Tomorrow the competition for US Department of Energy funding from the $787 billion federal Stimulus package (the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) begins for local government.
The Stimulus package presents the largest single source of
sustainability-related funding ever provided by the United States government. A
significant portion of that federal funding--$32.7 billion--is now being
allocated to local governments through the US Department of Energy (DOE) mainly
in the form of discretionary funding, as well as block grants. The DOE is also
making $134 billion in loan guarantees available.
Common Current is working with
several local governments, NGOS and corporations on developing and facilitating proposals for the DOE within
the following areas:
- Electricity Delivery and Reliability (Smart
Grid, etc.)
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation (includes
development of overall energy efficiency strategy; energy efficiency in
buildings and transportation; alternative fuel infrastructure and use;
public education and outreach for petroleum reduction fuels and
technologies; and education for recycling)
- Renewable Energy R&D, Demonstration and Deployment
- Electric Drive Vehicle Transportation Power R&D, Demonstration and Deployment
- Weatherization Assistance
Other major Stimulus funding impacting local government
will be directed to additional areas such as clean water, brownfields and
Superfund sites.
Now is the time for cities and other eligible entities to quickly plan job creation strategy and project proposals in these areas so
they can submit timely applications for Stimulus funding. There is a great need for vetting of eligible projects while building collaborative capacities across
government, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and federal
research laboratories.
Cities, counties or entities working with local governments, such as non-governmental organizations, have been
pre-registering for the grants since last week. This week marks the kick-off of the formal proposal process with the DOE in Washington, DC.
It is critical to understand that the DOE is offering completely
new sources of funding for a broad array of business, local government and non-profit administered
programs and projects. Unlike most Congressional appropriations, this funding
has not been "earmarked" and is wide open to competitive proposals. Appropriate
proposals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stimulus Proposal Timeline for DOE Funding:
March 3: Project summaries first submitted to DOE
March 3-31: Preliminary consideration ("Rolling Appraisals") begins for Grants
April: Proposal Budgetary and Finance information first submitted
May-June: First dispersals of funding by DOE to Local Governments and others.
Sept 30: End of Federal Fiscal Year 2009.
Oct. 1: Beginning of Federal Fiscal Year 2010 and new funding cycles.
Besides Energy and Environment, general areas of Stimulus funding include Transportation, Housing, Health, Public Safety/Homeland Security and Telecommunications.
What is your city or company doing to get its share of Stimulus funding? If it's simply reapplying for the same old grants and loans and working with the same lobbyists, it is likely missing some new funding the Obama Administration will be providing.
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