Southern Economic Development Council 2012 Annual Conference August 5, 2012
EDA s Mission The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
Fulfilling EDA s Mission Investments in infrastructure, capacity building and business development that attract private capital investments and higher skill, higher wage jobs to Regions experiencing substantial and persistent economic distress.
Who is eligible to apply? Eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance include: States, cities and other political subdivisions of a State Special purpose units of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities An institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education District Organizations Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes Public or private non profit organizations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Economic Distress Criteria For Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance investments A project must be located in a region that, on the date EDA receives the application for investment assistance, meets one or more of the following distress criteria: a 24 month unemployment rate that is at least one percentage point greater than the national average 24 month unemployment rate; OR Per capita income that is 80% or less than the national average per capita income; OR Special Need, as determined by EDA
EDA Investment Programs Public Works Economic Adjustment Planning Local Technical Assistance University Centers Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Research and National Technical Assistance
Matching Does EDA require a cost share? Generally, the amount of EDA grant may not exceed 50% of the total cost of the project. Cash or in kind contributions may provide the non Federal share requirement of the total project cost. Examples of non Federal share sources include applicant contributions, State and local grants and loans, general obligation bonds, and other public and private contributions. In kind contributions may consist of assumptions of debt or contributions of space, equipment and services.
EDA Investment Priorities Collaborative Regional innovation Public/Private Partnerships National Strategic Priorities Global Competitiveness Environmentally Sustainable Development Economically Distressed and Underserved Communities
Applying for Funds Application packages available electronically at www.grants.gov Applications may be submitted electronically via www.grants.gov or in hard copy to the Atlanta Regional office Public Works and Economic Adjustment are subject to funding cycles next deadline is Sept 14 Short Term Planning and Local Technical Assistance may apply at any time no deadlines
EDR Contact Information Robin Cooley North and South Carolina Phone: 803 253 3640 E mail: robin.r.cooley@eda.gov Jonathan Corso Georgia and Alabama Phone: 404 730 3023 E mail: jonathan.corso@eda.gov
EDR Contact Information (con t) Pam Farmer Phone: 606 674 2302 E mail: pamela.s.farmer@eda.gov Kentucky Bertha Partin Phone: 606 337 4031 E mail: bertha.partin@eda.gov Tennessee
EDR Contact Information (con t) Gil Patterson Phone: 404 730 3032 E mail: gilbert.patterson@eda.gov Mississippi Philip Trader Phone: 404 730 3017 E mail: philip.t.trader@eda.gov Florida
Keith Dyche Regional Environmental Officer keith.j.dyche@eda.gov
Why? National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Other federal environmental laws: Endangered Species Act Clean Water Act Etc.
What? Environmental Narrative is completed by the applicant Interagency review may be required by EDA if application merits further consideration
How? Environmental Narrative should include: Detailed analysis of alternatives Information regarding the beneficiary where requested Interagency letters should describe: Proposed project Beneficiary s proposed project Information specific to the interest of the reviewing agency
When? Environmental Narrative is required with application for most construction or design projects Interagency review letters as requested by EDA after application is invited Additional compliance information may be required in post approval stage
Milton Cochran Construction Project Manager AL, MS milton.cochran@eda.gov
Introductory Conference By letter, conference call or on site conference Discuss Points of contact Special award conditions and directives Project scope Implementation documentation and process Project cost estimates Reporting Photographs Reimbursements
Contracts EDA must approve proposed contract documents before advertising EDA will not approve a contract award until the Grantee provides EDA with bid documents after bid opening After approval of the contract award by EDA, provide a bound set of certified copies or originals of the executed contract document
Reporting Progress reports Due quarterly Financial Status Report SF Form 425 or 425A Due semi annually Photographs Provide digital photos of the investment showing progress of construction and other milestones EDA project sign
Disbursements Grants disbursed through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Vendor Payment System Pro rata based upon grant rate Initial disbursement when construction reaches 25% completion Funds disbursed ONLY if all Special Conditions met Later disbursements occur at 50%, 75%, and 90% Final 10% disbursed after completion of project and submission of final closeout documents About a 30 day turn around
Close out and after Close out documentation Audits Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Forms must be submitted no later than 15 days after investment award anniversary date Cumulative data report at 3, 6 and 9 years