EDA ARPA Programs: Build Back Better Regional Challenge

Aug 10, 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! 

Build Back Better Regional Challenge – $1 billion ($100 million of this to coal communities)
This is a two step application!  

Deadlines:
Phase 1 Concept Proposals Due – October 19, 2021
Phase 2 (Finalists from Phase 1) Full Application Due – March 15, 2022

Understanding the Phases: 
Phase 1

  • Helps regions develop transformational economic development strategies through a regional growth cluster.
  • 50-60 Regional Coalitions will be awarded up to $500,000 in technical assistance to develop 3 to 8 projects to grow a regional cluster.
  • EDA 100% – Match 0%

Phase 2

  • Funds the implementation of those strategies that will create and grow regional growth clusters.
  • 20-30 Regional Coalitions will be awarded $25 million to $75 million to implement those projects.
  • EDA 80-100% – Match 0-20%

Eligible Projects: 
Construction activities:

  1. water and sewer system improvements
  2. industrial parks
  3. shipping and logistics facilities
  4. business incubators and accelerators
  5. brownfield redevelopment
  6. technology-based facilities
  7. food aggregation, processing and distribution centers
  8. wet labs
  9. multi-tenant manufacturing facilities
  10. science and research parks
  11. transportation enhancements
  12. telecommunications infrastructure (e.g., broadband) and development facilities

Non-construction activities:

  1. design and engineering
  2. technical assistance
  3. economic recovery strategy development
  4. entrepreneurial support
  5. demand driven workforce training
  6. new academic curricula
  7. market feasibility studies
  8. capitalization of revolving loan funds (RLFs)

Project Requirements: 

  • Must align with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  • Must be consistent with EDA’s Recovery and Resilience Investment Priorities
  • Performance period:
    • Phase 1 – 12-24 months
    • Phase 2 – 12-48 months
  • Grant funds must be disbursed by September 30, 2027 

Eligible Applicants: 

  • District Organizations
  • Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
  • 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
  • Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education 
  • Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State