Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (EAA) - Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC)

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Purpose

To produce multiple economic and workforce development outcomes for workers and communities negatively impacted by changes in the coal economy, such as promoting regional economic growth and diversification, new job creation, and reemployment opportunities for displaced coal economy workers.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

There is no pre-defined list of impacted coal communities. Projects must be consistent with the region’s current Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) or equivalent EDA-accepted regional economic development strategy that meets EDA’s CEDS or strategy requirements.

Decarbonization Considerations

This funding can support the public infrastructure needed to create new or enhance existing programs for clean energy or EV supply chain opportunities. Explore integrating new clean energy and EV supply chain manufacturing hubs/business parks into regional economic development plans. Where possible, consider whether partnerships with universities or community colleges could be leveraged to launch an economic diversification and workforce development strategy to promote and enhance the growth of emerging clean energy industries and retain local talent.

Equity Considerations

This is an opportunity to enhance supply chains, attract new energy and transportation sectors, and provide job training for out of work energy and industry professionals or those looking to transition to clean energy and EV supply chain related industries. This is particularly critical for communities in transition from being heavily reliant on coal.

Helpful Tips

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the EDA representative listed for their applicable State in Section G of this NOFO before submitting an application to EDA to clarify technical matters involving their project, its alignment with EDA’s mission and Investment Priorities, and all other relevant publicly available information relating to general technical matters.

Other Notes

Due to the extraordinary level of interest in EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance there has been an unusually high volume of applications received. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their applicable EDA Regional Office representatives to discuss their needs and availability of funds. Prospective applicants can find current contact information for EDA Regional Office staff at https://www.eda.gov/contact/.