Economic Development Digest |
|
Economic Development News |
|
Department of Transportation Releases General Fact Sheet for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act |
The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a general fact sheet regarding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The fact sheet outlines 25 competitive infrastructure funding opportunities for local governments. More information regarding the IIJA is set to be released in the coming weeks.
|
|
Main Spotlight: What Does Treasury’s ARPA Final Rule Mean for Main Streets (Main Street America)
|
On January 6, the Treasury Department released the Final Rule governing the use of these funds. With the roll-out of the Final Rule, communities are anticipated to begin committing ARPA funds at a more rapid pace. Main Street programs and other supporters of business district revitalization may need to refresh on what this funding can mean for small businesses and Main Street organizations, understand what the Final Rule included, and consider the best approach to accessing this funding for Main Street needs. Learn more about the current status of ARPA funding.
|
|
International Economic Development Council Webinar Series |
Join the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) throughout 2022 for a year's worth of online professional development on emerging topics and trends from the profession's leading voices. IEDC's 2022 webinar series offers 12 webinars on a broad range of topics, including outdoor recreation, multimedia production, partnerships, innovation, rural attraction, and more. Register here.
|
|
Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program |
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), with the goal of continuing to invest in and elevate the field of economic development, announces the launch of the Equity in Economic Development Fellowship Program in 2022. IEDC invites applications from Economic Development Organizations to participate in this new and purposeful 10-week program to host fellows between May and August of 2022. Register here.
|
|
Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program
Deadline: March 8, 2022
The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) is providing funding for the Rural Health and Economic Development Analysis Program (RHEDAP). The purpose of this program is to quantify and describe the economic impacts of local health care sectors on rural economies to provide information which will assist policy makers and other rural stakeholders to improve health care in rural areas. Learn More.
USDA ReConnect Program Broadband Funding Opportunity
Deadline: March 9, 2022
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the FY 2022 Rural eConnectivity Program (the ReConnect Program). This program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. USDA plans to make available up to $200 million in ReConnect Program loans, up to $250 million in loan/grant combinations, up to $350 million in grants with a matching requirement, and up to $350 million in grants with no matching requirement for projects in tribal and socially vulnerable communities. Learn more.
AARP Community Challenge
Deadline: March 22, 2022
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people aged 50 or older. Learn more.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program
Deadline: March 31, 2022
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. Funds are being made available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The deadlines to apply for grants is March 31, 2022. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted year-round. Learn more.
Partnership for Climate - Smart Commodities
Deadline: April 8, 2022
USDA announced details of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity. Through this new program, USDA will finance partnerships to support the production and marketing of climate-smart commodities via a set of pilot projects lasting one to five years. Pilots will provide technical and financial assistance to producers who implement climate-smart practices on a voluntary basis on working lands; pilot innovative and cost-effective methods for quantification, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas benefits; and market the resulting climate-smart commodities. Apply here.
EDA Public Works Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
US Economic Development Administration (EDA) supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States by fostering job creation and attracting private investment. These Public Works Grants help communities build the infrastructure they need to support job growth and private investment. If you have an economic development infrastructure need in your community, contact Darryl Briscoe. Learn more.
USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Deadline: Ongoing
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development provides funding to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural communities can use these funds to build or modernize schools, health care clinics, libraries, and public safety facilities. Learn more.
EPA Brownfield Grants
Deadline: Ongoing
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has grants available for cleaning up brownfields in your community. Brownfields are properties that have been contaminated by pollutants or hazardous waste. The EPA offers Area-Wide Planning Grants, Assessment Grants, Revolving Loan Fund Grants, Cleanup Grants, Multipurpose Grants, and Job Training Grants. Learn more.
|
|
H-GAC has compiled regional economic indicators for the 13-county region, including monthly and yearly changes in unemployment rates, single and multi-family permits, and sales tax receipts. Download the PDF.
For more regional economic data visit:
|
|
The former Party Boy Warehouse at 1515 Studemont Street will now be home to a new office and retail development. 10 and Heights will include a 28,110-square-foot facility.
The Reserve at Cypress has broken ground at 20130 Schiel Road near Muescke Road, just north of U.S. Highway 290. The apartment complex will consist of 300-units, and it is expected to be complete in early 2023.
290 Grand Logistics, an industrial project, is planned on 68 acres at the northeast corner of US 290 and Kermier Road. The industrial development is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.
Eastfield at Baybrook is expected to break ground in the second quarter of 2022 and will be located at I-45 and El Dorado Boulevard. The development will be anchored by an 10f,260 square foot H-E-B shopping center, and it will also include 29,650 square feet of retail space. It will be completed later this year.
Asian City Center at Beltway 8 has broken ground on its first building. The six-story building will have retail and office space. Later phases of the development include two 15-story residential condo towers with 250 units.
|
|
Compiled from information in Community Impact Newspapers, the Houston Business Journal, Texas A&M University Real Estate Research Center.
|
|
Gulf Coast Economic Development District | 713-627-3200
The Economic Development Digest is published monthly by the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
