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Funding Opportunities for
Municipalities
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New funding opportunities are available - scroll to learn more.
CRCOG is here to help by providing technical assistance for your grant applications. If you have questions or would like to discuss priority projects in your community, and how to fund them, please contact Elizabeth Sanderson.
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Highlights This Month:
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Funding is available to help solve Connecticut's waste crisis - CT DEEP and EPA have open opportunities.
- Congratulations to West Hartford, UConn-Storrs, and Mansfield, the latest communities to benefit from Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant awards!
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This edition includes information about the following funding opportunities and events:
- CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
- FHWA Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program (LCTM)
- U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA and RRIF
- U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program for Bridge Project Grants
- CT DEEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program (OWAS)
- CT DEEP Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program (UGCG)
- CT DEEP Climate Resilience Fund
- CT DEEP Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI)
- U.S. EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) and Recycling Education Outreach (REO) Grant Programs
- U.S. EPA Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program
- U.S. EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program
- Brownfields Redevelopment
- CT DEEP CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grant Program
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Discretionary Funding Opportunities
- Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program
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Transportation-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until funds are exhausted - half the funds are available.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has created a new Active Transportation Microgrant Program to work in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Program. The purpose of the program is to provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 for non-infrastructure resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking, and rolling.
Eligible applicants include schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible items include bicycle helmets; bicycle locks; bicycle fleets; safety vests; bicycle maintenance training and materials; League Cycling instructors training; and programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.
Up to $500,000 is available for this program, which will be administered and distributed by COGs until utilized. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per 12-month period. View the Program Guidelines.
Apply online using this Application Form and send to Mike Cipriano, CRCOG's Representative, once complete. Since this is a rolling application process with limited funds available, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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FHWA Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program (LCTM)
Application Deadline: November 25, 2024
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has $800M available to non-State entities for the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program (LCTM). This program seeks to reimburse or provide incentives for the use of construction materials and products that have substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions in eligible transportation projects.
Learn more on the Program Webpage and read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Apply online through Grants.gov.
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U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA, RRIF
In addition to the numerous discretionary and formula funding programs, U.S. DOT offers flexible loan programs like TIFIA and RRIF to finance large transportation projects. Funding for Transit-oriented Development (TOD) projects is now also available for eligible areas. The TOD Eligibility Map for TIFIA and RRIF identifies the following CRCOG municipalities as eligible: Berlin, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Enfield.
Important to note: the map does not identify all potentially eligible TOD areas in our region. Just because your municipality is not listed above or highlighted on the map does not mean you cannot pursue this loan program.
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U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program
Large Bridge Application Deadline: Rolling-basis
Planning Grant Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
Bridge Project Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
There is still time to apply for Federal funding from FY2023 and FY2024 for Bridge Project Grants (under $100M) through FHWA's Bridge Investment Program.
This is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to improve existing bridges or culverts that are listed on the National Bridge Inventory. The goal of this program is to improve bridge condition and the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over existing bridges.
There are two funding categories in this program: (1) Planning; and (2) Bridge Project grants (with total eligible costs not greater than $100M).
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Planning Grants: Up to $80M is available for FYs 2023 through 2026. There is no maximum or minimum grant award amount; however, grant awards must not exceed 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
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Bridge Project Grants: Up to $9.62 B is available for FYs 2023 through 2026 for projects with total eligible costs of $100M or less. Minimum grant awards of $2.5 M, and maximum grant awards of 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
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Large Bridge Project Grants: Funding available for projects with total eligible costs greater than $100M.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Planning and Bridge Project Grants establishes a “rolling application” process. The schedule, requirements, and selection process for applications is provided for the remaining available amounts of BIP funding.
View CRCOG's three static maps and/or interactive online map depicting bridges rated in poor or fair condition based on data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Some of the bridges have been allocated funding through state or other programs, while others have not.
See CRCOG's Summary and FHWA's Program Webpage for more information. FHWA provides application templates (Planning and Bridge Project) and a Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool to assist applicants. CRCOG also has an On-Call List of consultants, available here, who are skilled in economic analyses.
Project bundling is encouraged. More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA.
Applications will be accepted at Grants.gov on a rolling basis.
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Environment and Energy-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
CT DEEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is providing financial assistance to municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations (e.g., land trusts) to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to protect, preserve and secure state water supply. The amount of funding provided is dependent on several project specifics.
This is an excellent opportunity to conserve and preserve land for open space and natural resources while making it publicly accessible for non-intensive development, such as for trails/pathways for pedestrians, motorized wheelchairs or nonmotorized vehicles.
Visit the Program Webpage and Guidelines and FAQs to learn more. Applications and required/supporting documents will be accepted via e-mail to Allyson Clarke, CT DEEP.
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CT DEEP Climate Resilience Fund
Another round of funding is coming soon!
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is preparing for a second, expanded round of its Climate Resilience Fund Program (DCRF). DCRF seeks to make Connecticut more resilient to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather through the following potential solutions:
- stormwater parks,
- resilience hubs that serve as cooling and warming centers,
- microgrids and clean backup power and storage, and
- establishing stormwater authorities.
CTDEEP has issued a Request for Information to receive feedback on its proposed structure for a newly expanded Climate Resilience Fund, including a new Climate Resiliency Revolving Loan Fund.
DEEP will hold two public meetings to receive comments:
• Meeting 1 on October 24, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Register
• Meeting 2 on October 30, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Register
Written comments are due November 8, 2024. Take this opportunity to share your feedback about how this program can work better for your municipality!
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CT DEEP Materials Management Infrastructure Grant Program (MMI)
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until December 6, 2024
MMI makes $15M available to one or more municipalities; Councils of Government (COGs); Regional Waste Authorities; or Resource Recovery Agencies (RRAs) for capital projects.
Regional applications are preferred. This program also prioritizes projects that will enhance diversion of materials from the waste stream, increase recycling, and reduce waste.
View the Request for Applications and submit applications via email to DEEP.MMCAPlanning@ct.gov.
Contact Robyn Nichols of CRCOG as soon as possible to coordinate a regional application. Contact Michael Looney of CTDEEP with questions about the program.
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U.S. EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR) to strengthen America’s recycling infrastructure and advance the circular economy to promote a more sustainable future. $58M is available to communities for projects that will improve collection, transport, systems, and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished, or composted. Awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $5M each.
The Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program is also open, but is designed to award $39M to one coalition to develop a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign, focused on expanding the market for sales of compost, and increasing education and outreach to households on composting. As this is a national campaign, CRCOG will not apply for the REO grant, but will continue to follow its development.
Learn about past recipients here to get inspired, and apply for SWIFR online through Grants.gov.
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U.S. EPA Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program
Application Deadline: December 30, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program. $35M is available for applications that one of the following National Priority Areas:
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Reduce lead in drinking water in disadvantaged communities through full lead service line replacements or treatment improvements, such as corrosion control practices; or
- Reduce children’s exposure to lead in schools and childcare facilities in disadvantaged communities through removal and/or replacement of lead-containing drinking water fixtures, fountains, outlets, and plumbing materials.
Visit the Program Webpage to learn more and apply online through Grants.gov.
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U.S. EPA Environmental & Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis until November 21, 2024
The EPA is making $2B available to fund community-driven projects to address climate challenges and reduce pollution through the Community Change Grants. The program will enable communities and their partners* to overcome longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now and in the future.
There are two funding tracks:
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Community-Driven Investments for Change will fund about 150 large, transformational community-driven investment grants of $10 million - $20 million to meaningfully improve the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities. A review of the EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities Map reveals that 19 CRCOG Member Municipalities contain Census Tracts that meet EPA's definition of disadvantaged community: Berlin, Bloomfield, Columbia, East Hartford, Enfield, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Southington, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.
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Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance will fund about 20 meaningful engagement grants of $1 million - $3 million.
Grants may be used for:
- Air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions1 and other air pollutants;
- Mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events;
- Climate resiliency and adaptation;
- Reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution;
- Facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemakings, and other public processes; or
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More, as detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Funds must be used within three years. You may be eligible for technical assistance for pre- and post-award activities. More information about this program am is available here.
Apply online at Grants.gov.
*Partners are expected to comply with competitive procurement contracting requirements. More information about partner selection is in the NOFO.
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Brownfields Redevelopment
Application Deadline: Varies
In Connecticut, a brownfield is defined as “any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment, reuse or expansion has not occurred due to the presence or potential presence of pollution in the buildings, soil or groundwater that requires investigation or remediation before or in conjunction with the redevelopment, reuse or expansion of the property.”
Such properties are common in Connecticut, due to our long-history and industrious roots. Brownfields are common contributors to blight, and it is important to take action to assess environmental conditions, identify pollutants, and establish a plan to remediate them so that these opportunity properties can return to productive re-use.
Federal, State, and local programs exist to incentivize redevelopment. Let's talk about options that may be available to address blight and pollution in your community.
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DEEP CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grant Program
Application Deadline: November 22, 2024, noon
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is accepting applications for Round 2 of the CERCLA 128(a) Brownfield Grant Program. Here is some key information:
- Municipalities and non-profit entities are eligible to apply;
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$750,000 is available for grants of up to $250,000 for Assessments and $250,000 for clean-up;
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Submit your completed application form, along with applicable attachments, via email to DEEP.Brownfields@ct.gov.
EPA's Fact Sheet provides more information about program goals. For this pool of funding, CT DEEP is encouraging applicants with projects that enable the creation, preservation, or addition of park space, greenways or other recreational space, or other property used for nonprofit purposes, to apply. Contact Amanda Limacher of CTDEEP with questions about the program.
View this Tentative Schedule to see other Brownfields funding opportunities offered from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
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Housing and Community Development-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
Homeland Security State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
Application deadline: December 3, 2024
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are administering the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Nearly $280M is available to support state, local, and territorial governments in reducing cyber risk and building resilience against evolving cybersecurity threats. Funding can be used to develop capabilities to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats.
View the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and apply online through FEMA Go.
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HUD Discretionary Funding Opportunities
Application deadlines vary by program.
HUD has over 20 discretionary grant programs available that support agency initiatives such as Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Community and Economic Development, Environment and Energy, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Homeownership, Rental Assistance, Supportive Housing and Services:
FY2023 and FY2024 Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships
Deadline: June 30, 2025
FY2024 Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing)
$100M is available for grants between $1M and $7M to develop, evaluate, and implement housing policy plans, improve housing strategies, and facilitate affordable housing production and preservation. Applicants may need to indicate that their current policies are in fact barriers to housing production. Learn about FY2023 Awardees and visit the Program Webpage.
Deadline: October 15, 2024
More information is available on Grants.gov or HUD's Grant Information webpage.
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Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program
Applications accepted on a rolling-basis.
The Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program, developed with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Connecticut Department of Housing, offers grants to improve the well-being of children. Funds can be used to address the toxins and hazards often found in older or poorly maintained homes. This program is eligible to homeowners and tenants of all income levels. Learn more and apply.
You may also be interested in HUD's Healthy Homes Program and other efforts in the State of Connecticut to address lead poisoning, like the CT Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
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U.S. DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Round 2 Awards
Congratulations to the Town of West Hartford and University of Connecticut- Storrs for being selected to receive grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program (SS4A)!
Town of West Hartford was awarded an Implementation and Supplemental Planning Grant for $3.1M to install Proven Safety Countermeasures in several locations throughout the Town. The project will also include a demonstration for automated red-light enforcement and new quick-build improvements at key locations. The goal of the project is to substantially reduce or eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on the Towns roadways, and protect children, pedestrians, and bicyclists near schools and in commercial areas with high pedestrian activity, and at high-crash-rate locations.
UCONN Storrs was awarded $1.5M to Plan, Pilot, and Demonstrate 7 traffic safety projects to improve bike and pedestrian safety. This award will benefit students and residents throughout the Town of Mansfield.
CRCOG is in the process of updating the region’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan with SS4A funding, and U.S.DOT expects to announce another solicitation for SS4A funding in early 2025. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
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Upcoming: Climate Action Forum
Date: October 23, 2024, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road Middletown, CT 06457
Join policymakers and other stakeholders across Connecticut in discussing climate action implementation strategies, challenges, and opportunities within the context of the regional climate action plans CRCOG and other COGs are preparing under the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.
Learn about CRCOG's Regional Climate Action Plan, and get ready to share your perspectives!
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Recap: Elective Pay/Direct Pay Tax Credits for Clean Energy
Date: August 27, 2024, 11 am - 12:30 pm (Event ended)
Location: CRCOG's Office
Earlier this week CRCOG was pleased to collaborate with CT's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Team (CTBILT) to host representatives from U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Department of Energy to review Elective Pay/Direct Pay tax credits available for clean energy projects.
One of the biggest takeaways? This is not a discretionary grant program, and if you are a municipality, or other eligible applicant, that has an eligible project, then you will receive a tax credit. The percent tax credit varies based on location and other project specifics. Projects completed during the current tax year may be eligible.
To learn about the program's benefits visit CRCOG's Workshop Webpage, which includes links to the presentations, program webpage, and other relevant resources. A recording of the session will be posted once complete.
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Discretionary Grants Awarded to the CRCOG Region
Learn more about discretionary grant awards coming to our region. CRCOG's GIS Team has developed an Interactive Online Map of Federal Discretionary Grant Awards. This map is updated quarterly with available information about awards in our region. As of June 26, 2024, over $58M has been awarded to CRCOG and its Member Municipalities. Additional funding has been awarded to non-municipal entities.
More information about these grant awards is available on the map.
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A Reminder About ARPA Funds
Time is running out to obligate and spend ARPA funds. If you have unobligated funds, consider the expanded uses now available. This is further explained in the U.S. Department of Treasury Interim Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF, a.k.a. ARPA Funds), which was published on September 20, 2023, and CRCOG's Summary. The 2023 Interim Final Rule expands eligible uses of SLFRF to include:
- Emergency relief from natural disasters;
- Projects eligible under certain Surface Transportation Projects; and
- Projects eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Restrictions and timelines apply. Watch U.S. Treasury's webinar on YouTube.
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- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) offers many funding opportunities each year. Explore CTDEEP's grants portal, signup to receive municipal updates from DEEP, and subscribe here to receive the Municipal Connection and other DEEP newsletters and updates.
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Visit CRCOG's BIL Webpage for more information about many of the grants and funding opportunities featured in this newsletter.
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Hartford, CT 06103
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