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Federal Focus: It’s Time to Build
It’s Time to Build
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL/IIJA) provides funding for nearly 400 programs and a comprehensive array of project types.
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SOME PROGRAMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED through existing block grants to states, but others offer new competitive opportunities, with many programs designed for ease of use by small local governments. The first round of funding opportunities in 2022 is available for transportation projects, with more funding for water, sewer and broadband to be announced in the coming months. GMA’s BIL page www.gacities.com/BIL is your onestop shop for the latest information on funding opportunities, webinars hosted by federal agencies and other organizations, as well as toolkits to guide your city towards stronger, more resilient infrastructure systems. Below is a roundup of open grant programs.
Safe Streets for All
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) is a new discretionary program that will provide $5-6 billion in grants over the next 5 years. Funding supports initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Details are available at https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A and the deadline to apply is Sept. 15.
There are two types of SS4A grants: Action Plan Grants and Implementation Grants. Eligible Activities include: • Develop or update a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. • Conduct planning, design, and development activities in support of an Action Plan. • Carry out projects and strategies identified in an
Action Plan.
Reconnecting Communities
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. Funding from the $1 billion pilot program will help reconnect communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Reconnecting a community could mean adapting existing infrastructure, such as building a pedestrian walkway over or under an existing highway, to better connect neighborhoods to opportunities or better means of access such as crosswalks and redesigned intersections. The application deadline is Oct. 13.
The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant (MMG) Program provides funding for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure. The purpose of the grant program is to expand and extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone. Details are available at https://www.internetforall.gov/ and the deadline to apply is Sept. 30.
Grants can be used for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure, including: • Construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment • Engineering design, permitting and work related to project reviews • Personnel costs, incl. salaries and benefits for staff and consultants • Other costs necessary to programmatic activities
Resources for Rural Cities
White House BIL Rural Playbook: https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/rural/
Local ARPA – Examples from Across Georgia
Check out GMA’s website for the ARPA Roundup, with deep dives, videos, and more to see how your peers across the state are investing these COVID relief funds. Go to www.gacities.com/ARPA.
