Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All
• CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grants
• CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
• U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program for Bridge Project Grants
• CT DOT/FHWA Transportation Alternatives Program
• CT DEEP Urban Forest Equity Grant Program
• CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Grant Program
• EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRGP) Implementation Grants
• EPA Indoor Air Quality in Schools 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 will collaborate with industry experts to bring you an informative session about Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure.

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

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

Planning and Demonstration Grant Deadlines: April 4, 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 program funds projects that will prevent deaths and serious injuries on roadways. Over $1.2B is available. Here's the Here's the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Two types of grants are available: 

• Planning and Demonstration Grants: Will be reviewed in three waves (see dates above), each reviewed separately. $656M is available for comprehensive safety action plans (Action Plans), including supplemental safety planning, and/or safety demonstration activities that inform strategies identified in an existing, qualifying Action Plan to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries. The expected minimum award amount is $100,000 and maximum award amount is $10M.
• CRCOG is updating the Regional Transportation Safety Plan (RTSP) to serve as the Action Plan for the Capitol Region. However, this grant type offers the opportunity to receive funds for Supplemental Planning Activities for roadway safety activities that enhance the existing Action Plan. Funding for Demonstration Activities, such as temporary quick-builds using paint, plastic delineator posts, or removable barriers to experiment with roadway design changes; pilot programs for new technologies like variable speed limits, speed safety cameras, adaptive signal timing, adaptive lighting, etc.

• Implementation Grants: $580M is available to fund projects or strategies identified in an existing, qualifying Action Plan that address roadway safety problems. The expected minimum award amount is $2.5M, and the maximum award is $25M. Although there is a single application deadline for this grant type, if an application is not awarded, then applicants may transform their application for consideration as a Planning and Demonstration Grant Application before the final deadline in August.
• This is an excellent opportunity to receive funding to plan, design and construct a project or strategy that is identified in an existing Action Plan. In applications, be sure to clearly indicate how your proposed project will promote safety to prevent death and serious injuries on roadways.

Applicants may only apply for one grant type, but Implementation Applications may include Supplemental Planning and/or Demonstration Activities. A minimum 20% local match is required.

CRCOG is updating application outlines/templates based on the recent NOFO, and will have these available for your use, upon request. Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson if you are interested in receiving these documents or would like to discuss your project's potential eligibility.

Apply online through ValidEval before the application deadlines:

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

CT DEEP Recreational Trails Grant

Application Deadline: March 11, 2024

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) is now accepting applications for the State's Recreational Trails Program Grants.

Up to $10M is available to improve trail infrastructure in Connecticut. In the last funding round, award amounts ranged from $10,000 to $616,000. More information about prior awardees is available here.

Visit CTDEEP's Program Webpage for details about the program and how to apply and to view a recorded webinar that CTDEEP hosted in January.

Contact Kimberly Bradley of DEEP's Recreational Trails & Greenways Program with questions.

CRCOG is partnering with several Member Municipalities on an application to fund the purchase of maintenance equipment for recreational trails. This initiative is an excellent partnership opportunity that would enable towns to share unique equipment and to maintain, enhance, and improve trails more effectively. Please contact Cheryl Assis with questions about this grant application.

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.

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 DOT Transportation Alternatives Program

Application Deadline TBD

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).

CRCOG is coordinating with other COGs in the Hartford TMA to establish an application process, with application deadline anticipated in mid-May.

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 while awaiting direction 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

More information to come following CRCOG's Cost Review Sub-Committee meeting in March.

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.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG) 

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

The implementation phase of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG) is now open.

Up to $4.6B is available to fund measures in applicable Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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. Last week, the Greater Hartford Priority Climate Action Plan was finalized and sent to EPA. View the final PCAP here.

To increase our competitiveness for this Federal funding opportunity, CRCOG is considering a partnership with several other COGs in Connecticut and the Connecticut Green Bank to apply for an Implementation Grant as a multi-regional coalition. Funding would be requested to install solar panels and battery storage on municipally-owned affordable housing and Housing Authority properties to promote a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Interested municipalities and housing authorities within CRCOG should contact Kyle Shiel, CRCOG Principal Planner and CPRG project manager, with questions or to learn more about participating in this grant application.

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

U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality in Schools Program

Application Deadline: March 19, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $32M available through Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants at schools in disadvantaged communities. Applicants will assist K-12 schools located in low-income, disadvantaged communities with developing and adopting comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans to address pollution and energy efficiency consistent with EPA's recommended best practices.

View the Program Webpage for more information, and contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about how your project could benefit from this program.

Apply online at Grants.gov before the application deadline.

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 many CRCOG Member Municipalities contain Census Tracts that meet EPA's definition of disadvantaged community.
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. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) 

CRCOG, in collaboration and partnership with CTDOT and the Towns of Berlin, Newington, and Wethersfield, submitted an application for Round 3 of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program. The application requested $2M in Federal funding to conduct a corridor planning study for the Berlin Turnpike.

If awarded, funding will be used to critically review and assess safely accommodating bicycles, pedestrians, and transit users along the Berlin Turnpike, from Meriden to Hartford.

The Town of Farmington applied for RAISE planning funds for the Monteith Drive Bridge, a new bridge envisioned to improve connectivity across the Farmington River, per recommendations within the Farmington Area Connectivity Study.

The University of Connecticut also applied, seeking planning funds to further develop components of the Storrs Campus' Active Transportation Plan.

More information about the RAISE Grant Program is available here: CRCOG's RAISE Summary or USDOT's Program Webpage.

Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson to learn more about recent applications, and how future rounds of RAISE Grant funding could benefit your community.

Wishing all applicants the best of luck this round!

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