Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grants Program
Federal Agency
Sub-Department
Grid Deployment Office (GDO)
Purpose
To support transmission siting authorities on siting impact analyses, examination of alternate siting corridors, participation in regulatory proceedings in another jurisdiction, actions that may shorten the approval or permitting process, or economic development activities for communities affected by the siting of the project.
Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements
"Siting Authority" refers to State, local, or tribal entities with authority to make a final decision regarding siting, permitting, or regulatory status of a covered project. "Covered transmission projects" include high-voltage interstate or offshore electricity transmission lines, that operate at a minimum of (interstate) 275 kilovolts (AC or DC) or (offshore) 200 kilovolts (AC or DC).
Decarbonization Considerations
Siting processes for transmission facilities can significantly delay large-scale projects if not properly regulated. This grant funding available for transmission siting creates specific incentives to speed up the process, and ease the siting and permitting process for State, local, and tribal siting authorities.
Equity Considerations
The construction of large-scale transmission projects is necessary to facilitate the connection of distant renewable energy sources to communities, and advocates including the Center for American Progress have long called for removing barriers to interregional collaboration, and minimizing disruption to communities with the construction of new transmission lines. Economic development activities in the areas surrounding these projects should support those affected communities, and move towards the White House Justice40 goals. Learn more here: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/advancing-equity-grid-modernization/
Helpful Tips
Community-based projects can include: Energy investments such as resilient microgrids, renewable power integration, or electric vehicle charging infrastructure; support for essential community facilities for public safety, healthcare, education, and improved transit; or encouraging community togetherness by investing in community centers and creating green spaces; and support for a growing workforce with job training and apprenticeship programs.
Other Notes
Final decisions on the siting or permitting of the covered transmission project must be made not later than 2 years after the date on which the grant is provided. Economic development funds may only be released after the approval or commencement of construction of the covered transmission project.