Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Large Bridge Project
• CT DOT Grant Solicitation for Phase 1 of the State's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan
• U.S. DOT FHWA Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator
• U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program
• U.S. DOT Thriving Communities Program
• EPA Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebate Program
• CTDEEP Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program 
• Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRGP) Implementation Grants
• 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



To learn more about these funding opportunities, please contact Elizabeth Sanderson, unless another point of contact is listed.

CRCOG BIL Workshop Series: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Time: 8:30 am

Location: CRCOG Board Room, 241 Main St., 3rd Floor, Hartford, CT

Join us for an informational seminar to learn more about electric vehicle charging stations. We will review best practices in siting, design, permitting, and construction as well as explore potential funding sources and incentive programs.

Industry experts from Weston & Sampson and Eversource will be ready to share information, best practices, lessons learned, and answer questions you may have about building electric vehicle charging stations in your communities.

Seating is limited and presentations will begin at 9 am. Light refreshments will be provided.

Click the "Register Here" link above to reserve your seat, or click here. Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson with questions about this seminar.

U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program 

Application Deadline: November 27, 2023, for use of FY 2023 and FY2024 Funds

The U.S. DOT FHWA is soliciting applications for Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Large Bridge Project grants. A Large Bridge Project is a project with total eligible costs greater than $100M. FHWA will solicit applications for Planning and Bridge Project (a project with total eligible costs not greater than $100M) grants at a later date.

Recall, that CRCOG has mapped State and local bridges throughout the region listed on the National Bridge Inventory that may be eligible for funding from this program. Maps were created using data from the CT DOT Master Bridge List, and are available to view on CRCOG's BIL Webpage for the BIP.

The maps can be used to guide decisions and plan investments, taking advantage of once-in-a-generation funding while it is available.

To apply for FY2023 and FY2024 funds, submit applications electronically through Grants.gov (Opportunity Number: 693JJ323NF00019) before the deadline.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The schedule for future funding rounds has been issued with this NOFO:

• For FY 2025 funds, applications are due by August 1, 2024.
• For FY 2026 funds, applications are due by August 1, 2025.

CT DOT Grant Solicitation for Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (NEVI) 

Key deadline: Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 9, 2023  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is seeking proposals to implement Phase 1 of the State's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan. This first phase focuses on strategically deploying Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) electric chargers along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). The goal is to build-out the national electric AFC network. Up to $15M is available for this first round of funding.

See CRCOG's Summary for more information, including links to view areas prioritized for this first phase.

CTDOT is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI). The LOI application and instructions for completing the application are available here.

Interested respondents should submit an LOI no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 9, 2023. 

CTDOT anticipates issuing the Request for Proposals in early 2024.

Interested parties are encouraged to track this program on CTDOT's NEVI Program Website, or subscribe for email updates from CTDOT. See the Past Events section of this newsletter below for information about webinars CT DOT hosted over the past few weeks.

If you would like more information about building electric vehicle charging stations, consider attending CRCOG's EV Seminar on October 18. More information about this seminar is available in the Upcoming Events section of this newsletter.

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

Application deadline: November 13, 2023 

U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is now accepting applications from State Departments of Transportation and Local Governments to repair or replace broken or inoperable electric vehicle charging stations across the country. To be eligible for funding, EV charging ports must be publicly accessible Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) chargers identified as "temporarily unavailable" on the Alternative Fuel Station Locator map.

Up to $100M is available. The total application is not to exceed five pages, and FHWA anticipates awarding all eligible applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications that include multiple locations.

See CRCOG's Summary for more information, including a list of municipalities within CRCOG that have "temporarily unavailable" EV chargers who may be eligible for this funding.

Apply online at Grants.gov (Opportunity Number: 693JJ324NF00001).

U.S. DOT Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program 

Application deadline: October 10, 2023 

A reminder that applications for U.S. DOT for Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping Grants for the SMART Program are due next Tuesday, October 10.

Up to $50M is available for Stage 1 demonstration projects focused on innovative solutions that make transportation systems safer and more efficient.

SMART projects must involve at least one of the following eight technology areas:

This round, grant awards must be a minimum of $250,000 and maximum of $2M. Examples of projects that may be eligible for funding are provided here. More information about projects that received awards last year is available here.

Submit applications through ValidEval before the application deadline.

U.S. DOT Thriving Communities Program

Letter of Interest Deadline: November 15, 2023

Grant Application Deadline: November 28, 2023

The Thriving Communities Program (TCP) is a technical assistance and capacity building program to support disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities. Communities that have been adversely or disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health policy outcomes will be offered the opportunity to apply for funding to receive technical tools and organizational capacity to compete for federal aid and deliver quality infrastructure projects.

Capacity Builder Teams will provide "deep-dive technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities across the U.S. to help ensure these communities have the technical tools and organizational capacity to comprehensively plan for and deliver quality infrastructure projects and community development projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive" (U.S. DOT Thriving Communities Program Website).

See CRCOG's Summary for more information, including a list of municipalities that may benefit from this program and the technical assistance it offers.

U.S. DOT expects to award $22M through a total of nine awards with up to five awards for each of the two different types of cooperative agreements:

1. TCP-National Capacity Builder (TCP-N), with award amounts projected to be $4-5 million each.
2. TCP-Regional Capacity Builder (TCP-R), with awards amounts projected to be $1-2 million each.

There is no cost share or matching required. USDOT will enter into a cooperative agreement with successful applicants, and will fund up to 100% of eligible costs through a monthly reimbursement model.

Submit grant applications via Grants.gov before the application deadline.

Communities interested in receiving no-cost support and technical assistance from National Capacity Builder Team(s) must submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) via DOT's fillable webform by 4:59 p.m. (ET) November 15, 2023.

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.

CTDEEP Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program 

Application deadline: October 24, 2023 

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) recognizes the important role that trees and forests play in filtering our air and water, maintaining biodiversity, reducing air temperatures, and many other health and environmental benefits. The Urban and Community Forestry Planning Grant Program makes $150,000 available to CT municipalities and non-profit 501(c)3 organizations to assess, inventory, study, monitor, manage, and plan urban and community trees and forests.

See CRCOG's Summary for more information, including a link to the Request for Proposals and other potential funding opportunities anticipated in the near future.

CTDEEP will accept online applications until 5 pm on October 24.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRGP) 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

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

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.

CRCOG is seeking a consultant to assist in preparing a Regional Climate Action Plan to take full advantage of this funding opportunity. More information about the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Regional Climate Action Plan is available here. Per the Addendum, proposals will be accepted until noon on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

An overview of the CPRGP is available on the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) webpage here. Please also visit CRCOG's CPRGP Webpage.

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

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:

Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing)

Deadline: October 30, 2023

More information about this program is available on HUD's website here.

Exploring Office to Residential Conversions (HUDRD-EORC)

Deadline: October 12, 2023

FY2023 HOPE VI Main Street Grant Program

Deadline: October 12, 2023

Tenant Education and Outreach

Deadline: October 23, 2023

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

Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2023 Continuum of Care Competition and Renewal or Replacement of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Grants

Deadline: September 28, 2023

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

Brownfield Funding!

The CRCOG region is full of former manufacturing sites that are now brownfields – sites with environmental contamination that can be expensive to remediate. CRCOG was awarded a grant for assessment of these brownfield sites in 2009, and in 2014, we were awarded an EPA grant for a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This November, we will be applying to EPA again for Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup funding, which will help potential developers identify the contaminants and develop a plan to get them cleaned up.  

In addition, CRCOG’s RLF can provide funds to help public, non-profit and private developers clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. The MetroHartford CRCOG Brownfields program can be flexible with terms & conditions, and as payments are made on the loan, those funds can be given to municipalities as a sub-grant, allowing all the development dollars to go further, while providing benefits to residents in terms of improved health and quality of life.  

For more information about how CRCOG can assist with brownfields assessment, abatement, and remediation, please visit CRCOG's Brownfields Webpage and contact:

Maureen Goulet

CRCOG Principal Program Manager

Recent Applications

Congratulations STEAP awardees!

The State of Connecticut announced awardees of the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP). Twelve municipalities within CRCOG will receive funds to improve infrastructure and quality of life in their communities.

Join us in congratulating Andover, Bolton, Canton, Coventry, East Granby, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Marlborough, Newington, Southington, and Tolland. This is a great achievement that will bring meaningful improvements to the region.

Request for Project Screening Submissions 

If you’re interested in funding your town’s projects, CRCOG can help! We'll screen your projects and help find available federal funding sources.

Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson with the following information, or with questions:

• Name of municipality
• Point of contact
• Project description
• Location
• Roadway ownership (does the project involve State Right-of-Way)
• Goals/purpose of project
• Anticipated total cost
• Amount of funding needed
• Type and source of local match
• Description of preliminary work completed

If you would like CRCOG to feature information about a recent application you submitted or an award for funding that you received, then please contact Elizabeth Sanderson. In addition, if you missed an opportunity, like Safe Streets and Roads for All, or another program, let's talk and prepare for next year.

We look forward to sharing your achievements with others in the region, and hearing about how your community will take advantage of these funding opportunities while they are here.

New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA): Grant Writing – How to Get Started 

Last week, the Connecticut Transportation Institute Training & Technical Assistance Center (T2) at the University of Connecticut and New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) hosted a webinar about writing grants.

Presenter, Victoria Beale, JD, offered valuable information on how to prepare successful grant applications.

If you missed this webinar, no fear! The recording of the webinar is now on T2’s YouTube channel and can be viewed here. 

Here is information about the presentation:

• View a Presentation Outline here.
• View a PDF copy of the presentation here.

Information about this webinar is also available in the General Information section of CRCOG's BIL Webpage.

CT DOT Webinars - Grant Solicitation for Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (NEVI)

Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) has hosted several webinars to review their process of accepting proposals to build-out Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan.

Recorded Webinars:

• Connecticut NEVI Program Pre-Solicitation Information Session 1
• Connecticut NEVI Program Pre-Solicitation Information Session 2

Visit the CTDOT Calendar to track upcoming meetings and events. Join CTDOT's e-mail list: Sign Up Here for email updates.

Please see the article above in the Transportation-Related Funding Opportunities section of this newsletter for more information about this funding source.

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.