The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act-funded “Investing in America’s Communities” program. The final deadline for Phase 2 of the EDA’s marquee grant program, the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, is March 15. The deadline for the remaining ARPA sub-awards, including the Economic Adjustment Assistance, Indigenous Communities, and Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation programs is rolling, but the EDA recommends competitive applications be submitted by March 31. 

Due to a high volume of applications for EDA's American Rescue Plan programs, EDA strongly recommends any entities in the area actively working on an application to email Texas’ Economic Development Representative at EDA, Robert Peche, to discuss the availability of funds for the region.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a resource guide to help people in rural America start and grow businesses, create good-paying jobs in their communities and strengthen America’s economy. The guide features information on how rural entrepreneurs can use USDA and other federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses. 

The Texas Workforce Commission approved an additional $1 billion in direct support for the Texas child care industry, increasing available funds for the 2022 Child Care Relief Fund (CCRF) to a total of $3.4 billion — with an estimated average award of over $250,000 per provider. In addition to the $1 billion approved for CCRF, the Commission approved an additional $75 million aimed to defray startup costs for new child care providers across the state.

The 2022 CCRF is intended to help child care providers address the impacts of COVID-19. Eligible providers may use these funds in a variety of ways to support their program’s operating costs. For more information and to check eligibility, visit https://www.childcare.texas.gov or email [email protected].

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has posted the first 10 fact sheets for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This first batch of fact sheets covers the legislation’s “legacy” formula programs, plus the new Bridge Formula Program.

Information regarding other competitive grant opportunities associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to be released to the public soon. For a general overview of all programs included in the legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided a general fact sheet for the public.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. 

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program (Ongoing) 

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (Ongoing)  

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (Ongoing)

Economic Adjustment Assistance (March 31, applications reviewed on a rolling basis)  

Indigenous Communities (March 31, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (March 31, applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Build Back Better Regional Challenge (Phase 2: March 15) 

Rural Energy Pilot Program (Letter of Intent: On or Before April 19, 2022 | Completed Applications: July 18, 2022) 

U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to offer financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy. Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) applicants must be Rural Energy Community Partnerships, as defined in the REPP Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Multiple Dates | White House Infrastructure School: Law Guidebook & Webinar Series | The White House

Last month, the White House released an infrastructure law guidebook meant to provide information to American communities, so they know what to apply for, who to contact, and how to get ready to rebuild. To help partners better understand the programs within the guidebook, the White House also launched its Infrastructure School, a series 12 webinars to provide an in-depth look at the programs contained within each of the 12 major chapters in the Infrastructure Law guidebook.  

March 17 | The Comprehensive Plan: Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Communities for the 21st Century | Smart Growth Network

Last month, the White House released an infrastructure law guidebook meant to provide information to American communities, so they know what to apply for, who to contact, and how to get ready to rebuild. To help partners better understand the programs within the guidebook, the White House also launched its Infrastructure School, a series 12 webinars to provide an in-depth look at the programs contained within each of the 12 major chapters in the Infrastructure Law guidebook.   

Visit the GCEDD website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.