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Weekly Update: May 31 – News and Resources for State Leaders

This week, The Council of State Governments assembled recent information and developments for state leaders including resources regarding broadband expansion efforts, a review of the Second Amendment for states, grant opportunities and the unwinding of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

To view additional fiscal policy resources from CSG, visit: web.csg.org/recovery.

Resources from CSG: 

CSG put together a primer on the current legal interpretation of the Second Amendment as a quick reference for state leaders. The Supreme Court ruled individuals have the right to own a gun, but it established parameters for federal and state regulation.

Key Updates for State Leaders 

House Passes Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act

The bill would reauthorize the grant program at $1 billion annually for fiscal years 2023-27 and such sums as necessary for fiscal years 2028-32. It would increase the minimum allotment for states and permanently increase the eligibility threshold to 200% of the federal poverty level, among other changes.

Letter sent to governors on COVID-19 public health emergency
The correspondence from the Secretary of Health and Human Services confirms that at least 60 days’ notice will be given before the public health emergency declaration expires or is terminated. Since the notice was not provided for the current emergency expiring on July 15, it will likely be extended again. The letter also encourages states to use the entire 12-month unwinding period. 

News, Updates and Resources 

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT

General

Memorandum of understanding commits agencies to collaborate on broadband data sharing

The Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Agriculture, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of the Treasury have agreed to collaborate on broadband data collection related to federal programs. The memorandum can be found here.

Infrastructure School webinar series hosted by Biden-Harris administration

The White House hosted webinars earlier this year covering the infrastructure law guidebook and recordings are now available. This series focuses on transportation, climate, energy and the environment, and high-speed internet.

Commerce

“Internet for All” initiative launched by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The agency posted funding opportunities for three grant programs in the infrastructure act. A series of webinars regarding the initiative will also be hosted.

  • The Broadband Equity, Access, and Development Program will provide $42.45 billion to 50 states and the U.S. territories to expand high-speed internet and build capacity in appropriate state offices. The program application portal is open and letters of intent are due on July 18. The program fact sheet provides an overview. States can request up to $5 million by Aug. 18 to support planning efforts and coordination with local communities. In addition, 34 states have signed on to the “Internet for All” initiative to bring reliable and accessible internet to everyone by investing $45 billion by 2030.
  • The Middle Mile Grant Program will connect local networks to high-capacity national networks using $1 billion in funding. The application portal opens on June 21 and applications are due on Sept. 30. The program fact sheet provides an overview.
  • The Digital Equity Act Programs use three grant opportunities to enhance digital equity and inclusion. The first formula grant is now open for states to apply by July 12 for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Territory and tribal governments must submit their letter of intent by July 12. Additional deadlines are pending. The $60 million formula grant will assist governments in developing their digital equity plan that will serve as the foundation for the subsequent digital equity act funding.

Digital Equity Act Population Viewer posted by the Census Bureau

The interactive map illustrates the Census Bureau data used to calculate allocations of State Digital Equity Planning Grants and provides state data on broadband access.

Energy

Notice of intent and request for information for Transmission Facilitation Program released by the Department of Energy

This program is appropriated $10 million annually. The department is authorized by the infrastructure act to borrow up to $2.5 billion in outstanding repayable balances on any one occasion to conduct program activities. The notice of intent details the department’s approach to direct the program and the request for information solicits input on implementation and administration. Responses are due by June 13.

Request for information for energy storage programs issued by the Department of Energy

The Energy Storage Demonstration Pilot Program is allocated $355 million over five years. The  Long-duration Demonstration Initiative and Joint Program is allocated $150 million over five years. The request for information seeks public input by June 16 on the department’s eligibility requirements and implementation strategy.

Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling grant program launched

Manufacturers can determine program eligibility and submit forms for initial consideration here.

Department of Energy allocated $7 million for Industrial Assessment Center program

For fiscal years 2022-26, the infrastructure act contains $30 million annually for postsecondary institutions that help manufacturers save energy, improve productivity and reduce waste. The department announced funding for six institutions. The infrastructure act also provided $80 million annually for grants to manufacturers for fiscal years 2022-26.  

Environment

Environmental Protection Agency announces $254 million for Brownfields Projects

Of this funding, approximately $180 million will come from the infrastructure act and the remainder is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. Resources include a list of Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup grants and a list of supplemental loan fund grants.  

Biden-Harris administration creates Permitting Action Plan

The Permitting Action Plan is intended to strengthen and accelerate federal permitting and environmental reviews, fully leveraging the permitting provisions in the infrastructure act. Resources include a fact sheet.

Over $100 million announced for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

The initiative was allocated $200 million annually by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the announced $100 million will go toward restoration projects near Duluth, Minnesota.

$500 million announced for Clean School Bus program

This program was allocated $1 billion annually for fiscal years 2022-26. Half of the funding is set aside for zero-emission buses and half is for clean school buses. Applications are due by Aug. 19.

Fiscal year 2022 funding guidance issued for noncompetitive Brownfields grants

The infrastructure act includes $60 million for these grants annually for fiscal years 2022-26. These grants are awarded to create or enhance state and tribal response programs to address contaminated sites. Funding requests can be submitted until June 3.

Homeland Security

$33 million available for dam safety

This funding announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency consists of:

  • $22 million for the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program, including $30 million of $585 million allocated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
  • $11 million through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program, including $3.3 million provided by the infrastructure act.

Applications are due July 15, and a list of funding opportunities can be found here.

Human Services

Outreach materials on Affordable Connectivity Program provided by the Administration for Children and Families

States are encouraged to contact recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families assistance to inform them of the program.

Interior

Department of Interior announces $68.4 million for 125 ecosystem restoration projects

A list of projects funded by multiple agencies in the department can be found here.

Bureau of Reclamation publishes process guide for feasibility studies submitted regarding Small Water Storage and Groundwater Storage projects

Through this funding opportunity, financial assistance will be provided for eligible projects that will increase water supply reliability, improve operational flexibility and enhance climate resiliency of water and related infrastructure in the 17 western states, Alaska and Hawaii. These projects are appropriated $100 million over five years by the infrastructure act. Additional information, including eligibility requirements, can be found here.

Draft guidance on application for the initial $725 million of Abandoned Mine Land reclamation funds published by Department of Interior

The infrastructure act allocated $11.3 billion over 15 years, and the department will allocate $725 million annually. Funding eligibility by state can be found here. Comments on the draft guidance will be accepted until June 13.

Transportation

Notice of funding opportunity issued for Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program

The Department of Transportation announced this notice of funding opportunity for fiscal year 2022 regarding this program created by the infrastructure act. The program is appropriated $1 billion annually for fiscal years 2022-26. Local transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, tribes and multijurisdictional groups may apply.This fact sheet provides details on availability and distribution of funds.

Applications are due by Sept. 15, and a series of webinars detailing the application process will be held on the following days:

Corridor Identification and Development Program created by Federal Railroad Administration

As part of this program, proposals are requested from eligible bodies for identifying intercity passenger rail routes and to facilitate the preparation of service development plans. Comments showing interest can be submitted here and a notice requesting proposals will be published in the last quarter of the 2022 calendar year.

Comment period for cash data request for information extended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The infrastructure act allocated $150 million annually for fiscal years 2022-26 for a grant program to upgrade and standardize state crash data systems. This will allow for data collection and sharing. The deadline for comments has been extended from May 31 to July 15.

CORONAVIRUS

Education

State and local plans for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds released

Details and links to all state and local school district plans and associated materials can be found here.

Use of American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds for infrastructure projects addressed in letter

The Department of Education’s letter details restrictions on local education agency use of these funds for new construction as more pressing needs may not be addressed. 

Deadlines for American Rescue Plan Education Relief Funds posted

Announcements and deadlines can be found here.

Department of Education to host summit highlighting strategies to support students with disabilities and mental health needs

This summit will feature a series of panel discussions of:

  • Using American Rescue Plan funds to address lost instructional time and the provision of mental health services in K-12 schools.
  • Using the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to increase access to mental health services.
  • Supporting people with disabilities as they transition from school through career.
  • Approaching digital accessibility in the emerging virtual and hybrid work and school environments.

This summit will also highlight some of the department’s latest announcements and resources, including plans to strengthen and protect the rights of students with disabilities and a resource to promote mental health and the social and emotional well-being of children and students. Register here.

Guidance on mental health support for higher education using American Rescue Plan funds

This Department of Education guidance includes Frequently Asked Questions regarding allowable uses of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Institutional Portion grant funds to support mental health and substance use disorder among students.

Links for American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds state and local educational agency and school district plans updated

The links and further details can be found here.

Notice on information collection for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund released

The 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act details requirements and flexibilities regarding using relief funds for construction, renovation and real property projects. This includes the prior approval form required for eligible institutions seeking funds. Comments will be accepted until July 19.

Health

$450 million in American Rescue Plan Rural Payments released to providers

With this Health Resources and Services Administration distribution, $7.9 billion has been released.

$16.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds awarded to expand telehealth care in family planning program

Awards by state can be found here.

Guidance on Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program stand-alone vaccine counseling provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

This guidance clarifies federal matching rates for stand-alone vaccine counseling.

Slides on eligibility and enrollment processing during COVID-19 public health emergency unwinding

This presentation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses requirements for compliance.

Human Services

States encourages to invest American Rescue Plan and Preschool Development Grant funds to address early childhood workforce shortage

This letter from the Administration for Children and Families outlines strategies.

Letter on the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Continuous Enrollment unwinding released to grantees

This letter from the Administration for Children and Families addresses actions to ensure coverage renewal.

Housing

Updates to the HOME-Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan allocation plan template and tip sheet released by Department of Housing and Urban Development

This template provides guidance for participating jurisdictions.

Independent Agencies

Federal Communications Commission commits $50 million in emergency connectivity funding

This will be the 15th wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund support for broadband services for schools and libraries to help close the homework gap.

Memo on Child Nutrition Program area eligibility determination data released by USDA Food and Nutrition Service

This memo details eligibility for summer 2022 and the 2022-23 academic year. It also offers options for program operators who lack required data due to a reliance on a nationwide waiver.

Treasury

Capital program reporting guidance for State Small Business Credit Initiative posted

The initiative was allocated $10 billion in American Rescue Plan funds and the Department of the Treasury’s guidance includes reporting and document retention requirements for areas that receive this funding.

Information provided on practices for implementing Housing Stability Services in Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Information can be found here.

Periodic report for municipal liquidity facility issued by the Treasury Department

A spreadsheet containing transaction-specific information can be found here.

First State Small Business Credit Initiative awards announced

Awards were given to Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan and West Virginia. Plans will be approved by the Treasury on a rolling basis.

Letter addresses use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

This letter from the Treasury Department was sent to state, local and territorial leaders. Funds recipients are requested to use resources to expand the workforce at competitive wages, improve access to affordable housing and keep communities safe.

2022 Compliance Supplement – 2 CFR Part 200 Appendix XI

This supplement issued by the Office of Management and Budget includes information regarding how to conduct single audits for these programs: