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| Washington State Commerce Recovery FAQs | | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Crime Victims and Crime Prevention
FAQ -- Byrne Justice Assistance Grants(Current as of 6/17/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Local governments and law enforcement agencies will be eligible for Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) recovery funding. Commerce is developing a plan for what the money will be used for. The plan must be approved by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance. All uses will be allowed under the JAG authorizing legislation.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Washington State will receive an estimated $36 million. Approximately $22 million will be administered by Commerce.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. There are no competitive opportunities with these funds.
Q. What is theWashington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce is reviewing applications and will award and monitor contract recipients for performance.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. At this time, nothing that goes beyond the JAG authorizing legislation. More information on the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance national Recovery and Reinvestment efforts are available on their website.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact for more information?
FAQ -- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)(Current as of 5/7/09)
Q. Who is eligible for recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Eligible applicants for this funding are current victims’ service contractors of OCVA or the Department of Health and Human Services/Children’s Administration.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Washington will receive an estimated $930,000.
Q. Where, how, and when do I apply for money?
A. The application deadline has passed. Commerce has awarded grants.
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce has awarded grants and will monitor grant recipients for performance.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. All requirements are included in the grants.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Violence Against Women Act Transitional Housing Recovery(Current as of 6/17/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. This program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW). The established eligibility includes states, units of local government, Indian tribes, other organizations including domestic violence and sexual assault victim service providers, domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, other nonprofit, nongovernmental agencies, faith-based and community organizations, and culturally specific organizations that have a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
The application must be comprised of pre-chosen, specific projects. If awarded to Washington, the projects funded will be those who participated in the application process.
The funds can be used for one or more of three purposes:
- Programs that provide transitional housing, including operating costs of new or existing transitional housing;
- Programs that provide short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payments and related expenses;
- Programs that provide support services designed to enable individuals who are fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to locate and secure permanent housing.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Washington State Department of Commerce application was for $499,000.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. If Washington State Department of Commerce is awarded a grant, Commerce will make awards directly to the agencies that collaborated with Commerce on its application to Office of Violence Against Women (OVA).
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. If Washington State Department of Commerce is awarded a grant, Commerce will award grants and monitor grant recipents performance.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. There are strict data and reporting requirements from OVW. From the end of the reporting period, for instance, grantees will have less than ten calendar days to report results. Another aspect is the requirement to create new or retain current staff positions and to report on those aspects.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Services*Training*Officers*Prosecutors (STOP) Grant(Current as of 11/3/09)
Q. Who is eligible for recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. These funds are used for enhancing the criminal justice system response and improved safety for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Eligible applicants for this funding are current or past recipients of the STOP grant program administered by OCVA. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices and victims service organizations that have participated in, or benefitted from, STOP activities are also eligible. Governmental victims’ service agencies are not eligible for this funding.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Washington received $2.85 million.
Q. Where, how, and when do I apply for money?
A. We will be re-releasing the STOP Grant Recovery Competitive Application for Law Enforcement Projects ONLY on November 2. Applications will be due back to us on or before December 3. Awards will be announced on or before December 17. Grants will be awarded for a 12 month period from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Please see the funding application link listed below.
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce has awarded grants and will monitor grant recipients for performance.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. All requirements are included in the contract.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
Economic Development
FAQ – Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds(Current 11/24/09)
Q. Who is eligible to use Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, and what can this bond issuing authority be used for?
A. A broad array of “green” projects may be financed with Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, which are a type of tax credit bond. At least 70 percent of each state’s allocation of the bond issuing authority created by this program must be used for governmental purposes; however, up to 30 percent may be used for private activity bonds, which are bonds that benefit businesses or individuals. Any type of state or local bond issuer, including tribal governments, may issue a bond under this program.
Some of the eligible project types include:
- Implementing green community programs.
- Grants to support research in emerging energy technologies.
- Rail and bus facilities.
- Public education programs.
- Renewable energy facilities.
- Demonstration projects for emerging energy technology.
Important Note: This program allocates the authority to issue bonds and sell tax credits to bond or tax credit investors in order to finance energy conservation projects; it is not a direct funding program that allocates public dollars.
Q. How much bond issuing authority is available?
A. A total of $3.2 billion in bond issuing authority is available nationwide for this program. This total has been divided among the states according to population. The state’s share of the Bond Cap Allocation Program – Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds is $67,944,000. This total is allocated to large jurisdictions (municipalities and counties with populations greater than 100,000) within the state. If a jurisdiction does not expect to use its entire allocation, unused authority may be reallocated to the state to be used by the state or to be reallocated to other local jurisdictions. Follow the QECB link on http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap for a list of the city and county allocations.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for an allocation?
A. Large counties and municipalities may create their own processes for projects within their jurisdictions. Individual project developers will need to work with their local jurisdiction or with a state issuer to arrange for the bond issuance. Commerce will open a competitive application round for the state's portion of the allocation beginning 11/25/09. Applications are due no later than January 1, 2010. Application forms and guidelines will be available on http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap. Navigate to the QECB link from the left hand navigation bar.
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the allocations?
A. Commerce will administer the division of the state’s allocation among the jurisdictions within the state, will conduct a competitive allocation round for the state's portion of the allocation, and will monitor the percentages of governmental and private projects as well as the total bond issuing authority used to ensure the state does not exceed the limit of its allocation.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Specific federal tax regulations apply to projects financed under this program. Bond issuers will need the advice of qualified bond counsel and tax counsel in order to ensure the project and the bond issuance are in compliance with all applicable federal bond and tax regulations.
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rules apply to projects financed with Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Bond Cap Allocation Program – Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds(Current 11/24/09)
Q. Who is eligible to use Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, and what can they be used for?
A. Under this program, counties and large municipalities (greater than 100,000 in population) are eligible to issue tax-exempt bonds called “Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond” to finance government economic activities in a Recovery Zone. A Recovery Zone is defined as an area having significant poverty, unemployment, home foreclosures, or general distress; or an area that has already been federally designated as an Empowerment Zone or Renewal Community. Aside from the federally designated areas, the county or municipality may designate areas within their jurisdiction as Recovery Zones.
Economic development activities qualified under this program include:
1. Capital expenditures paid or incurred for property in Recovery Zones.
2. Expenditures for public infrastructure and construction of public facilities.
3. Expenditures for job training and educational programs.
Private activities, defined as those in which a substantial portion of the bond or tax credit proceeds benefit a private business or individual, may not be financed with this program.
Important Note: This program allocates the authority to issue bonds and sell tax credits to bond and tax credit investors in order to finance economic development activities; it is not a direct funding program that allocates public dollars.
Q. How much issuing authority is available?
A. A total of $10 billion in bond issuing authority is available nationwide; Washington state's allocation is $90 million. It has been divided among the states and suballocated to counties and large municipalities based on the rate of employment declines in each jurisdiction during the period from December 2007 and December 2008. Follow the Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds link on the Bond Cap webpage at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap for the specifics of the city and county formula allocations.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for an allocation?
A. Counties and large municipalities may create their own processes for projects within their jurisdictions. Commerce will announce competitive rounds for any waived (unused) allocations when and if the authority becomes available. Information will be posted on the bond cap website as needed, http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap. Bonds must be issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the allocations?
A. Commerce will oversee the state's total allocation. If a county or large municipality does not plan to use all of its allocation, under the federal rules, the allocation may be waived, and the state may reallocate it to other jurisdictions. Commerce will ensure that the state does not exceed its total allowable amount of bond issuing authority, and will reallocate any unused authority through a competitive process.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Specific federal tax regulations apply to projects financed under this program. Bond issuers will need the advice of qualified bond counsel and tax counsel in order to ensure the project and the bond issuance are in compliance with all applicable federal bond and tax regulations.
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rules apply to projects financed with Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ: Bond Cap Allocation Program – Recovery Zone Facility Bonds(Current 11/24/09)
Q. Who is eligible to use Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, and what can they be used for?
A. Under this program, counties and large municipalities (greater than 100,000 in population) are eligible to issue tax-exempt bonds called “Recovery Zone Facility Bonds” to finance certain kinds of business facilities in Recovery Zones. Because Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are considered private activities
(i.e. they benefit businesses or individuals), they are not tax-exempt unless they are issued under the traditional state Bond Cap Allocation Program, or under this Recovery Zone Facility Bond program.
A Recovery Zone is defined as an area having significant poverty, unemployment, home foreclosures, or general distress; or an area that has already been federally designated as an Empowerment Zone or Renewal Community. Aside from the federally designated areas, the county or municipality may designate areas within their jurisdiction as Recovery Zones.
Recovery Zone Facility Bonds may be used by taxpayers engaged in certain types of businesses to finance the purchase of depreciable property within a recovery zone, provided the taxpayer acquires the property after the area has received the Recovery Zone designation. Some kinds of property specifically do not qualify under this program; including land, residential rental property, and property used for certain kinds of activities such as golf courses, country clubs, and several others listed in federal tax regulations.
Important Note: This program allocates the authority to issue tax-exempt bonds to bond investors in order to finance Recovery Zone facilities; it is not a direct funding program that allocates public dollars.
Q. How much bond issuing authority is available?
A. A total of $15 billion in bond issuing authority is available nationwide; Washington state's allocation is $135 million. The state's total has been divided among counties and large municipalities based on the rate of employment declines in each jurisdiction during the period from December 2007 and December 2008. Follow the Recovery Zone Facility Bond link on the Bond Cap webpage at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap for a list of city and county formula allocations.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for an allocation?
A. Project developers will need to work through a city or county with a formula allocation to have a bond issued to finance the project. Counties and large municipalities may create their own processes for projects within their jurisdictions; and Commerce will create a competitive process to reallocate any unused bond issuing authority. Bonds must be issued prior to January 1, 2011.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the allocations?
A. Commerce will oversee the state's total allocation. If a county or large municipality does not plan to use all of its allocation, under the federal rules, the allocation may be waived, allowing the state to reallocate it to other jurisdictions. Commerce will ensure that the state does not exceed its total allowable amount of bond issuing authority, and will make reallocations of unused authority through a competitive process as needed.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Specific federal tax regulations apply to projects financed under this program. Bond issuers will need the advice of qualified bond counsel and tax counsel in order to ensure the project and the bond issuance are in compliance with all applicable federal bond and tax regulations.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ: Bond Cap Allocation Program – Small Issue Intangible Property(Current 11/24/09)
Q. Who is eligible to use Small Issue Intangible Property Bonds, and what can they be used for?
A. Businesses that produce certain kinds of “intangible property” as defined in the United States Code Section 197(d)(1)(C)(iii) are eligible. The Code defines “intangible property” to include “any patent, copyright, formula, process, design, pattern, knowhow, format, or similar item.” Under this program, these businesses, along with traditional manufacturing businesses, may work with a qualified bond issuing authority to issue a tax-exempt bond to finance construction of business facilities, business expansion projects, or purchase of equipment.
Important Note: This program allocates the authority to issue tax-exempt private activity bonds to bond investors in order to finance economic development activities; it is not a direct funding program that allocates public dollars.
Q. How much bond issuing authority is available?
A. For 2009, approximately $132 million in tax-exempt bond issuing authority remains available. For 2010, approximately $147 in tax-exempt bond issuing authority will be available. Bond issuances for any one project may not exceed $10 million.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for an allocation?
A. The business is required to work with a bond issuer authorized to issue bonds in the state of Washington. The issuer may be a state issuer, a local government, or a local Economic or Industrial Development Corporation. For a list of authorized bond issuers, contact the Bond Cap Allocation Program or visit the website at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap; click on “Bond Issuing Authorities” on the left hand navigation bar.
The bond issuing authority you choose to work with will assist you to apply to Commerce for permission to issue a tax-exempt bond to finance your project. Application forms are available on the Bond Cap website. Follow the link to the “Bond Cap Forms” page, and then download the application form for “Small Issue Manufacturing” projects. Applications may be submitted at any time during the calendar year until all the available authority for that year has been allocated.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the allocations?
A. Commerce reviews applications to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and allocates the authority to issue the bonds. This kind of bond, called a “tax-exempt private activity bond” is limited by federal law. Commerce ensures that the state does not exceed its allowable total of tax-exempt private activity bonds each year.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Total project capital expenses may not exceed $20 million over a six-year period that includes three years before and three years after the bond issuance.
The qualified bond issuer you choose to work with will assist you to find a bond attorney, the “Bond Counsel,” who will provide legal advice, and a financial institution, the “Underwriter,” who will help you to identify an investor, the “Lender”, to whom the bond will be sold. Your business will need to sign an agreement with the state Employment Security Department to advertise any jobs created by the project and whenever possible to offer them to qualified low-income individuals. Application and all other required forms can be downloaded from the Bond Cap website at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/bondcap . Follow links to the Bond Cap Forms page.
Your bond must be issued by a specified date during the year in which you receive an allocation of issuing authority, generally by either September 1st or December 15th. Other application requirements include a list of required permits, a project budget, and estimates of jobs created or retained by the project. There may be additional requirements based on the nature of the project. All requirements are listed in the application form.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (Current as of 4/29/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Eligible borrowers can be any legal entity, municipality, or individual authorized to incur debt and enter into legally binding agreements. A borrower may be the current owner, a prospective owner, or a developer of a site.
Funds may be used to cover a number of site situations that do not pose an immediate threat to public health or safety. Eligible site activities include prevention, abatement, or removal of hazardous substances or contaminants that threaten public safety, drinking water supplies, or sensitive ecosystems.
Funds may not be used on sites listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List (a Superfund site); where a cleanup action must be taken within six months; where an enforcement action is planned or taken; or on sites contaminated by petroleum products unless co-mingled with other hazardous wastes. An analysis and evaluation of each application will include a review of the environmental risks associated with the cleanup and the proposed redevelopment of the property.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Unknown at this time. We have received instruction for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that some Recovery Act Funds will be used to recapitalize current revolving loan funds.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce manages the Brownsfield Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) in partnership with the Washington Department of Ecology.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. We assume the Recovery Act funds allocated to the BRLF will be used in the same manner as the current loan funds. If we receive additional instruction from the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) we will notify interested parties.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
Energy
FAQ -- Advanced Batteries:
Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (Current as of 4/29/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. All types of entities are eligible to apply, as a prime applicant including but not limited to: State Government agencies, local Government agencies, institutions of higher education, other non-profit organizations, and for project organizations.
Grants will be made to projects supporting the construction (including production capacity increase of current plants) of U.S. based manufacturing plants to produce batteries and electric drive components. The battery manufacturing area is focused on battery manufacturing plants, material and component supplier manufacturing plants, and recycling plants, including facilities and manufacturing equipment, for Li ion an other advanced batteries for advanced vehicles such as electric drive vehicles (EDVs) and micro-hybrids.
The program has 5 areas of interest in which grants will be awarded:
- Cell and Battery Pack Manufacturing Facilities
- Advanced Battery Supplier Manufacturing Facilities
- Advanced Lithium ion Battery Recycling Facilities
- Electric Drive Component Manufacturing Facilities
- Electric Drive Subcomponent Manufacturing Facilities
Q. How much money is available?
A. $2 Billion nation-wide
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. Application must be made directly to the US Department of Energy. The deadline for applications is May 19, 2009. Information on how to apply can be founds at: Click Here
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce will not have a role in distributing money but may be available to partner in a project submission.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. ARRA funds can not exceed more than 49 percent of the total project cost. Projects may request a lower cost share requirement. However, cost-share is an evaluation criterion.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
Advanced Energy Research (Current as of 6/17/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. States, universities, research laboratories, electric utilities, and private companies are expected to be the key entities eligible for funding from this program. However, each grant that opens can have different eligibility requirements. You must look at the federal guidance for each grant to determine eligibility and other requirements.
The same information concerning Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) can be found on the web site - grants.gov using this link: http://www.grants.gov/ Use menu options to find Recovery Act Opportunities. There are a number of ways you can search for ARPA-E opportunities, for example, you can search by agency (US Department of Energy). The most direct way is to search under CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number 81.135.
Since signing of the Recovery Act, a number of FOA have been announced. Select the FOA of interest, and grants.gov will provide you a synopsis, with basic eligibility, requirements, opportunities, and closure dates. To get more specific information, you must use the FOA number to download the full grant opportunity at the web site Fedconnect.net using this link: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ You must register on the Fedconnect.net site to download the grant information. It takes some time and effort.
As of this update, June 17, 2009, there are no outstanding FOA. A single grant: RECOVERY ACT – Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-D): DE-FOA-0000065, closed June 10, 2009.
FYI: ARPA-E is a new organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), created specifically to foster research and development (R D) of transformational energy-related technologies. Transformational technologies are by definition technologies that disrupt the status quo. They are not merely better than current technologies, they are significantly better. This funding supports the need for transformational energy-related technologies to overcome the threats posed by climate change and energy security, arising from its reliance on traditional uses of fossil fuels and the dominant use of oil in transportation. The expected public benefit is the development of new technologies in Washington state which could create additional green economy jobs.
Q. How much money is available?
A. The single ARPA-E funding opportunity has passed. For those that did apply, ARPA-E anticipates that most awards will be for total project costs in the range of $2 million to $5 million. Some may be as low as $500,000 or as high as $10 million. In extremely exceptional cases, ARPA-E may choose to accept efforts up to $20 million. The applicant should propose a funding level that is appropriate to the work, not introducing additional risk by underfunding nor adding extraneous tasks or large management reserves that will drive up the R&D cost. Multiple awards are anticipated. ARPA-E anticipates awarding agreements totaling up to $150 million. However, the amount of resources made available under this announcement will depend on the quality of the proposed R&D projects and other programmatic considerations.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Clean Cities – Alternative Fueled Vehicle Pilot Program Grant(Current as of 4/30/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. As required by Section 721 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, prospective applicants are limited to heads of state, local governments, metropolitan transportation authorities (or combinations of these) working with a designated Clean Cities coalition.
Stephanie Meyn
Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition
1904 Third Ave, Suite 105
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel.: 206.689.4055
Fax: 206.343.7522
Funds for cost-shared projects that expand the use of alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technologies including the installation or acquisition of infrastructure necessary to directly support these vehicles.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Up to $300 million
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. Application is made to the US Department of Energy. The round 1 application deadline is May 29, 2009; round 2 is September 30, 2009. Modifications to this funding opportunity, as well as the full announcement are available at www.grants.gov. To find modifications, visit www.grants.gov and choose "Find Grant Opportunities" in the left navigation. Click "Browse by Agency" and select US Department of Energy from the list of agencies. Then choose "Clean Cities Fiscal Year 2009 Petroleum Reduction Technologies Projects for the Transportation Sector, Funding Opportunity DE-PS26-09NT01236-00" from this list of solicitations.
Q. What is CTED’s role in distributing the money?
A. Funds will be distributed by the federal government to award recipients.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Minimum DOE funding represents FY09 funding. Up to 30 awards with a 50/50 cost share will be appointed. The funding minimum per project is $5 million to a maximum of $15 million.
Proposals that are ready for immediate initiation, including evidence of mature design, site agreements, site licensing and permitting, partner commitments, and equipment availability, will receive higher priority in the evaluation process.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information? A. Tim Stearns at tim.stearns@commerce.wa.gov or call (206) 256-6121
FAQ -- Fossil Energy – Includes Carbon Capture and Sequestration (Current 9/16/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. States, universities, research laboratories, electric utilities, and private companies are expected to be the key entities eligible for funding from this program. However, each grant that opens under the Fossil Energy program can have different eligibility and other requirements. You must look at the federal guidance for each grant to determine eligibility and other requirements.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Each grant, called a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for a different amount. Many FOA's will open before all the monies under the Recovery Act that will be dispersed by the Office of Fossil Energy are expended.
The Office of Fossil Energy has received $3.4 billion from the Recovery Act. Initiatives will focus on research, development and deployment of technologies to use coal more cleanly and efficiently. Investments will go toward finding and testing new ways to produce energy from coal - such as gasification - and improving techniques to clean or capture and store the emissions from coal-fired power plants. Funds include:
- $1.0 billion for fossil energy research and development programs;
- $800 million for additional amounts for the Clean Coal Power Initiative Round III Funding Opportunity Announcement;
- $1.52 billion for a competitive solicitation for a range of industrial carbon capture and energy efficiency improvement projects, including a small allocation for innovative concepts for beneficial reuse of carbon dioxide (CO2);
- $50 million for a competitive solicitation for site characterization activities in geologic formations (in the context of CO2 sequestration in geologic formations);
- $20 million for geologic CO2 sequestration training and research grants; and
- $10 million for program direction funding.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. A KEY DOE website now lists all DOE Recovery Act grants, and allows you to download a grant synopsis. Go to - http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm .
The same information concerning Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) can be found on the web site grants.gov using this link: http://www.grants.gov/ Use menu options to find Recovery Act Opportunities. There are a number of ways you can search for fossil energy opportunities, for example, you can search by agency (US Department of Energy). The most direct way is to search under CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number 81.089.
Since signing of the Recovery Act, a number of FOA have been announced, not all necessarily represent Recovery Act grants. Select the FOA of interest, and grants.gov will provide you a synopsis, with basic eligibility, requirements, opportunities, and closure dates. To get more specific information, you must use the FOA number to download the full grant opportunity at the web site Fedconnect.net using this link: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ You must register on the Fedconnect.net site to download the grant information. It takes some time and effort.
As of this update, September 16, 2009, there is no outstanding FOA.
CLOSED
1. DE-FOA-000034: Technology Transfer FOA. Closing date May 15, 2009
"The scope of work related to this area is to provide the service of technology/information transfer to a broad audience of industry stakeholders, primarily independent operators, small producers, academic researchers, technology developers, and those in a position to apply and/or commercialize those results."
2. DE-FOA-0000038: Environmental Sciences and Technology Development FOA. Closing date June 5, 2009.
“The objective of this Environmental Sciences & Technology Development FOA is to fund research that addresses key water resources and water management issues related to environmentally responsible oil and natural gas production.”
3. DE-FOA-0000103: Novel Non-Precious Metal hydrogen Separation and Production Research and Development. Closing date July 1, 2009.
“The specific objective of this activity is…to develop novel Hydrogen Production technologies.”
4. DE-FOA-0000080: Recovery Act: Regional Sequestration Technology Training. Closing date July 22, 2009.
“Grant applications are sought from companies, trade groups, and other organizations that can develop regional sequestration technology training to facilitate transfer of knowledge and technologies required for site development, operations, and monitoring of commercial Carbon Capture and Sequestration projects.”
5. DE-FOA-0000033: Recovery Act: Site Characterization of Promising Geologic Formations for CO2 Storage. Closing date August 3, 2009.
“The purpose of this FOA is to focus on regional site characterization of a minimum of 10 distinct “high-potential” geologic formations. The objectives of this FOA are to develop comprehensive data sets of formation characteristics…”
6. DE-FOA-0000015: Recovery Act: Carbon Capture and Sequestration from Industrial Sources and Innovative Concepts for Beneficial CO2 Use.” Closing date August 7, 2009.
“The purpose of this CCS announcement is to expedite and carry out large-scale testing of CO2 sequestration systems in a range of geologic formations…from industrial sources…demonstrating concepts for beneficial CO2 use…”
7. DE-FOA-0000032: Recovery Act: Geologic Sequestration Training and Research. Closing date August 11, 2009.
“Grant applications from universities, colleges, and college-affiliated research institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Other Minority Institutions (HBCU/OMI) are sought to provide training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students that will provide the human capital and skills required for implementing and deploying CCS technologies. Training can be accomplished through fundamental research in the CCS technology area. Fundamental research is needed to advance science in: simulation and risk assessment; monitoring, verification, and accounting; geological related analytical tools; methods to interpret geophysical models; well completion and integrity for long-term CO2 storage; and CO2 capture. Areas of Interest are: Simulation and Risk Assessment; Monitoring, Verification, and Accounting (MVA); Well completion, stimulation; Capture and Transport; Pipeline Transport; Pre-Combustion Capture; Post-Combustion Capture; and Oxy-Combustion Capture.”
8. DE-FOA-0000042: Recovery Act: Clean Coal Power Initiative – Round 3 - NOTE, This is an amendment of FOA DE-PS26-08NT43101; both are associated with the Clean Coal Power Initiative – Round 3. Letters of Intent are requested no later than July 24, 2009. Closing date August 24, 2009.
“For this announcement, DOE’s specific objective is to demonstrate advanced coal-based technologies that capture and sequester, or put to beneficial use, CO2 emissions….to demonstrate at commercial scale in a commercial setting.”
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Neither Commerce nor any other state agency is involved in the distribution of these federal funds. The state’s role is to identify grant opportunities from this program and to either apply for the funds, or to put together a coalition of Washington entities to apply for the funds.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Yes. You must download and read the full FOA for all rules and obligations.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants - Competitive(Current as of 10/19/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Congress appropriated $3.2 billion for the EECBG Program, most of which (nearly $2.7 billion) will be distributed through formula grants (See EECBG – Formula). The balance includes $435.72 million for competitive grants, which will be awarded through a separate Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) from the U.S. Department of Energy. The request for information (RFI) sought comments from stakeholders by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 28, 2009. This is not a request for proposal. This RFI is not accepting application for financial assistance of financial incentives. DOE will review and consider all responses in their formulation of program strategies in the pursuant Funding Opportunity Announcement. To view the RFI click here. View the Washington State Department of Commerce's comments on the RFI here.
Per the RFI, the funds have been split into two pots with different eligibility requirements called Topic 1 and Topic 2 as follows:
- Topic 1: DOE anticipates that a total of up to $390.04 million will be available through competitive grants to the direct recipients under the formula EECBG program - States, U.S. Territories, counties (200,000 population or more), and federally-recognized tribes. DOE plans to make from only four to eight awards nationwide that are between $50 million and $100 million each. These funds are being targeted for a small number of high-profile, high-impact awards that will enable large-scale program of ongoing energy efficiency retrofits on residential, commercial, and public buildings in geographically focused areas. These programs should result in high-quality retrofits that lead to significant efficiency improvements to a large fraction of buildings within targeted neighborhoods or communities (i.e..,whole-neighborhood retrofits). Although no recipient cost share will be required, DOe plans to make awards that are highly leveraged (i.e., at least 5:1 per federal dollar invested).
- Topic 2: Up to $63.68 million will be available nationwide for cities less than 35,000 in population, counties less than 200,000 in population, and state-recognized tribes that are not federally-recognized. These funds are to be used to increase energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint in the commercial, residential, transportation, manufacturing, or industrial sectors. Projects are anticipated to be between $1 million and $5 million. DOE anticipates funding between 15 and 60 awards nationwide under this topic.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG Competitive Funding)
DOE is now accepting applications for up to $454 million in EECBG competitive grants. The competitive grants Funding Opportunity Announcement (PDF 394 KB) was issued on October 19, 2009 and applications will be accepted through Grants.gov until December 14, 2009. Download Adobe Reader. Awards will be made in two topics areas: (1) The Retrofit Ramp-up Program and (2) General Innovation Fund for Ineligible Entities. For complete details, please visit our Competitive Grants page.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Up to $453.72 million
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. The U.S. Department of Energy issued a request for information (RFI) on September 14, 2009. The RFI is not accepting applications for financial assistance or financial incentives. The RFI seeks comments from stakeholders by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 28, 2009. DOE will review and consider all responses in their formulation of program strategies in the pursuant Funding Opportunity Announcement. View the RFI here. View the Washington State Department of Commerce's comments on the RFI here.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Washington State reviewed the request for information (RFI) and has responded. The Washington State Department of Commerce role in distribution of the funds, if any, will be determined by the forthcoming guidance that is developed by U.S. Department of Energy based on stakeholder comments on the RFI.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. This will be determined by the forthcoming guidance.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
A. Please read the RFI at here. Please see the Washington State Department of Commerce response to the RFI here.
A. Meg O'Leary at meg.oleary@commerce.wa.gov or 360-725-3121
FAQ – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants – Formula(Current 10/1/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. ARRA appropriates funding for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to award formula-based grants to states, units of local government and Indian tribes under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
The Washington State Department of Commerce, Energy Policy Division will administer block grants for cities with fewer than 35,000 and counties with fewer than 200,000 in population. Only incorporated cities, towns and counties are eligible to apply for these funds. Regional councils of government, other local governments, state agencies, and the private sector are not eligible to apply for these funds. An eligible city or county may subcontract with these other entities with some limitations.
All cities and counties, regardless of size, will be eligible to apply for Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Grants and Resource Conservation Manger Grants per the table and links to fact sheets below.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $10,645,000 has been awarded to the state for the State Energy Program and funds for cities and counties. $6.4 million will be available from Commerce for grants to small cities with fewer than 35,000 and small counties with fewer than 200,000 population. The remaining funds will be used for three purposes: 1) provide local governments with energy efficiency through transportation planning assistance and resources; 2) expand the current network of resource conservation managers into more local governments; and 3) support the administration of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants formula program.
Block Grant Funds Available to Cities and Counties
| Type of fund |
Eligible Applicants |
Total Funding Available |
Timing for Applications |
Link to More Information |
| Energy Efficiency Grants for Smaller Cities and Counties |
Cities less than 35,000 and counties less than 200,000 in population |
$6.4 million in competitive grants |
September 30, 2009 |
Link to Guidelines |
| Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Grants |
All cities and counties, regardless of size |
$770,000 in competitive grants |
October 26, 2009, or four weeks after DOE approval, whichever is later |
Link to Guidelines |
| Resource Conservation Manager Grants |
All cities and counties regardless of size |
$750,000 in grants, first come first serve |
To be determined |
Link to fact sheet and a Link to Guidelines |
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
Commerce issued final guidelines for the competitive application process for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants for Smaller Cities and Counties with a due date of September 30, 2009. Here is a link to the final guidelines.
Washington State Department of Commerce, Growth Management Services will administer Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning grants via a separate competitive process for all cities and counties, regardless of size and whether they are receiving direct formula funds. The focus of these grants will be to reduce transportation-related energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle miles traveled. Approximately $770,000 will be available. Here is a link to the application guidelines on the Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Program.
Expansion of the current network of Resource Conservation Managers (RCM) into more local governments will be administered by the Washington State University (WSU) Extension Energy Program. All cities and counties will be eligible. WSU is in the process of developing the program. Approximately $750,000 will be available. Here is a link to the application guidelines, and a link to a fact sheet on the RCM program.
The Energy Policy Division of the Washington State Department of Commerce is maintaining a list of interested parties and will send out notices regarding updates to all of the EECBG grant programs to all interested parties and eligible applicants. Please send an e-mail to energy_policy@cted.wa.gov if you wish to be on the distribution list.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce has developed a competitive grant process to select recipients and distribute funds to cities with fewer than 35,000 and small counties with fewer than 200,000 population. See the final application guidelines for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants to Smaller Cities and Counties link. Commerce will also distribute Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Grants through a competitive grant process. See the application guidelines link. The Washington State Department of Commerce will work with WSU Extension Energy to administer contracts for the Resource Conservation Manager Grants. See the application guidelines link and the fact sheet link.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Accountability will be important and evaluation will be a component of the program. Fund recipients must comply with all requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. See the final application guidelines link for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to Smaller Cities and Counties, and the application guidelines link for the Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Grants, and the application guidelines link for the Resource Conservation Manager Program.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
A. For the Energy Efficiency Grants for Smaller Cities and Counties, contact Meg O'Leary at meg.oleary@commerce.wa.gov or call (360) 725-3121. Please also check this link for more frequently asked questions and answers. For the Energy Efficiency through Transportation Planning Grants, contact Anne Fritzel, at anne.fritzel@commerce.wa.gov or (360) 725-3064. For the Resource Conservation Manager Grants go to the RCM webpage here or, contact Karen Messmer at messmerk@enewrgy.wsu.edu or (360) 956-2090.
FAQ: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Research (Updated as of 6/17/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. States, universities, research laboratories, electric utilities, and private companies are expected to be the key entities eligible for funding from this program. However, each grant that opens under the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program can have different eligibility requirements. You must look at the federal guidance for each grant to determine eligibility and other requirements.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), $2.5 billion nationally is available for the entire program. Each grant, called a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for a different amount, and may have minimum and maximum award levels. Many FOA will open before all the monies under the Recovery Act are distributed. You must look at the federal guidance for each grant to know what amounts are available.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
The same information concerning Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) can be found on the web site - grants.gov using this link: http://www.grants.gov/ Use menu options to find Recovery Act Opportunities. There are a number of ways you can search for energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities, for example, you can search by agency (US Department of Energy). The most direct way is to search under CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number 81.087.
Since signing of the Recovery Act, a number of FOA have been announced, not all necessarily represent Recovery Act grants. Select the FOA of interest, and grants.gov will provide you a synopsis, with basic eligibility, requirements, opportunities, and closure dates. To get more specific information, you must use the FOA number to download the full grant opportunity at the web site Fedconnect.net using this link: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ You must register on the Fedconnect.net site to download the grant information. It takes some time and effort.
As of this update, June 17, 2009, there are approximately 10 outstanding grants offered under this program. See the DOE website above.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Energy Science And Research (Current as of 6/17/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. States, universities, research laboratories, electric utilities, and private companies are expected to be the key entities eligible for funding from this program. However, each grant that opens under the Science program can have different eligibility requirements. You must look at the federal guidance for each grant to determine eligibility and other requirements.
The purpose of the Science program is to foster and support fundamental research to expand the scientific foundations for new and improved energy technologies for understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy use.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Each grant, called a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is for a different amount. Many FOA will open before all the monies under the Recovery Act that will be dispersed by the Science program are expended. The Science program received $1.6 billion from the Recovery Act for use nationwide.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
The same information concerning Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) can be found on the web site - grants.gov using this link: http://www.grants.gov/ Use menu options to find Recovery Act Opportunities. There are a number of ways you can search for science energy opportunities, for example, you can search by agency (US Department of Energy). The most direct way is to search under CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number 81.049.
Since signing of the Recovery Act, a number of FOA have been announced. Select the FOA of interest, and grants.gov will provide you a synopsis, with basic eligibility, requirements, opportunities, and closure dates. To get more specific information, you must use the FOA number to download the full grant opportunity at the web site Fedconnect.net using this link: https://www.fedconnect.net/Fedconnect/ You must register on the Fedconnect.net site to download the grant information. It takes some time and effort.
As of this update, June 17, 2009, there are no open FOA.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- U.S. Department of Energy Loan Guarantees(Current as of 9/10/09)
Q: Who is eligible for the program and what can this money be used for?
A. The purpose of the loan guarantee program is to facilitate acceleerated commercializaiton of energy efficiency, renewable energy and advanced transmission and distribution technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy provides loan guarantees in support of funding for projects that employ new or significantly improved technologies that avoid, reduce or sequester air pollutants of greenhouse gases. This program is not intended for technologies in research and development.
Q. How much money is available?
A. The U.S. Department of Energy will provide up to $30 billion in loan guarantees, depending on the applications and market conditions, for renewable energy projects. Another $750 million will support several billion dollars more in loan guarantees for projects that increase the reliability, efficiency and security of the nation's transmission system. The U.S. Department of Energy guarantees the payment of all or a portion of the loan of an eligible lender.
Q. Where and how do I apply for the money?
A. U.S. Department of Energy issues technology specific solicitations to invite the submission of pre-applications or applications for loan guarantees for eligible projects. Only one application can be submitted per project sponsor for a particular technology. The solicitations can be found at http://www.fedconnect.net
Deadlines are on a continuous rolling basis. According to the U.S. Department of Energy typical project size is $100-$300 million. Equity commitment is 80/20. The loan guarantee cannot exceed 80% of the total project cost. Open solicitations can also be found in the publications library at http://www.lgprogram.energy.gov/keydocs.html. To receive updates regarding the program and future solicitation announcements, send and e-mail to lgprogram@hq.doe.gov
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Since this is a competitive funding opportunity, Commerce will not have a role. However, Commerce wants everyone to be aware of the opportunities available.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact for more information?
FAQ -- Smart Grid Demonstration (Current as of 5/14/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. All types of entities are eligible to apply, except other Federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $615,000,000
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. The lead for developing a regional proposal is the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
BPA is distributing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify partners within the region for a Smart Grid demonstration. While U.S.Department of Energy (USDOE) has not yet made final decisions on how to distribute federal stimulus funds for smart grid work or with whom they will partner, BPA is preparing for submitting a regional proposal as the timelines for submitting to USDOE are expected to be soon. BPA is seeking partner responses by May 18, 2009. The website where we post materials regarding our Smart Grid work, workshop materials, etc., is http://www.bpa.gov/energy/n/smart_grid/.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. None. A regional proposal is being submitted with the Bonneville Power Administration as the lead entity and is expected to be submitted by June.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. There will be a match requirement. Any participant will need to be willing to participate in the research effort.
Q. Where can I find the Department Of Energy (DOE) solicitations?
Q. I have questions for DOE. How do I reach them?
A. Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact at Washington State Department of Commerce to get more information?
FAQ -- Smart Grid training(Current as of 5/14/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. All types of entities are eligible to apply, except other Federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $100,000,000
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. None.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. There will be a match requirement. Any participant will need to be willing to participate in the research effort.
Q. Where can I find the Department of Energy (DOE) solicitations?
Q. I have questions for DOE. How do I get them answered?
A. Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact at Washington State Department of Commerce to get more information?
FAQ -- Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse (Current as of 5/14/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. All types of entities are eligible to apply, except other Federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $1,250,000
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. Applications were due to the U.S. Department of Energy on April 6, 2009.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. None. The funding is administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Cost sharing is encouraged, but not required.
Q. Where can I find the Department Of Energy (DOE) solicitations?
Q. I have questions for DOE. How do I reach them?
Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact at the Washington State Department of Commerce to get more information?
FAQ -- State Energy Program: 2009(Current as of 10/6/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. The funds can support a wide variety of energy projects. The funds may be used for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, projects or initiatives. Funds may be awarded to private or public entities through grants or loans. The goals for the State Energy Program are:
1.Increase energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and consumption for
consumers, businesses and government.
2.Reduce reliance on imported energy.
3.Improve the reliability of electricity and fuel supply and the delivery of energy services.
4.Reduce the impacts of energy production and use on the environment.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $60,944,000.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
The state's application contains four major program elements plus a significant planning and advisory role for the state's clean energy industry. These major elements has the support of the Governor and several bills passed by the Washington State Legislature. The elements are:
1. The Community-Wide Urban Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Program- $14.5 million will be used for the development and deployment of at least three large neighborhood based building energy effiency projects. The program will be administered by the Washington State University (WSU) Energy Extension Program under contract with Commerce.
2. The Farm Energy Assessments Program- $500,000 will be directed toward developing energy tools and training assistance to increase energy efficiency in the state's large agricultural sector. WSU will work with the Department of Agriculture and others to develop this program under contract with Commerce.
3. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Program- $38.5 million will be dedicated to a loan and grant fund to provide interim financing to renewable energy projects, to assist innovative companies that have commercial or near commercial energy technologies, and to support cost-effective energy efficiency projects. Commerce will be issuing a request for proposals (RFP) upon approval by the U.S. Department of Energy of the application- anticipated approval is June or July 2009.
4. The Energy Efficiency Credit Enhancement Program- $5 million will be directed toward credit enhancement mechanisms such as loan loss reserves and loan guarantees by financial institutions. This approach is intended to generate high levels of leverage for energy efficiency projects that go beyond direct loans.
The Clean Energy Leadership Initiative- Washington's Governor signed legislation on May 4, 2009, that creates an industry-based advisory committee to assist with development of a statewide energy strategy and to advise the state on development and implementation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act energy-related programs.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Washington State Department of Commerce, Energy Policy Division will work with partners to manage the programs and select the actual projects. Commerce issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Program is dependent upon the application approval by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is anticipated the state will receive approval of its application in June or July 2009.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Accountability will be important and the State Energy Program recovery goals and metrics will drive the determination of the process and selection of the projects. Fund recipients must comply with all requirements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Transportation Electrification(Current as of 4/29/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. All types of entities are eligible to apply as a prime applicant (Including, but not limited to state government agencies, local government agencies, institution of higher education, other non-profit organizations, and for profit organizations), except other Federal agencies, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractors, and nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $378,000,000
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. Application packets can be obtained at www.grants.gov. The due date for applications is May 13 th.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. None. However, the State of Washington is actively considering participating in a proposal to develop charging infrastructure.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. There will be a match requirement – below 50 percent will result in lower scoring. Any participant will need to be willing to participate in the research effort. Proposals require participation of a vehicle manufacturer.
Q. Where can I find the U.S. Department Of Energy (USDOE) solicitations?
Q. I have specific questions for USDOE?
A. Questions regarding the content of the announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal. You must register with FedConnect to respond as an interested party to submit questions, and to view responses to questions. It is recommended that you register as soon after release of the FOA as possible to have the benefit of all responses.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact at the Washington State Department of Commerce to get more information?
FAQ -- State Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP)
(Current as of 2/4/10)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. On October 15, 2009, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for participation in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded State Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP). Approval was received November 2009, authorizing development and implementation of this program.
Individual residential consumers in Washington replacing existing refrigerators and clothes washers with Energy Efficient appliances will be the final benefactors of the appliance rebate funds. These funds will supplement existing rebate programs. Our goal is to have a program that makes it easy for consumers to obtain both incentives. The program plans to make consumer rebates available by April 1, 2010, if all goes as scheduled.
Please Note: In many cases your local utility already provides generous appliance and equipment rebates. We urge you to call your local gas or electric utility to learn more, or search the Database of State Incentives: http://www.dsireusa.org. (Just click on the state of Washington map)
Q: What are the eligiblity requirements for this recovery fund program?
A: The eligibility requirements set forth by ARRA and Washington’s SEEARP include:
· Rebates are available to all Washington State consumers on a first come, first served basis until funds run out.
· Rebates are NOT available retroactively for purchases made before the official start of the program.
. Rebates are for the replacement of existing appliances in residential occupancies in Washington.
· Rebates are limited to one refrigerator and one clothes washer per household.
· Rebates are for appliances purchased from a Washington State store or where proof of payment of Washington State sales tax is evident on the receipt.
· To receive the state rebate for a refrigerator, proof must be provided that the replaced refrigerator was recycled, or at least decommissioned in accordance with state disposal laws.
· Rebates cannot be paid to commercial or institutional organizations, Community Action agencies, new construction, or landlords.
Q: What appliances will receive rebates?
A:
· ENERGY STAR Refrigerators (greater than 9 cubic feet adjusted volume) $75
· ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers (efficiency rating MEF>=2.46). $100
Q: Why these appliances?
A: In determining which appliances to include in the rebate program, Commerce considered the objectives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, State Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program and the amount of money available, as well as the goals of the 6th Northwest Power Plan. In doing our research we received input from the state's electric, gas and municipal utilities recommending that a majority of the funding be used for the replacement of older clothes washers with new higher efficiency clothes washers as this is where Washington would experience the biggest savings in electricity, water and waste treatment. One of the goals of the program is to introduce consumers to these new higher efficiency clothes washers and create a market transformation bringing significant long term benefits to Washington. Refrigerators were included based upon research, as well as feedback from retailers and utilities, regarding the potential energy savings for consumers.
Q: When will the rebates be available?
A: This program will be up and running by April 1, 2010, if all goes as scheduled.
Q: Will rebates be available retroactively?
A: No. Purchase must be made during the program period.
Q: Will rebates be available for new construction?
A: No. U.S. Department of Energy requires us to restrict the program to replacement of existing appliances. One of the goals of the program is to remove old, inefficient appliances from the electric grid.
Q. How much money is available?
A. The funding available for rebates to consumers is approximately $5, 607,450.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. The program plans to make consumer rebates available by April 1, 2010. Once a firm date is set for the start of the rebate program this web-site will be updated providing additional details of the program including where to access the appropriate rebate application documents.
Q. What is Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Washington State Department of Commerce will facilitate the distribution of money through an experienced rebate processing company. This company will leverage and enhance existing marketing efforts being implemented by Washington utilities and retailers to reduce administrative costs and maximize funds available for consumer rebates. Commerce is responsible for tracking funds and reporting to DOE.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Most importantly, remember that rebates will not be available retroactively, rebates will not be available for new homes and the rebates are limited to qualified appliances. U.S Department of Energy requires us to restrict the program to replacement of existing appliances. Any additional rules or obligations will be publicized as appropriate.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program(Current as of 5/11/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Washington State is scheduled to receive weatherization formula grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
The weatherization funding will be used to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total residential expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden.
Q. How much money is available?
A. $59,545,074
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. The weatherization funding available through ARRA will be awarded by formula allocation to 26 existing DOE-approved public or nonprofit entities in Washington State. These local agencies provide weatherization services to low income families in all counties in the state.
Low income families can apply for the weatherization program by contacting the local agency serving their area. The list of weatherization agencies and the counties that they serve can be found on CTED’s website at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/wxagency.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce will allocate the funding to the 26 local agencies through a formula grant that includes climate data and the number of low-income households in the service territory.
Commerce will monitor the Weatherization contractors to ensure the appropriate use of funds, rate of spending, required reporting, sound fiscal management, efficient and cost-effective services, quality assurance, energy efficiency, housing safety, and maximum production of weatherized units within the federal guidelines.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Washington State Low- Income Weatherization Program income eligibility guidelines are to serve up to 200% federal poverty or 60% state median income, whichever is greater. However, our priority is to serve families earning 125% of federal poverty guidelines.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Green Jobs & Workforce Development (Current as of 12/23/09)
Q. Who is eligible for recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Competitive grants are available through the federal government to state and local governments to help create jobs, improve infrastructure and lay a foundation for future economic growth. Federal agencies are making hundreds of grant opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and more are being created on a regular basis. To determine eligibility and focus of ARRA funds, please visit www.recovery.gov. For information on the competitive program grants, loans and direct federal contracts reported by Washington state and local governments please visit www.recovery.wa.gov and chose the “follow the money” tab.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Through the Evergreen Jobs Initiative the Evergreen Jobs Leadership Team are working together to pursue resources, including federal Recovery Act Funds. The Leadership Team has developed an endorsement process for federal applications to receive the Governor’s endorsement.
To date, twelve grant applications have been recommended for endorsement by the Leadership Team and have received the Governor’s endorsement. These applications are currently under review at the federal Departments of Labor or Energy. These grant applications total $36,172,494 and propose to serve
10,246 program participants.
Where, how and when do I apply for money?
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce is working with Employment Security, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Community Colleges and Technical Colleges to develop a strategy for competing for funds.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Please refer to the above link for specific information and the state and federal recovery site links above to learn more about each of the grants.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
HOUSING
FAQ -- Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program(Current as of 8/25/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Washington State received federal assistance for the Homeless Prevention Fund (HPF) program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Funds to the State of Washington:
|
Dept of Commerce – for rural counties known as the balance of state |
$11,126,387 |
|
Clark County |
$559,180 |
|
King County |
$1,863,675 |
|
Pierce County |
$1,224,641 |
|
Seattle |
$4,993,052 |
|
Snohomish County |
$1,262,714 |
|
Spokane |
$1,564,373 |
|
Spokane County |
$622,278 |
|
Tacoma |
$1,182,824 |
|
Vancouver |
$549,529 |
The award to the Washington State Department of Commerce is to serve areas in the balance-of-state that do not receive a direct award from HUD.
The following areas will receive a direct award from HUD: Clark County, the City of Vancouver, King County, the City of Seattle, Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, Spokane County, the City of Spokane and Snohomish County.
The purpose of the HPRP is to provide homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless - many due to the economic crisis - and to provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are experiencing homelessness. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance. The funds will provide for a variety of assistance, including: short-term or medium-term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, including such activities as mediation, credit counseling, security or utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. These funds were awarded to service providers in the balance-of-state who can provide emergency rental assistance and support individuals and families moving from homelessness back into stable housing.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Funding was allocated to balance-of-state counties based on a formula. Commerce will monitor the HPF contractors to ensure the appropriate use of funds and rate of spending.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
Q. I still have questions, who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Lead Hazard Reduction(Current as of 4/29/09)
Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions from citizens, businesses and agency and non-profit partners (Updated 4/08/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A.. If you are a homeowner, have a pre-1978 home, and qualify under low income guidelines, call Cynthia Sanderson at (360) 725-2941 for a potential referral to one of the sub grantees for this money to reduce the risk of lead exposure.
Under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (also known as the “stimulus package” or the “Recovery Act”), the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control received an additional $100 million to fund applications that were not funded in previous grant cycle. The Washington State Department of Commerce application was one of the awarded Lead Hazard Control Programs funded under ARRA.
Q. How much money is available?
A. The Washington State Department of Commerce was awarded $3 million that will be divided up among 10 sub grantees.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. We are not anticipating any additional funds for new sub-grantees. If you are one of the eleven sub-grantees we will be contacting you as to the requirements for starting the work and reimbursements.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. The money comes to the Washington State Department of Commerce and then contracts with the sub- grantees reimburses lead based paint remediation expenses.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Up to $9,122 for each housing unit. The funding will help reduce the risks of lead exposure in 162 residential units statewide in a three year period.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)(Current as of 8/24/09)
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Eligible applicants include states, units of general local government, and nonprofit entities or consortia of nonprofit entities, which may submit proposals in partnership with for profit entities.
Eligible uses of the funds include: establishing financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties, including such mechanisms as soft-seconds, loan loss reserves, and shared-equity loans for low- and moderate-income homebuyers; purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, in order to sell, rent, or redevelop such homes and properties; establish land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon; demolish blighted structures; and redevelop demolished or vacant properties.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Nationally, there will be $2 billion available to be distributed competitively.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published criteria on which to base competition for any grants awarded on May 4, 2009 and applications were due to HUD on July 17, 2009. Commerce worked with ten local partners and submitted an application on July 15, 2009 for $57 million. HUD will announce the awards between September 1 and December 1, 2009.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. If the application is successful, Commerce will receive the money from HUD and pass it through to the partners/sub-recipients chosen in the process described above.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. All materials used in the project must be produced in the United States. Recipients shall also use grant funds in a manner that maximizes job creation and economic benefit. Wages paid must meet Davis-Bacon requirements. Any program income generated by NSP activities will need to monitored and spent only on eligible NSP activities. Federal regulations will need to be followed, such as National Environmental Protection Act and the Uniform Relocation Act.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
INFRASTRUCTURE
FAQ -- Community Development Block Grant – Recovery (CDBG-R)(Current as of 8/24/09)
Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions from citizens, businesses and agency and non-profit partners
Q. Who is eligible for this recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. Eligible applicants include Non-Entitlement Cities (under 50,000 in population) and Counties (under 200,000 in population). Eligible activities include water and sewer facilities, community facilities, housing rehabilitation, or economic development projects principally benefitting low- and moderate-income persons.
Q. How much money is available?
A. The state CDBG program will receive an additional $4.1 million in Recovery funds on August 20, 2009.
Q. Where, how and when do I apply for money?
A. An email was sent to all eligible jurisdictions on March 5, 2009. Letters of Intent from those jurisdictions were due on March 13, 2009. Eligible projects that can meet the criteria in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and can demonstrate benefits to low- and moderate-income residents were invited to apply by June 1, 2009 and applications were due on June 8, 2009. The final list for Governor's Certification was certified on June 25, 2009. The amendment to U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the projects listed was mailed on June 26, 2009 and received by HUD on June 29, 2009.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce received the money from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and will pass it through six projects chosen in the process described above.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. Applicants receiving CDBG-R funds must award contracts based on bids within 120 days from the date the funds are made available to the state (December 18, 2009). All materials used in the project must be produced in the United States. Recipients shall also use grant funds in a manner that maximizes job creation and economic benefit. Wages paid must meet Davis-Bacon requirements.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
FAQ -- Public Works Board Drinking Water State Revolving Economic Recovery Loan Program (Current as of 11/16/09)
Who is eligible for this recovery fund program?
Publicly or privately owned Group A community water systems in the state, except for state or federal water systems. And Group B or individual water systems that meet the special eligibility requirements as described in the DWSRF Economic Recovery guidelines. For more information check the Department of Health’s website: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw/economic-rec.htm
How much money is available?
$38.4 million
Where, how and when do I apply for the money?
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) managed the application process. The application period closed on February 27, 2009.
What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
The Washington State Department of Health provided a recommended funding list of economic recovery projects to the Public Works Board (PWB). PWB approved the DWSRF ARRA project list on April 27, 2009.
The Department of Commerce underwrites, executes and manages the contracts approved from the DWSRF ARRA loan list. The PWB division staff underwrites and executes contracts. After contracts are executed, borrowers work with both the Local Government Division's Contract Administration Unit (C.A.U.) and the Department of Health staff concerning contract requirements. C.A.U. coordinates with Department of Health to ensure all contract requirements are met and loan draws are approved for payment.
Are there any other rules I need to know about?
If you applied for this funding, you would already have been notified by the Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Commerce as to the status of your application and contract.
What are the deadlines for obligating or expending these funds?
The deadline for obligating funds and beginning construction is February 2010.
What are the economic recovery requirements?
The DWSRF economic recovery contracts include several requirements to include, but not limited to Prevailing Wage laws (to include Davis Bacon), and ensure that all iron, steel and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States. For a list of all requirements contact Clare Billings at the e-mail address listed below.
I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
SOCIAL SERVICES
FAQ -- Community Services Block Grant(Current as of 7/7/09)
Q. Who is eligible for recovery fund program and what can this money be used for?
A. According to federal law, only Community Action Agencies may receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding. The money can be used to both ease the effects of poverty and eliminate the causes of poverty. There are thirty-one Community Action Agencies in the state of Washington that serve all 39 Washington counties.
Q. How much money is available?
A. Washington State has received an award of $11,916,784.
Q. Where, how, and when do I apply for money?
A. Community Action Agencies will receive an application from Commerce before June 1, 2009.
Q. What is the Washington State Department of Commerce role in distributing the money?
A. Commerce is in the process of awarding grants. Commerce will monitor grant recipients for performance.
Q. Are there any other rules or obligations I need to know about?
A. At this time, Commerce does not know of any additional rules or obligations beyond the regular CSBG rules and obligations.
Q. I still have questions. Who do I contact to get more information?
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