Funding Opportunities for Municipalities

This edition includes the following upcoming funding opportunities:

• CRCOG Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) Solicitation
• 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. DOT Thriving Communities
• U.S. DOT FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program
• Broadband Internet Services
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Grant Programs
• 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
• State DECD Community Investment Fund 2030
• 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.

RFQ - Infrastructure Related Economic Analysis

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Time: 2 pm

CRCOG is seeking responses from qualified and experienced professionals to serve on an on-call list for use by CRCOG and/or Member Municipalities. Selected consultants may be hired to conduct specialized activities to strengthen competitive grant applications or improve other government actions.

View the RFQ and Addendum here.

Connecticut Climate Action Plans

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am

Location: Virtual on Zoom

This webinar will provide an overview of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program (CPRG). The following three Councils of Governments (COGs) in Connecticut will host and facilitate discussions to review deliverables related to Planning and Implementation Phases of the CPRG:

• Capitol Region Council of Governments (Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown MSA),
• South Central Regional Council of Governments (New Haven-Milford MSA), and
• MetroCOG (Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk MSA).

Representatives from the State Department of Energy and Environmental (CT DEEP) will also attend to discuss State-level planning efforts.

This webinar offers the opportunity for both municipal leaders and various emission sector experts to provide critical feedback to help inform development of the regional Priority and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans.

The meeting will feature breakout rooms by both emissions sector and MSA geography, with the intent to identify key implementation priorities and opportunities for collaboration. These conversations will be critical elements as stakeholders throughout the state develop applications for competitive implementation grants.

Sign-up now, and indicate on the registration form which emission sector you are most interested in:

• Electricity Generation
• Transportation
• Residential/Commercial Buildings
• Industrial
• Agriculture/Working Lands
• Waste & Materials Management

Click the "Register Here" button above, or register here.

Contact Kyle Shiel, CRCOG Principal Planner and CPRG project manager with questions about this event or CPRG.

CONNSTRUCT Infrastructure Summit

Date: Friday, November 17, 2023

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: The Hartford Club, 46 Prospect St., Hartford, CT

The State of Connecticut Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Team (CTBILT) is hosting its first infrastructure summit! Infrastructure experts and coordinators from across the Northeast Corridor will come together to network collaborate, and imagine what Connecticut will look like in 2035.

Governor Ned Lamont will be joined by other special guests. There will be three panel discussions; continental breakfast; and a networking reception at 2:30 pm. Lunch is on your own.

The event is FREE but advanced registration is required. Click the "Register Here" button above to reserve your seat, or register here. Please visit CTBILT's webpage, the Event Summary Page, and follow CTBILT on social media to stay connected and get more info.

CCM Annual Convention - There's No Place Like CT

Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Time: 7:30 am - 8 pm

Location: Mohegan Sun - Earth Expo, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, CT

AI-generated image

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) is holding its Annual Convention on Tuesday, November 28 at Mohegan Sun.

Register in advance by November 10 to receive a discounted rate.

Visit CCM's Event Page for more information.

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 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  

There is still time to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for funding from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) 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 will accept Letters of Intent (LOI) until 5 pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The LOI application and instructions for completing the application are available here.

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. Links to past webinars related to this funding opportunity are available (see the "Past Events" section of this newsletter below for more information).

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

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023 

There are several temporarily unavailable electric vehicle charging stations in the Hartford region that are eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The EV Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Grant Program offers up to $100M nationwide to local governments to repair or replace broken or inoperable electric vehicle charging stations identified on the national list.

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. On October 11, FHWA issued a Final List of Alternative Fuels Stations - an excerpt of CT stations is available here. The complete final list is available for download from Grants.gov (Opportunity Number: 693JJ324NF00001).

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.

There are twenty (20) charging stations within twelve (12) municipalities in CRCOG that are eligible for this funding, including:

1. Bloomfield
2. East Hartford
3. Ellington
4. Glastonbury
5. Granby
6. Hartford
7. Mansfield
8. New Britain
9. Newington
10. Simsbury
11. West Hartford
12. Windsor

See CRCOG's Summary for more information.

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

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.

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.

Broadband Internet Services

CTDEEP Requests Your Feedback by: November 17, 2023

In September, Kevin Pisacich, Director of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) Office of Telecommunications & Broadband, and his colleagues, presented an overview to CRCOG's Municipal Services Committee about the State's role and efforts to improve internet in Connecticut.

• Link to the presentation materials.

CTDEEP shared information about several initiatives, including:

• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
• Digital Equity Act Programs
• Affordable Connectivity Program
• Capital Projects Fund

CTDEEP requests assistance and participation from community organizations and municipalities in the following ways:

• Complete the State of Connecticut Digital Equity Assets and Needs Survey. Message from CTDEEP:

Community Organization Input Needed

If your organization provides any type of digital equity services or programs — helping people get connected online, such as equipping them with a device, or offering training — CTDEEP wants to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey so your work can be included in our statewide inventory, and we can reach you when funds become available to support your work.

Take the survey.

• Provide feedback on CTDEEP's BEAD Program Initial Proposal, Volume 1

The public comment period will be open until 5 pm on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Comments may be submitted via email to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov, or by mail to 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.

CTDEEP invites input from stakeholder groups, including Internet Service Providers, community-based organizations, state and local government agencies, and the public.

Through the survey and feedback, CTDEEP seeks to ensure that all relevant institutions meeting the CAI criteria are included in the Initial Proposal, maximizing funding opportunities.

Visit CTDEEP's BEAD Webpage for more information, or email DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov.

FEMA - BRIC and FMA

Application Deadline to State: January 9, 2024

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

• $1 B is available through the FY 2023 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, and
• $800 M 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.

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.

Join us for an informative webinar on Tuesday, November 14 (see the "Upcoming Events" section of this newsletter above for more information).

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.

A Note 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.

SS4A - Congratulations to the first round of FY2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All Awardees, Towns of Newington and West Hartford!

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) announced the first group of awardees for FY2023 funding for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A). Towns of West Hartford and Newington are among awardees in this first group, which includes Planning and Demonstration Grants only.

A second round of awardees is anticipated to be announced in December. Implementation Grant awards will be announced, as well as additional Planning and Demonstration Grants.

Join us in congratulating the Towns of Newington and West Hartford on this achievement! CRCOG is here to support your efforts as you enter the next phase of your projects.

CRCOG will continue to support other applicants, like Hartford, Southington, and Wethersfield/Rocky Hill, and hope projects will be awarded in December.

U.S. DOT anticipates announcing Round 3 of the SS4A grant program in February 2024. Contact Elizabeth Sanderson to discuss potential projects now.

SMART - Wishing the City of Hartford Success on their SMART Grant Submission

Join us in congratulating the City of Hartford for applying for funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program!

The City seeks to make roads safer and more efficient by implementing improved and innovative traffic signals, and is taking advantage of the once-in-a-generation funding opportunities offered from the BIL/IIJA to make this happen.

Learn more about BIL/IIJA Funding Opportunities here.

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!

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.

View CRCOG RFPs/RFQs here.

We're Hiring! Check job postings here.