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CDFA Legislative and Federal Affairs Update - August 1, 2023

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Legislative and Federal Affairs Update
August 1, 2023
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Legislative and Federal Affairs Update

Spotlight

CDFA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Coalition Featured in Politico
CDFA's CEO, Toby Rittner, was interviewed by Politico about the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the national coalition that CDFA is building to apply for a grant under the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator competition.

Legislative Features

U.S. Department of Energy Invests $7M to Improve Puerto Rico's Electric Grid Resilience
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that Puerto Rico will receive over $7.4 million through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. This grant will help modernize Puerto Rico's electric grid to reduce the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters while also enhancing power sector reliability. This investment will improve Puerto Rican communities' access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity while helping deliver on clean energy goals.

U.S. Department of Energy Accepting Applications for $8.5B in Home Energy Rebates
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is accepting applications for state and territory implementation of the two Home Energy Rebate programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act. These programs will provide $8.5 billion to states and territories to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes by making home energy upgrades more affordable, while ensuring all communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity.

California Highway Improvement Project Receives $70M under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivered $67 million for improvements to the U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, boosting the more than 17-year effort to improve safety and reduce congestion--more than half of the $132.4 million award announced earlier this month by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).

U.S. Department of Energy Announces $100M in Grants for Carbon Recycling
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it is making $100 million to support states, local governments, and public utilities in purchasing products derived from converted carbon emissions. The goal is to speed up adoption of advanced carbon management technologies, creating a market for environmentally sustainable alternatives in fuels, chemicals, and building products sourced from captured emissions from industrial and power generation facilities. 

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $21M for Tribal Lands Road Safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $20.9 million in grant awards for 88 Tribal projects that will reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries on Tribal lands. The grants, from the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund for proven countermeasures such as pavement markings, rumble strips, and better pedestrian infrastructure.

U.S. Department of Energy Provides $30M for Grid Resilience
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three states, three tribal nations, and an Alaskan Native Corporation will receive a combined total of $29.9 million as the fourth cohort of Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants. Supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will help modernize the electric grid to reduce the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters while also ensuring power sector reliability. 

Rhode Island Receives $6.6M for Clean Energy Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Rhode Island announced that its Office of Energy Resources (OER) will receive $6.6 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant Program and the State Energy Program. This funding will support administrative and programmatic tasks at OER, including energy security planning and enhancing the resiliency of Rhode Island's electric grid system.

U.S. Treasury Announces $112M for Broadband in Rhode Island
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the approval of $112 million in federal funds for broadband infrastructure and multi-purpose community facility projects in Rhode Island under the American Rescue Plan's Capital Projects Fund (CPF), The announcement includes two funding plans: $25 million for broadband infrastructure, which will connect 7,500 homes and businesses; and $81.7 million for multi-purpose community facilities, brining connectivity to Rhode Island communities.

U.S. Department of Energy Invests $150M for Residential Energy Training Grants
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for states to begin training a new generation of residential energy contractors. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grants Program will provide $150 million in grants for states to reduce the cost of training, testing, and certifying residential energy efficiency and electrification contractors.

U.S. EPA Announces Remaining $20B Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Competitions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched two grant competitions for $20 billion under the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, an Inflation Reduction Act program. Together these competitive grant opportunities will mobilize private capital into clean technology projects to create good-paying jobs and lower energy costs for American families, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

U.S. Department of Energy Awards $90M for Updated Energy Code Implementation
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $90 million in competitive awards to help states, cities, tribes, and partnering organizations implement updated energy codes for buildings. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these awards will support 27 projects across 26 states and the District of Columbia to ensure buildings meet the latest standards for energy efficiency — reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy bills for American families and businesses. 

U.S. Department of Energy Invests $23M to Reduce Carbon Emissions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced 16 projects across 14 states are set to receive $23.4 million to provide locally-tailored technical assistance and enhanced stakeholder engagement around carbon management technologies. The projects aim to connect carbon management developers with local communities to foster collaboration and education toward the advancement of commercial deployment of carbon capture, transport, and storage technologies.

U.S. EPA Celebrates $13.7M for Brownfields Cleanup in Massachusetts
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted brownfields funding for the City of Worcester and other organizations across Massachusetts. The EPA selected 14 communities to receive 14 grants totaling $8,7 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding, made possible largely due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA also announced an additional $5 million for existing revolving loan fund (RLF) programs.

New York-New Jersey Tunnel Project on Track to Receive $6.9B Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant
The Gateway Project to build two new Hudson River rail tunnels and rehabilitate the old ones between New Jersey and New York took a major step forward that puts the project on a path to ultimately receive a $6.88 billion federal grant. The Hudson Tunnel Project has entered the engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants Program and the administration had updated the project to receive up to $6.88 billion in grant funding.

Upcoming Events
CDFA Virtual Summer School

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: Bond Rating Agency Trends
August 8, 2023 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern
During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series, panelists will discuss rating agency trends and take a look at new initiatives being implemented that improve municipalities' bond ratings to attract new economic development.

CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series: Investment Tools & Food Systems
August 29, 2023 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Eastern
In this installment of the CDFA Food Systems Finance Webinar Series, we explore how these programs can offer unique financing solutions and catalyze investment in local and regional food systems.

Federal Features

Maryland Announces $3M Technical Assistance Grant for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Governor Wes Moore announced that ClearlyEnergy, Inc., a company located in Severna Park, MD, is receiving $2.9 million under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The award is part of an effort that will support 27 projects across 26 states and the District of Columbia to ensure buildings meet the latest standards for energy efficiency and lowering energy bills for American families and businesses.

HUD Awards $370M Across 8 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced the awarding of Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grants totaling $370 million to eight communities throughout the country. These awards support communities that have undergone a comprehensive local planning process and are ready to implement their "Transformation Plan" to redevelop the neighborhood.

USDA Invests $7.1M for Water Infrastructure in Rural Wisconsin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $7.1 million in additional funding for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the City of Osseo. USDA Rural Development approved a loan of $6.3 million and a grant of $850,000 through the USDA's Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. This investment will be used to provide additional financing due to increased project bid costs.

U.S. EPA Announces $305M in WIFIA Loans for Florida for Water Sustainability
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling $305 million to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative in Polk County, Florida. This funding will support projects to sustain the local drinking water supply and alleviate the strain on the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

USDA Announces 17 New Urban Service Centers and Investments in Food Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 17 new Urban Service Centers and ten new urban county committees, as well as approximately $10.7 million in investments for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program and an expansion of the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, including $30 million in funding for the new Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Initiative.

U.S. Department of Transportation Provides $20M for Improved Transit Access
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it will award $20 million to 47 communities to help improve public transportation options in areas experiencing long-term economic distress. FTA's Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) program provides support to state and local governments, transit agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create better transit for residents with limited or no transportation options.

USDA Invests $7.4M in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7.4 million in 25 selected grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Selected grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals.

Austin, TX Schools Receive $15M for Solar from Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Austin Independent School District a $15 million grant for solar panels to be installed on 16 campuses over 5 years. Once negotiations with the Department of Energy are complete, the district can expect to see the first round of rooftop solar panels up and running in late 2025. The district says the panels will be placed in underserved Austin populations.

Cherokee Nation Receives $13M Grant for Road Reconstruction Project
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration announced the award of $12.9 million to the Cherokee Nation for the Cherokee Nation Mud Valley Road Reconstruction project, which will make improvements to the road within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, including adding shoulders, replacing three bridges and improving the line of sight at an existing intersection by constructing safety countermeasures.

Bureau of Land Management Announces $3.5M for Clean Energy on Federal Lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a $3.5 million partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to advance renewable energy research and new technologies on public lands. Using funding provided as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the BLM will leverage NREL's research and technical expertise to support environmentally-sound public land renewable energy development.  

Federal Financing Clearinghouse Spotlight

CDFA's Federal Financing Clearinghouse is the only online resource cataloging the development finance programs offered by the federal government. Check out our featured agencies and programs below. >>> Learn More

Agency Seal U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS)

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes federal funds available through the new Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states, local communities,...

Agency Seal U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

Healthy Homes Production Grant Program for Tribal Housing
This program will assist American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop comprehensive programs to identify and remediate housing issues that contribute to health and safety issues in...

Agency Seal U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ)

Office for Victims of Crime Grants
Federal, state, and tribal victim assistance programs receive formula grants, discretionary grants, and set-asides according to an annual allocation procedure.

Agency Seal U.S. Dept. of the Interior (DOI)

Historic Preservation Fund Grants
The State, Tribal, and Local Plans & Grants (STLPG) division manages several grant programs to assist with a variety of historic preservation and community projects focused on heritage preservation.

Legislative and Federal Headlines

USDA Opens Application for Community Wildfire Defense Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture | Jul. 31 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Infrastructure Finance | Legislative | Rural Development | Tribal Finance | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | COVID-19 | Legislative Activities

USDA Provides $1M Grants to Two Rural Wisconsin Healthcare Centers
Wisconsin Examiner | Jul. 26 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Healthcare | Legislative | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | COVID-19 | Legislative Activities

USDA Provides $4.5M for Rural Healthcare in Michigan
Michigan Farm News | Jul. 26 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Healthcare | Legislative | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | Legislative Activities

Maryland Announces $4M for Energy Efficiency Retrofit Pilot Program under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
NottinghamMD.com | Jul. 26 | Access to Capital | Energy Finance | Green Finance | Legislative | U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) | Energy Efficiency Programs | Legislative Activities

USDA Providing $8M for Rural Healthcare Centers in Nebraska
Lexington Clipper-Herald | Jul. 25 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Healthcare | Legislative | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | COVID-19

U.S. EPA Announces $14.3M for Chesapeake Bay Program in Pennsylvania
EPA | Jul. 25 | Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Federal | Resiliency

USDA Provides $1M Grant to Two New York Rural Healthcare Centers
Olean Times Herald | Jul. 25 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Healthcare | Legislative | Rural Development | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | COVID-19 | Legislative Activities

U.S. EPA Provides $4M Grant to Southwest Environmental Finance Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Jul. 25 | Access to Capital | Infrastructure Finance | Legislative | Social Finance | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | Water Finance | Water Finance | Legislative Activities

USDA Provides $1M Grant for Rural Healthcare in Mississippi
The Vicksburg Post | Jul. 25 | Access to Capital | Disaster Recovery & Relief | Healthcare | Legislative | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) | COVID-19 | Legislative Activities

At One Year Old, Inflation Reduction Act is Already Turbocharging Clean Energy Technology
Associated Press | Jul. 23 | Energy Finance | Federal | Green Finance | Resiliency | Tax Credits

Over $18M in ARC Grant Award Recommendations for Projects Across West Virginia
Office of Governor Jim Justice | Jul. 12 | Economic Development | Federal | Infrastructure Finance | Rural Development | Water Finance

USDA Invests $300M to Improve Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
USDA | Jul. 12 | Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Federal | Resiliency | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)

Nevada Receives $2.7M in HUD's Community Development Block Grant
Kolo News Now | Jul. 11 | Economic Development | Federal | Housing Finance | Infrastructure Finance | Rural Development

Houston, TX Receives $500K EPA Air Quality Grant Under Inflation Reduction Act
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Jul. 10 | Access to Capital | Green Finance | Legislative | Social Finance | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | Urban Development | Legislative Activities | Health

USDA Opens Application for Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
USDA | Jul. 7 | Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Legislative | Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) | Social Finance | U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)


New Additions to the Online Resource Database

USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Initial Impact Report
Access to Capital | Agriculture Finance | Federal | Food Systems Finance | Social Finance | Tribal Finance
This report, published by The Wallace Center, outlines the initial impact of the USDA's Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA). Through partnerships with state agencies, and territory and tribal governments, this innovative new program is investing more than $864 million into local communities and regional agriculture value chains in just three years. The novel federal procurement program is expected to benefit thousands of farmers and bring an overall economic impact of over $1.8 billion to communities across the United States.


The Council of Development Finance Agencies is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation's leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing public, private and non-profit entities alike. For more information visit CDFA.net or email info@cdfa.net


Council of Development Finance Agencies
100 E. Broad Street, Suite 1200
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 705-1300
info@cdfa.net

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