPs/RFQs here.

We're Hiring! Check job postings here.