CAPCOG urges local governments to seek EDA ARPA funding

CAPCOG’s Community and Economic Development Division is urging local governments to apply to the Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance program as soon as possible before it closes in March. The program is one of EDA’s American Rescue Plan Act funding opportunities with remaining available funds; the other remaining program, the Good Jobs Challenge, closes February 10.

Since the EDA announced the six ARPA programs in August, CAPCOG has assisted 21 organizations with applications to the various funding opportunities by providing technical assistance such as determining projects eligibility, compiling supporting data and reviewing applications. It also has provided program materials and application documents as well as letters of support for projects. CAPCOG will continue to provide communities application assistance until the programs’ deadlines.

The EDA allocated $63.8 million through the Economic Adjustment Assistance program for local projects in a five-state region that includes CAPCOG with a goal of funding 25 to 30 projects between $2 and $2.5 million per project. The program is geared to helping communities plan, build, innovate, and get people back to work through construction or non-construction projects that meet local needs. Technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible under the program. The Good Jobs Challenge seeks to help get people back to work by developing and strengthening regional systems to develop and execute sectoral partnerships that will lead to well-paying jobs. The EDA allocated $500 million for Good Jobs Challenge projects nationwide.

Contact Rachel Ellis for more information about or assistance with the EDA’s ARPA funding opportunities.
Learn more about the Community and Economic Development Division.