Spotlight: $587 Available in EDA Funds Available to Aid Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters in 2017

In April, Secretary Ross announced that EDA had published the FY18 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making $587 million available to eligible applicants in communities where a Presidential declaration of a major disaster was issued under the Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, wildfires and other natural disasters in 2017.

EDA disaster grants will be made by its Regional Offices under the agency’s Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF), which enables EDA to make awards that support a wide range of construction and non-construction activities in areas which experience sudden, prolonged and severe economic dislocation.

EDA encourages the submission of applications based on long-term, regionally-oriented and collaborative development strategies that foster economic growth and resilience.

Eligible applicants under the EAA program include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District (EDD); (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. EDA is not authorized to provide EAA grants to individuals or for profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding.

There are no application deadlines and the agency will accept proposals on a rolling basis until the publication of a new Disaster Supplemental NOFO, cancellation of this NOFO or all funds are obligated. Disaster recovery projects must be consistent with the U.S. Department of Commerce Disaster Recovery Investment Priorities.

EDA will conduct an informational webinar for potential grantees in the near future. If you received this newsletter electronically, you will receive details (date, time and how to participate) soon.

For more information, please visit the EDA and Disaster Recovery page.