Guide to Local Recovery Update: Feb. 1
The Federal Transit Administration announced $1.7 billion in funding for clean fleets and the U.S. Department of Transportation is holding a webinar on upcoming grants and related tools. New recovery resources are also available from the Local Infrastructure Hub and the National League of Cities.
$1.7 billion in federal funding available for clean fleets
The Federal Transit Administration is accepting applications for two clean fleet programs: the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. The two programs support projects that modernize transit fleets with low- and no-emission buses, renovate and construct bus facilities, and spur workforce development. Both programs received an influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The $1.22 billion Low-No Program helps transit agencies buy or lease U.S.-built zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, along with charging equipment and supporting facilities. The approximately $469 million Bus Facilities Program supports transit agencies buying and rehabilitating buses, vans, and related equipment and building bus facilities.
Both programs support buses that reduce air pollution and help meet the White House’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Informational webinars for both programs, including ones for rural applicants, are scheduled for February. A list of previously funded projects is available online.
DOT Navigator and infrastructure grant webinar
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a Feb. 8 webinar on upcoming grants and related tools. The webinar will dig into some of the tools available on DOT Navigator — the department’s one-stop shop for technical assistance. DOT Navigator includes a funding opportunity calendar, tools for identifying federal disadvantaged community areas, and program-specific information about non-federal match flexibility. The session will also spotlight several grant opportunities.
Local Infrastructure Hub infrastructure webinars
The Local Infrastructure Hub — a partnership between several local government associations — announced a slate of recovery webinars focused on transportation, technology, and water infrastructure.
On Feb. 8, local officials will learn how to take full advantage of an anticipated $1.4 billion in competitive grants through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program. Participants will hear how cities are using a variety of innovative technologies and tactics to mitigate climate-related transportation systems risks.
Details for the remaining webinars have yet to be announced.
NLC housing resources
The National League of Cities (NLC) added several new resources to its resource library, including one that helps local leaders find federal funding to prevent and reduce homelessness. The searchable database contains information about programs designated for homelessness support, intervention or prevention, and those that are particularly relevant for people at high risk of experiencing homelessness.
NLC also published an article on federal funding for resilient affordable housing. Low-income households and households of color are more likely to live in environmentally vulnerable locations, are least likely to have the resources to relocate or rebuild after a disaster, and are more likely to be renters who receive disproportionately less federal disaster aid.
City officials looking for additional information about the American Rescue Plan Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, or additional recovery tools can visit the Cal Cities Guide to Local Recovery portal.