EDA Announces Funding for Indigenous Communities
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has released an update to the FY 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (PWEAA) funding opportunity, which now includes an additional $5 million specifically allocated for indigenous communities.
This increase builds upon the initiatives of the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Assistance to Indigenous Communities (AIC) program, furthering EDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its funding opportunities to better support indigenous communities.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda is about ensuring that all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy,” stated Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “The $5 million in targeted EDA funding provided through our Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance funding opportunity will boost the capacity of Tribal nations to advance economic development projects that will create new businesses and jobs.”
In line with Executive Order 14112, EDA aims to give Tribal Nations the flexibility needed to spur economic growth, address specific community needs, and fulfill their future visions. EDA encourages non-construction project applications that focus on capacity-building, planning support, and technical assistance for foundational economic infrastructure projects. Such infrastructure may include broadband, energy, road, water, and wastewater facilities, as well as vocational and higher education facilities, community health, and childcare centers crucial for job creation and economic mobility.
Projects may also offer technical assistance to foster business development, entrepreneurship, economic planning, rural prosperity, and workforce training within indigenous communities.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity aims to promote broad economic development in alignment with EDA’s investment priorities. It also seeks to incorporate specific focuses on equity, workforce development, and climate change resiliency where feasible, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders.
The update includes technical revisions related to applying changes to 2 CFR Part 200 to awards under the PWEAA funding opportunity.
