The grant application period is open for CDBG Infrastructure and Resiliency Grant applications. This grant is available to a select group of low-mod communities through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF). Criteria are as follows:

A community where 51% of the individuals reside in low to moderate income households.

The community did not receive a 2016 or 2017 ICE Grant or a 2018 Frozen Water Grant AND has a capital improvement plan.

The project will be completed by December 31, 2021

The grant request for traditional infrastructure is between $500,000 and $1,700,000, with up to an additional $300,000 identified as additional costs related to Resiliency/Green Infrastructure water/sewer system improvements

The community has a committed cash match equal to at least 10% of the total project cost. (Special assessments are not allowed.)

The proposed project benefits the entire Low and Moderate Income Community.

The proposed project is located on property owned by the local unit of government and/or only an easement is needed; includes eligible activities for upgrading or replacing an existing public infrastructure system such as water, sewer, and wastewater and any associated infrastructure replacement and associated engineering; includes plans, specs, and a maintenance plan.

Contact us today for more information!

EGLE offers grants for new diesel engines, alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles and equipment

A total of $450,000 is available for clean diesel and alternative fuel engine and equipment replacement projects under a competitive grant request for proposal (RFP) announced today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The 2020-21 Michigan Clean Diesel Program RFP targets efforts to replace old diesel equipment, vehicles, and engines with new diesel, alternative fuel, electric, or hybrid versions. Applicants can be cities, townships and villages; county government agencies; public school districts; private schools; public transit agencies; port authorities; metropolitan planning organizations; nonprofit organizations; or private businesses.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 30, 2020, and projects must be completed by August 2021 in one of two categories:

• Vehicle Replacement: Funding may cover up to 25 percent of the cost of eligible diesel vehicle replacements, up to 35 percent of the cost of eligible vehicles that meet the California Air Resource Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen standards, and up to 45 percent of the cost of an all-electric vehicle replacement. Eligible drayage vehicle replacement may be funded up to 50 percent.
• Engine Replacement: Funding includes, but is not limited to, replacing diesel engines with an engine certified for use with diesel or an alternative fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas or propane), or a zero tailpipe emissions power source (grid battery or fuel cell). Funding for engine replacement may cover up to 40 percent for diesel or alternative fuel engines; 50 percent for low-nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent for replacement with zero emission engines.

Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (GLFWRA)

Fiscal Year 2020 Notice of Funding Opportunity Announced

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 project proposals to protect, restore and enhance Great Lakes fish and wildlife habitat under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (Act). The six goals of the Act are:

1. Restoring and maintaining self-sustaining fish and wildlife resources.
2. Minimizing the impacts of contaminants on fishery and wildlife resources.
3. Protecting, maintaining and, where degraded and destroyed, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, including the enhancement and creation of wetlands that result in a net gain in the amount of those habitats.
4. Stopping illegal activities adversely impacting fishery and wildlife resources.
5. Restoring threatened and endangered species to viable, self-sustaining levels.
6. Protecting, managing and conserving migratory birds.
   

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requests interested entities to submit restoration, research and Regional project proposals for the restoration of Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources. The purpose of the Act is to provide assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration and management of the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes Basin. Supported in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we expect approximately $1.38 million to support projects this fiscal year.

The 2016 Reauthorization of the GLFWRA made some significant additions to allowable non-federal match as it relates to time period, land and conservation easements.

Deadline for proposal submission is Tuesday, January 7, 2020 by 5:00 PM EST.