Below, we have consolidated funding opportunities and news so our metro can make the most out of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other federal and state resources. This information is distributed via newsletter on a regular basis. If you have any questions or would like to have something included in our next newsletter, please contact Adam Kazda, Vice President of Government Relations, at Adam@GreaterSTLInc.com.
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
Missouri
Community Revitalization Grant Program Guidelines – The Department of Economic Development (DED) is working to finalize its proposed Community Revitalization Grant Program. This $100 million program encourages strategic investment to recover from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, revitalizing communities, and spurring economic recovery and growth throughout the state. DED is accepting public comment from June 27 through July 11, 2022. The department plans to post final guidelines by July 18.
Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program Guidelines (COMING SOON) – The Department of Economic Development (DED) is working to finalize its proposed Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, funded via the State of Missouri’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This $265 million program is intended to help providers and communities across regions invest in broadband infrastructure to bridge the access to service gap in unserved and underserved areas through competitive grants. DED accepted public comment from May 31 through June 15.
Workforce Training Grant (LAUNCH DATE: AUGUST) – The $30 million Workforce Training Grant Program provides training for individuals and companies that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. DED is currently finalizing the guidelines and application for this program. Final guidelines are anticipated to be posted soon with the application opening in August. For more details about the Workforce Training Grant, click here.
Illinois
Business Attraction Prime Sites – Large-scale capital investment projects that commit significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois. Grants may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases. Application Deadline: Rolling
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program (COMING SOON) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will now offer rebates to public and private entities for the installation and maintenance of Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Rebate awards may cover up to 80% of the eligible project costs. Additional rebates are available for EV charging stations deployed in underserved and environmental justice communities.
CDBG Economic Development Program – The program assists Illinois communities that do not receive a HUD direct entitlement allocation with meeting their greatest economic and community development needs. Local governments may request a maximum of $1,000,000 for gap financing to assist businesses with locating or expanding in the community. Application Deadline: Rolling
CDBG Disaster Response Program – This program is designed for communities experiencing an imminent and urgent threat to public health and safety, as indicated by a disaster declaration by the Governor of the State of Illinois. Application Deadline: Rolling
Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Program – Support broadband deployment to expand and strengthen existing broadband network infrastructure, health information technology, telemedicine, distance learning, and public safety. Application Deadline: Rolling
Federal
Economic Recovery Corps Program (DEADLINE: AUGUST 5) – The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is providing funding for a Network Operator (an organization or coalition) to build, launch, and operate the Economic Recovery Corps Program, which will embed Fellows in local economic development organizations across the country.
Equity Impacts Investment Program (DEADLINE: AUGUST 5) – EDA is funding the Equity Impact Investments Program to provide capacity, knowledge, and technical assistance to organizations that serve underrepresented populations.
News from the Metro
EWG Long-Range Transportation Plan Update Survey
East-West Gateway (EWG) is currently updating the region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, which will determine transportation priorities for the greater STL region over the next 25 years. The online survey will help determine factors that should be considered in prioritizing transportation investments in the St. Louis region. It will also help identify the best ways to improve the regional transportation system including roads, highways, public transportation, freight rail, bicycle routes, and pedestrian routes.
City of St. Louis
KMOV: St. Louis City looks to use ARPA for anti-violence fund. “St. Louis City is using $5.5M in federal money to fund community-driven violence prevention programs.”
STLPR: St. Louis aldermen OK spending for access to out-of-state abortions. “The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved a bill Friday to use federal coronavirus relief money to provide logistical and travel help for St. Louis residents seeking out-of-state abortions.”
St. Louis County
PRESS RELEASE: St. Louis County Receives $74 Million in State ARPA Funding. “St. Louis County is poised to receive $74 million that will directly improve the lives of families, with more funding for public safety, economic development, higher education, job training, and access to mental health services.”
UMSL Daily: Missouri Sen. Brian Williams touts unprecedented investment in UMSL, north St. Louis County. “Missouri Sen. Brian Williams and Chancellor Kristin Sobolik welcomed the excited crowd and detailed investments aimed at revitalizing St. Louis County, including a $40 million investment toward the redevelopment of UMSL’s campus.”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis County Council rejects $1.25 million abortion fund, other federal aid bills
Saint Charles County
The Center Square: St. Charles County using ARPA funds to place police officers in all schools. “The St. Charles County Council unanimously approved $549,140 for an additional 14 school resource officers and an additional $1 million for equipment and miscellaneous capital expenses for one year out of ARPA funds.”
PRESS RELEASE: ARPA Funds to Benefit Nonprofits, Repair Roadways. “The St. Charles County Council recently approved distribution of the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to benefit local nonprofit agencies and to go toward replacing street slabs and reconstructing asphalt roadways throughout the county.
Upcoming Webinars and Events
MO Webinar – DED’s Broadband Stakeholder Update – July 29
MO Webinar – DED’s ARPA Programs Monthly Update – August 5
Resources
- U.S. Department of Treasury’s website on Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (including ARPA funding)
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant Programs – Homepage for all grant programs authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Department of Transportation.
- Missouri ARPA Dashboard – Homepage for available funding opportunities, how to apply for funding, ARPA spending and performance, news and resources, and FAQ.
- Missouri ARPA Spending Toolkits for Local Governments – The State of Missouri has created and made available spending toolkits to help local governments identify allowable uses for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) local funds.
- (IL) DCEO Grant Opportunities
- (MO) DED’s ARPA Recorded Webinars
- St. Louis County ARPA-SLFRF Expenditures Database
- City of St. Louis ARPA Transparency Portal
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant Programs – Homepage for all grant programs authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Department of Transportation.