Guide to Local Recovery Update: April 5
The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund reporting portal is open, and reports are due April 30. Many cities are eligible for two key climate grants, including a noncompetitive energy grant. Also, the National League of Cities has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor for a new infrastructure workforce development initiative.
American Rescue Plan Act reporting portal now open
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) reporting portal is now open. The funds were authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Cities are encouraged to review the Treasury Department’s reporting guide, which provides information on reporting requirements and instructions on how to use the online reporting portal. Cities can contact the SLFRF help centers at SLFRF@treasury.gov or call (844) 529-9527. The Treasury Department also has several self-help resources.
The deadline to file an annual or quarterly SLFRF Project and Expenditure Report is April 30.
Be sure to include your city, state, UEI number, federal tax identification number, and contact information for each email to SLFRF@treasury.gov, along with a detailed description of the problem you need help with. For each request to change the reporting portal account administrator, cities should include the following:
“The email you have for the City's Account Administrator is [defunct email address]. We are unable to access Treasury's reporting portal using this account. Please reset our Account Administrator as indicated below ASAP so we can make our ARPA filing by 4/30/2023 as required. The individual below is currently registered in Login.gov and will need to be set as account administrator. The former account administrator [passed away, resigned, no longer works for the city, lost the election, etc.]”
Your city could be eligible for this key energy block grant
The U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). The formula grant program supports initiatives that reduce fossil fuel emissions, decrease total energy use, and improve energy efficiency. Over 200 cities in California are eligible for funding.
Although formula grants are noncompetitive, cities must apply to receive the funding. All eligible entities must complete a pre-award application sheet by April 28. Matching funds are not required.
Unlike previous versions of the program, EECBG funding can be used for renewable energy, zero-emission transportation, and energy efficiency projects. The program also has an optional voucher program for communities that receive less than $250,000. Instead of receiving the formula grant, the value can be exchanged for technical assistance or as an equipment rebate.
The Department of Energy will hold a webinar on April 13 at noon to discuss the voucher program.
NLC and Department of Labor launch new infrastructure workforce development program
The National League of Cities has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor on the Good Jobs, Great Cities initiative. The program will help accelerate city efforts to design, develop, and launch workforce initiatives that build pathways to well-paying infrastructure jobs, particularly in historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
The initiative will support up to 12 cities throughout 2023 and 2024. Selected cities will work with federal agencies, employers, workforce development boards, nonprofits, labor unions, and other cross-sector partners to create or scale up innovative workforce programs.
NLC will hold an informational webinar on the opportunity on April 10. Applications must be submitted by April 28.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant eligibility could be expanded
More cities could be eligible for a new greenhouse gas reduction grant according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program currently goes to the largest 67 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA). However, the EPA is encouraging other large MSAs to complete a notice of intent to participate if funding becomes available.
Local governments within an MSA will need to develop an implementation plan for their region and designate an entity to serve as the lead. The lead organization must submit a notice of intent to participate by April 28, 2023. MSAs ranked 68-100 on the national list are strongly encouraged to apply.
More information about the program is available in a recent NLC article, which also includes information about the upcoming Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
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.