Monthly Newsletter

February | 2022

Message from Executive Director Monica Abeita

This February, we are all occupied with the 30-day Legislative Session. This week, the NM Department of Finance and Administration reported a total of more than $5 billion in Infrastructure Capital Improvement Project (ICIP) requests among counties, municipalities, tribes, and special districts. Despite the record amounts of one-time federal funding and capital outlay resources available, our communities continue to have a backlog of critical needs that we are working hard to address. Please note that NCNMEDD recently compiled the ICIP projects for our region and can share those with you as you meet with the Governor’s office or funding agencies.

In that same vein, NCNMEDD has been staying abreast of developments from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as many updates were released in January. Please take a close look at the resources linked in our lead article below. We now have a preview into many upcoming funding opportunities, and we look forward to assisting our members with more funds for the region.

EDA Update

Thank you to communities, employers, and partners that provided letters of support and commitment for the NCNMEDD Good Jobs Challenge application! We are submitting this $6 million proposal on February 10 to develop the Skilled Trades and Healthcare sectors in partnership with the Regional Development Corporation and Santa Fe Community College. Fingers crossed! We will keep you posted on results.

Congratulations to all of you who submitted EDA grant applications for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Our region had a great showing with 3 Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation applications, 5 Indigenous Communities applications, and 2 Economic Adjustment Assistance applications. We are awaiting results on several applications and will publish information on awards soon.

Inside NCNMEDD

Leaning in for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or “IIJA” represents a once in a generation influx of funds for state and local governments and other entities to improve existing infrastructure and pursue transformative solutions for communities for years to come.

This Competitive Infrastructure Opportunities Factsheet summarizes upcoming funding for 2022 and makes these recommendations for how to prepare:

Prioritize your community’s capital needs and develop a project pipeline – take time to think about the projects previously considered impossible due to lack of funding or regional coordination.
Use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook to identify federal funding streams to target.
Ensure all transit, railway, road, highway, and bridge projects are a part of your Transportation Improvement Plan.
Begin mapping sites for electric vehicle and alternative fuel charging stations.
Inventory and map the lead pipes in your location. Read through the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan for additional federal resources for this effort.
Work with your state’s broadband agency to ensure your region’s needs are appropriately mapped and inventoried.
Establish relationships with regional offices for key federal agencies, who can help direct you to resources and provide technical assistance.

Also, the Atlas website and its IIJA Handbook for State & Local Government Leaders gives a few tips for maximizing project fundability and financial sustainability:

Tip: “Find New Entry Points to Bigger Projects” Are there ways unspent ARPA funds can be used to complete early-stage work and feasibility studies? Can studies be funded that will help position the community for larger projects?
Tip: “Target Rising Operations & Maintenance Costs” IIJA funding favors construction and new projects but doesn’t support maintenance costs. For work that requires significant ongoing support, make sure you’re developing that plan. Otherwise, “look for areas where existing maintenance costs are rising and explore project options for reducing long-term maintenance costs.”

See the NCNMEDD website for a complete list of IIJA resources.

IMG_2673_vehicle with headlights_resized.JPG

Transportation Update

The Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation Project Fund allocation is likely to increase to $120 million, $80 million above the $40 million baseline set by the New Mexico Legislature as recurring funds for transportation projects. NMDOT released the call for projects recently, and the process is the same as last year. The application deadline is May 31, 2022. Tribal and local public agencies should coordinate with their Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for initial application rating and ranking before RTPO staff submit the applications to NMDOT for consideration. For more information, contact Transportation Planner Paul Sittig.

Opportunities for Small Business and Entrepreneurs

The Hospitality Training Reimbursement Program is still accepting applications. Your business can access Work Opportunity Tax Credits for certain kinds of new employees. Go to Ready New Mexico | Education, Employment, Business Support | Ready New Mexico (nm.gov) or call 1-800-303-3599 for info.
The Department of Workforce Solutions, New Mexico Workforce Connection, and Higher Education Department have joined forces to link career education and training programs with high-demand industries and current job openings. Learn more.
UNM Rainforest: 7 Pillars to a Healthy, Thriving Business, 2/16/22 at 2pm.
UNM Rainforest: Sign up for Mentoring for Entrepreneurs, virtual office hours 2/24/21 from 2pm-5pm.
See more from UNM Rainforest Innovations.
Ski Lift Pitch Contest, 2/24/22 at Taos Ski Valley. Make your pitch to be selected as 1 of 10 NM startups who exhibit: early customer validation and traction for a disruptive value proposition; high-growth potential and scalability; and eagerness to partner with venture investors to scale their business.
Santa Fe Food LABS 2022 This program is perfect for food entrepreneurs in Northern New Mexico looking to build a business or revamp their startup! Register by February 27, 11am. $175 fee, with payment and scholarship options. Sign up here.
Working Now Loans of up to $25,000 are available through NCNMEDD. Funds can be used to help businesses affected by the pandemic. Uses include but are not limited to payroll, rent, inventory, marketing, ecommerce development, personal protective equipment, other equipment, and small capital improvements.

Find more entrepreneurial and small business resources at WESST, NMSBDC, SCORE, and NMEDD.

Grant and Funding Opportunities

USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, Ongoing.

To develop essential community facilities in rural areas.

NEA Grants for Arts Projects, 2 Deadlines: February 10, 2022, and July 7, 2022.

1:1 match required for diverse arts projects, funding of $10,000 to $100,000.

HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program, Deadline February 15, 2022.

To replace distressed public/assisted housing and improve outcomes related to employment, income, health, and children’s education. Eligible Applicants: City or township governments and Public/Indian housing authorities.

USDA ReConnect/Rural eConnectivity Program, Deadline February 22, 2022.

To expand broadband in rural areas. ReConnect now offers 100% grants for certain projects on tribal lands and in socially vulnerable communities.

VETS Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program, Deadline February 22, 2022.

To obtain high-quality career outcomes for veterans experiencing homelessness.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov), Deadline February 28, 2022. Funds a wide array of construction and non-construction projects.

UCROSS Foundation Artist Residency Program, Deadline March 1, 2022.

Residencies for Native American visual artists, writers, and others.

EPA Innovative Water Technologies for Lagoon Wastewater Systems in Small Communities, Deadline March 7, 2022.

To accelerate innovative/alternative wastewater treatment technologies/infrastructure in lagoon/pond systems serving communities with populations less than 10,000.

CDC Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian County, Deadline March 16, 2022.

Four year cooperative agreement to improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing within AI/AN communities.

HHS Rural Public Health Workforce Training Network Program, Deadline March 18, 2022.

For non-profits and governmental entities in rural areas.

AARP Community Challenge, Deadline March 22, 2022.

Small grants (generally $15,000 or less) to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older.

T-Mobile Hometown Grant Application, Deadline March 31, 2022.

Funding for community projects like revitalizing a town hall, a senior center, a local little league field, or any space where friends and neighbors gather. Ongoing quarterly deadlines.

USDA Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants , Concept proposal February 18, deadline April 19, 2022. For rural jobs accelerator partnerships to create high wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, and help rural communities identify and maximize local assets.

USDA Rural Energy Pilot Program, Letters of Intent Due April 19, Deadline July 18, 2022.

For rural communities to further develop renewable energy, 20% match required.

NEA Challenge America Grants, Deadline April 21, 2022.

$10,000 grants to small organizations to extend arts to underserved populations. Requires 1:1 match.

Feynman Center for Innovation Opens a Regional Engagement Challenge

The Regional Engagement Challenge funds innovative approaches to enhance the technology-based ecosystem in NM. Up to $10,000 per project is available for ecosystem development ideas that increase technology commercialization, stimulate new business startups, attract entrepreneurs, create alternative job opportunities, and attract businesses and capital to New Mexico.

Past projects include a manufacturing incubator feasibly study, an angel accelerator, IP workshops, and “Speed Dating” with Scientists to connect companies and entrepreneurs with National Laboratory resources. REC is supported by the Richard P. Feynman Center for Innovation at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Attend an informational webinar on February 8th, 2022 at 12pm. Proposals are Due February 18th, 2022.

Other News and Resources!

LANL Data Sprint Deadline Extended to February 7. Learn More .

The New Mexico Municipal League can offer help with grant writing for its members. Contact Alison Nichols at anichols@nmml.org to inquire.

NCNMEDD is hiring! See our JOB POSTING for a Disaster Recovery Coordinator.