Economic Recovery Resources - Biweekly Update
The Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District issue this Economic Recovery Resources Biweekly Update to help our local partners secure the resources they need to recover from economic disruption. Subscribers to the monthly Regional Economic Development Digest will receive the update automatically.

Please email Darryl Briscoe to discuss economic recovery needs you may have.
News and Updates
Texas Workforce Commission Increases 2022 Child Care Relief Funding by $1 Billion to Strengthen Workforce 
The Texas Workforce Commission approved an additional $1 billion in direct support for the Texas child care industry, increasing available funds for the 2022 Child Care Relief Fund (CCRF) to a total of $3.4 billion — with an estimated average award of over $250,000 per provider. In addition to the $1 billion approved for CCRF, the Commission approved an additional $75 million aimed to defray startup costs for new child care providers across the state.

The 2022 CCRF is intended to help child care providers address the impacts of COVID-19. Eligible providers may use these funds in a variety of ways to support their program’s operating costs. For more information and to check eligibility, visit https://www.childcare.texas.gov or email [email protected]
Federal Highway Administration Posts First Batch of Fact Sheets For 10 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Formula Programs 
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has posted the first 10 fact sheets for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This first batch of fact sheets covers the legislation’s “legacy” formula programs, plus the new Bridge Formula Program. For a full list of covered programs, click here. 

Information regarding other competitive grant opportunities associated with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to be released to the public soon. For a general overview of all programs included in the legislation, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided a general fact sheet for the public.

Follow this biweekly update, along with our monthly Economic Development Digest, for the latest information regarding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Learn more.
USDA Launches Pilot Program to Deploy Renewable Energy Infrastructure to People in Rural Towns 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making up to $10 million available to help people living in rural towns develop community renewable energy projects that will help them cut their energy costs and contribute to the nationwide effort to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change. These funds will be released through the USDA’s Rural Energy Pilot Program, targeted to help people who live in communities that have been historically underinvested and disinvested. Applications are due no later than July 18, 2022, at 10:59 p.m. Central. Learn more. 
Federal Funding for Rural Communities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. 
 
Grants and loans to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas.

Loans and grants to a non-profit entity or institution of higher education to establish revolving loan funds for rural micro-loan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs, or to provide training and technical assistance to micro entrepreneurs.  
Federal Funding for All Communities
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants for construction or non-construction projects that will retain or create jobs and/or generate private investment. 
 
Economic Adjustment Assistance (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis)  
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to help communities plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.  

Indigenous Communities (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future.  
 
Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation (March 15, applications reviewed on a rolling basis
U.S. Economic Development Administration investments to revitalize the hard-hit travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries and accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors. 

Build Back Better Regional Challenge (Phase 2: March 15
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for regional coalitions to implement a collection of 3 to 8 distinct but related projects, in coordination with industry and community partners, and aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry cluster. 

Rural Energy Pilot Program (Letter of Intent: On or Before April 19, 2022 | Completed Applications: July 18, 2022) 
U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to offer financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy. Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) applicants must be Rural Energy Community Partnerships, as defined in the REPP Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars
Foundation and federal grants accounted for over half a trillion dollars last year. Are you getting your share? Join Foundant Technologies for a free webinar on grant writing. In this webinar, presenters Darian Rodriquez Heyman and Tammy Tilzey will help attendees strengthen their grant writing acumen, including how to write more effective proposals, conduct effective research, and avoid the most common pitfalls grantseekers encounter.

Join the Maryland Department of Planning and the Smart Growth Network as they share their insights into building common ground and inviting active participation among diverse groups. Their approach, “Place It!,” draws upon three methods: the interactive model-building workshop, the pop-up, and site exploration using the senses. This webinar will offer lessons learned distilled from workshops held around the world, and a deep dive into the transformational approach and results from a community in southern California.

In-Person Events:  
 
Partner Resources
Visit the GCEDD website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.

The Greater Houston Partnership has established the Greater Houston Business Recovery Center (GHBRC), which will provide guidance on policy and financing related to recovery programs.

RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts.

The Texas Economic Development Council COVID-19 webpage catalogs webinars, small business program examples, research white papers, Texas Workforce Commission resources, and advice for retailers.

The National Association of Development Organizations COVID-19 resource center provides advocacy resources, upcoming virtual events and trainings, federal agency COVID-19 resources, national partner organizations response resources, Office of Management and Budget guidance, state-by-state workforce guidelines, and philanthropic resources for communities.

A wide range of free resources for Main Street leaders, including recovery planning tools, research, and best practices and examples from around the Main Street Network. 
Gulf Coast Economic Development District

The Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update is published by the