EDA ARPA Programs: Economic Adjustment Assistance

Aug 7, 2021 | Funding Opportunities, WPPDC

Understanding EDA ARPA Opportunities  

American Rescue Plan funding enables EDA to provide larger, more transformational investments across the nation while utilizing its greatest strengths, including flexible funding to support community-led economic development. With an emphasis on equity, EDA investments made under the American Rescue Plan will directly benefit previously underserved communities impacted by COVID-19.

EDA is making this funding available through a series of six innovative challenges. WPPDC will break down each funding challenge through this email series to help you identify which opportunities are best for your organization’s goals!

Economic Adjustment Assistance – $500 million ($200 million of this to Coal Communities)
(Virginia is in the EDA Philadelphia Regional Office which was allocated $134,304,116)

Deadline: No submission deadline – Applications accepted on an on-going basis, EDA strongly advises applications be submitted by March 31, 2022
Match Requirement: EDA 80% – Match 20% (Non-Federal)

Project Eligibility Overview: 

  • Must align with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  • Must be consistent with EDA’s Recovery and Resilience Investment Priorities
  • Must demonstrate community or regional resiliency
  • Performance period is 12-48 months and grant funds must be disbursed by September 30, 2027
  • The project should demonstrate ability to foster job creation and retention, including whether the project will create union and well-paying jobs with good benefits

Construction and non-construction projects are eligible.

Construction activities: 
water and sewer system improvements
industrial parks
high-tech shipping and logistics facilities
business incubators and accelerators
brownfield redevelopment
technology-based facilities
wet labs
multi-tenant manufacturing facilities
science and research parks
workforce training facilities
telecommunications infrastructure (e.g., broadband)
development facilities

Non-construction activities:
design and engineering
technical assistance
economic recovery strategy development
capitalization of revolving loan funds (RLFs)..

Eligible Applicants:

  1. District Organizations
  2. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
  3. State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
  4. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
  5. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
  6. Or Applicable Disaster Declaration