Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA, American Recue Plan)
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Purpose
To plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs. This flexible program supports a wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
States, local governments (including cities, townships, counties), special district governments (e.g. public utilities), federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofits, institutions of higher education.
Decarbonization Considerations
The NOFO includes the following consideration for climate and resiliency, broadly defined: "The extent to which the project is resilient to future pandemics or other sudden and severe economic dislocations, as defined in section A.4 (e.g., closures of major local employers, climate change), and resilience is integrated into the project scope of work;". Accordingly, decarbonization options may include workforce training and development for 1) industries impacted by climate change and 2) industries and major local employers impacted by the energy transition. 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
The NOFO includes the following consideration for equity: " The extent to which the application articulates a plan for ensuring that the project’s benefits are shared across all affected communities. Although not required, EDA encourages efforts to reach historically underserved areas, rural areas, minority populations, and women."
Helpful Tips
Unlike with past EDA grant programs, applications that provide more match may be more competitive.
Other Notes
This is the EDA's most flexible funding program under the American Rescue Plan. Previous awardee fact sheet: https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Economic-Adjustment-Assistance-Fact-Sheet.pdf