Comptroller Website Adds Education Grants Guide The Comptrollers Offices of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) has added a new feature to its website. Stimulus Funds for Education: A Guide to Select Competitive Grants (http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/OREA/GrantInfo.aspx) provides policymakers with a guide to select education-related competitive grants, including Race to the Top, available under the 2009 federal economic stimulus law. The web-only feature provides an overview of each grants purpose, the amount of federal funding available, current status (application dates, expected number of awards, etc.), and relevant links. OREA will regularly update the information on this site throughout 2010, posting grant applications as they are made available and noting any grant applications from Tennessee that are awarded funding. In addition, OREA staff will produce summaries of select grant applications, such as Race to the Top, for easy reference. (01/07/2010)
Energy Grant Deadline Approaching - Dec. 20 Submission The deadline for ARRA energy project grants is fast approaching and counties should plan now on any work being completed by June. 20, 2011, according to state officials. The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program, administered by the state Department of Economic & Community Development, is designed for local governments that did not receive a "direct" grant appropriation already through the ARRA package. The submission deadline is Dec. 20, 2009. For addition information, call 1-800-342-1340 or email ecd.energypolicy@tn.gov. (11/07/2009)
5 Fire Departments Receive ARRA Station Grants Five fire departments in Tennessee are receiving federal ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG), according to officials this week. The grants are part of a $210 million allocation through the federal stimulus act geared at such things as prepardness activities and new and upgraded fire stations. Departments receiving the grants include: * Monroe Tri-Community VFD Inc., Madisonville, $111,749 * City of Munford Fire Department, Munford, $1,817,000 * Niota Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Niota, $336,680 * Pigeon Forge Fire Department, Pigeon Forge, $2,045,072 * Livestone Cove Fire Department, Unicoi, $110,872 (09/25/2009)
$9.7 Million Awarded To Small Urban Transit Providers Eight small urban transit agencies will receive $9.7 million in ARRA funds for transit services in Tennessee's small urban areas of Bristol, Clarksville, Cleveland, Jackson, Johnson City, Kingsport, Lakeway and Murfreesboro.   Federal Recovery Act Transit funds are administered by TDOT's Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources. Tennessee received a total of $72 million in Recovery Act transit funds. Of those funds, $42.2 million was directed by the federal government to the state's four large urban areas, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. (09/21/2009)
10 Drinking Water Systems Receive ARRA Grants Some 10 small drinking water systems will receive Drinking Water Mentoring Initiative grants funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grants will provide free training materials and $15,100 in salary support to help the systems hire and train the next generation of drinking water professionals in Tennessee. The water systems selected to receive Drinking Water Mentoring Initiative Grants are:  Bruceton Water System (Carroll County) Byrdstown Water Department (Pickett County) Henning Water Department (Lauderdale County) Huntingdon Water Department (Carroll County) Jasper Water Department (Marion County) Luttrell-Blaine-Corryton Utility District (Union County) North Stewart Utility District (Stewart County) Scotts Hill Water System (Henderson County) Spring City Water System (Rhea County) Tracy City Water System (Grundy County) (09/15/2009)
County Audit Providing ARRA Recommendations The County Audit division of the State Comptroller's Office has laid out a number of recommendations for counties to follow in fully accounting for ARRA funding. All ARRA fund recipients will be held accountable for meeting the federal requirements under the stimulus act. Ultimately, compliance with ARRA is the responsibility of each county’s management. The attached checklist is intended to provide general implementation guidance for county governments in the State of Tennessee. The checklist procedures are indicative of the types of information that will be examined by the Division of County Audit during its annual audits. The checklist should not be considered an all inclusive list nor should it be used as a substitute for reading OMB guidance that is more detailed, according to County Audit officials. The checklist was not designed to guarantee compliance with ARRA or with requirements of other external monitoring or audit organizations (e.g. Offices of Inspector General). (09/10/2009)
ARRA Funding Will Help Train Future Drinking Water Professionals - Applications To Be Judged On August 24 Some $200,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is now available to help Tennessee drinking water systems hire and train the next generation of drinking water professionals in Tennessee. The Drinking Water Mentoring Initiative will provide up to 10 one-year grants to drinking water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people in counties with an unemployment rate of more than 10 percent. The funding for the Drinking Water Mentoring Initiative comes from the Fleming Training Center, which receives two percent of the federal funding granted to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. In 2009, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund received approximately $20 million in Recovery Act funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the Mentoring Initiative, the state will use a portion of the Fleming Training Center Recovery Act funding to offer free training, materials and $15,100 in salary support for small water systems across Tennessee. The remaining funds will be utilized for other Fleming Training Center programs. The Department of Environment and Conservation sent letters to 202 water systems that qualify for the grants and applications will be judged on Aug. 24, 2009. Grant recipients must hire and retain trainees for at least 12 months, and they are encouraged to foster a mentoring relationship with trained personnel on staff. Environment and Conservation staff will make site visits throughout the year to ensure trainees are being adequately mentored. All training classes will be held at the Fleming Training Center, which is operated by the Department of Environment and Conservation and provides water and wastewater training, certification and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems across the state. For additional information, go to: http://tennessee.gov/environment. (08/12/2009)
$56 Million In Law Enforcement Grants Provided In Tennessee Grants totaling more than $56 million are being awarded to cities and counties, state and local agencies and organizations that serve victims of crime in Tennessee through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The criminal justice grants now being delivered locally are: * Byrne/JAG awards through the state: $28.5 million in grants are being awarded, including grants to 50 of the state’s 95 counties. These grants are awarded through the state Office of Criminal Justice Programs in the Department of Finance and Administration, and many of the 166 grant awards in this area feature regional and statewide projects. * Byrne/JAG awards direct from the federal government: $19.5 million is being sent directly from the federal government to 87 cities and 78 of the state’s 95 counties to support all components of improving effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice system. * Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants: $5.5 million is awarded through the state to more than 100 Tennessee organizations providing services for victims of crime. VOCA grants primarily support programs for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and previously underserved areas. * STOP Violence Against Women grants: $2.8 million is awarded to more than 35 local government and non-profit agencies focused on implementing comprehensive strategies to address violence against women. STOP formula grants target funding to the hiring and retaining of criminal justice and victim service personnel who respond to violent crimes against women as well as improving responses to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. A complete list of agencies receiving the grants can be found at: http://www.tnrecovery.gov/finance. (08/10/2009)
1st Water, Wastewater Projects Receive Recovery Act Funding Ten communities and three utility districts have been approved to receive low-interest loans for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. The funding comes from a combination of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the State Revolving Fund Loan Program. Forty percent of the funding is in the form of principal forgiveness, which does not have to be repaid. The low-interest loans and principal forgiveness are used to finance the planning, design and construction of water and wastewater facilities. Through this program, communities, utility districts and water and wastewater authorities can obtain loans with lower interest rates than most can obtain through private financing. Interest rates for the loans can vary from zero percent to market rate based on each community’s economic index.   For the calendar year 2009, EPA provided $77 million in Recovery Act funding for the State Revolving Fund Loan Program and the state was not required to provide matching funds. In order to extend Recovery Act funding to a larger group of projects, Tennessee combined it with an equal amount of funding from the existing State Revolving Fund, which by law, cannot be used for another purpose.   Additional information about the program and a complete list of agencies receiving the grants can be found at: http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2342. (08/10/2009)
$17.9 Million Awarded To Rural Transit Providers Across Tennessee Some $17.9 million in Recovery Act funds will be provided to 12 rural transit agencies in Tennessee. The agencies provide transit services to all 95 counties in Tennessee.     Information on individual awards can be found on the Tennessee Department of Transportation website (www.tn.gov/tdot/recovery). Delta Human Resources Agency, East Tennessee Human Resources Agency, First Tennessee Human Resources Agency, Hancock County Transportation, Mid-Cumberland Human Resources Agency, Northwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency, South Central Tennessee Development District, Southeast Tennessee Human Resources Agency, Southwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency, Upper Cumberland Human Resources Agency, Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley, and Gatlinburg Mass Transit Service will all receive Recovery Act funds for capital and operational improvements.   Federal Recovery Act Transit funds are administered by TDOT’s Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources. Tennessee received a total of $72 million in Recovery Act transit funds. Of those funds, $42.2 million was directed by the federal government to the state’s four large urban areas, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville.   For more information on the awards, visit: http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2322. (08/10/2009)
18 CDBG Grants Awarded Using ARRA Funds More than $7 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) have been awarded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The ARRA dollars will fund 18 additional projects submitted in the 2008 CDBG funding cycle for community livability, water and sewer, and housing rehabilitation. The CDBG program enables local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low and moderate income. Under the Recovery Act recipients shall give priority to projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days of the grant agreement. Allocation of CDBG funds is based on priorities set at local levels where community needs are best known. The CDBG program is administered in Tennessee by the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Program Management. Grants awarded include: * Baileyton – $225,000 for improvements to the Baileyton wastewater treatment plant. * Charleston – $500,000 to construct a sewer line extension to 38 homes not currently served. * Crossville - $500,000 for improvements to the Crossville sewer treatment plant. * Enville - $62,938 to purchase a siren system alerting residents of severe weather conditions. * Gainesboro – $500,000 to rehabilitate the city’s water distribution system, which is currently experiencing a water loss of more than 46 percent per month. * Gates – $390,060 to update the clarifier and pressure filter system of the Gates water treatment plant, serving 604 residential customers, of whom 95.3 percent are low to moderate income. * Maury County - $474,000 to rehabilitate the Mt. Pleasant water system by replacing old water mains and customer water meters and installing pump controls to eliminate storage tank overflows, serving 5,534 residents, of whom 71.7 percent are low to moderate income. * McMinn County - $500,000 to construct a water line extension to 64 occupied households along two country roads in the northwestern area of the county. * Oneida - $500,000 for improvements to the Oneida sewer system. * Polk County - $450,000 to construct a sewer line extension to serve 38 homes in the Welcome Valley Road area. * Sharon – $188,873 to purchase a new fire truck/pumper for the fire department. * Smith County – $300,000 for use in building two new Emergency Medical Systems buildings. * Smithville – $500,000 to renovate the Smithville water treatment plant, serving 5,226 residents, of whom 74.5 percent are low to moderate income. * Somerville – $400,000 for the expansion and modification of the Somerville wastewater treatment plant to correct operational problems. * South Carthage – $225,000 to construct a new fire hall. * Tiptonville – $200,000 for improvements to Tiptonville’s sewer treatment plant. * Trenton – $500,000 for improvements to the Trenton sewer system. * Woodland Mills – $500,000 for the rehabilitation of 12 residential dwellings. (07/30/2009)
Counties Benefit From Latest $429 Million In Transportation Contracts The Department of Transportation has opened bids on some of the last state highway transportation projects to be funded through the federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To date, TDOT has awarded contracts on 190 Recovery Act funded projects totaling $429,793,126. TDOT will take bids on one other Recovery Act project in August. Opened bids this time around include: 1. Campbell County, bridge construction on US Highway 25W over the CSX Railroad 2. Johnson County, resurfacing on State Route 167 from Little Dry Run Rd. to US421 (SR34) 3. Stewart & Montgomery Counties, widening of US79 (SR76) from SR120 to east of the Montgomery County line For more information on ARRA and TDOT-specific information, visit: http://www.tn.gov/tdot/recovery (07/21/2009)
EPA Awards $77 Million For Water Projects The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Tennessee $77 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for clean water and drinking water projects across the state. The ARRA funding will allow the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to make a combination of low-interest loans and grants to Tennessee communities through the State Revolving Fund loan program for infrastructure improvements to wastewater and drinking water systems. In addition, the state will receive $458,806 to implement water quality management planning projects. These projects include grants to three Tennessee development districts to conduct green infrastructure needs analysis for communities to use in future State Revolving Fund efforts. For details about the program and the award, see: http://www.tn.gov/environment/recovery/srf.shtml. (07/15/2009)
ARRA Funds Help Preserve Jobs In Tennessee's Nonprofit Arts Industry The Tennessee Arts Commission is the recipient of Investing in Tennessee (IIT) grant awards, providing federal assistance for the sole purpose of protecting and preserving jobs in the nonprofit arts sector that are threatened by the current economic downturn. The funds are available as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Southern Arts Federation. Some 13 Tennessee arts organizations will receive a total of $326,550 in IIT funds. For additional information about the IIT grant awards, see: http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2206. (07/14/2009)
Tennessee Receives Early Disbursement Of Education Funds Totalling $56.9 Million Tennessee will receive $56.9 million of an early disbursement of ARRA funds targeting education. The announcement made recently provides Tennessee with a portion of the more than $2.7 billion being made available early to help states as they face increasing budgetary pressures. This funding represents that last third of the government services fund which was initially scheduled to be made available with the completion of Phase II applications as part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. SFSF, which total more than $48 billion, represent nearly half of the $100 billion set aside for the U.S. Department of Education as part of the stimulus bill. The SFSF is intended to augment state education budgets and drive reform. Of the $48 billion available in SFSF, approximately $8 billion is designated as part of a government services fund which is intended to provide states with maximum flexibility in addressing budget shortfalls and is available for education, school modernization, public safety or other government services. To view how much each state will receive early visit: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07012009.xls. (07/06/2009)
White House Issues Latest Guidance Report The White House Office of Management and Budget this week released "Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009." To access the guidance document, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/recovery_default. This report is the latest of several issued by the White House providing information and guidance into accountability and reporting standards involving ARRA resources. The other reports are available at this same website. (06/24/2009)
20 TN Jurisdictions Still Eligible For ARRA Bryne JAG Grants - Counties, Cities Here Have Yet To Apply Some 500 jurisdictions, including 20 in Tennessee, have not submitted their applications for funding under ARRA Byrne JAG. The deadline to apply is June 17, 8 p.m. EST. For further information about the grant program, visit http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/JAGrecoveryFAQ.pdf. Those jurisdictions that have not submitted an application include: * Benton County, $16,620 * Bolivar City, $20,297 * Cannon County, $10,884 * Carroll County, $18,826 * Grundy County, $35,446 * Hawkins County, $33,387 * Hickman County, $29,269 * Jackson County, $10,590 * Jefferson City, $11,178 * LaFollette City, $33,828 * Macon County, $20,003 * Meigs County, 15,590 * Milan City, $23,386 * Newport City, $36,182 * Rhea County, $23,827 * Rogersville Town, $14,708 * Smith County, $12,943 * Stewart County, $15,002 * Unicoi County, $11,619 * Union County, $15,738 (06/10/2009)
School Lunchrooms Receive ARRA Funding School food authority grants of nearly $2.3 million through the ARRA will fund the purchase of lunchroom equipment for school district’s participating in the National School Lunch Program. The ARRA provides this funding as a one-time appropriation to Tennessee. The focus of these competitive grants include purchasing equipment that improves the safety of food served in school meal programs, improving the overall energy efficiency of school nutrition operations, supporting expanding participating in school meal programs and improving the overall quality of school nutrition meals that meet dietary guidelines. For more information on these grants, visit http://tn.gov/education/recovery.shtml, and see “Grant Opportunities.” Additionally, a complete list of districts receiving the grants can be found at http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRASchoolNutritionCafeteriaEquipmentAwards.pdf. (06/10/2009)
Deadlines Approach For ARRA Law Enforcement Grants Deadlines for ARRA-related grant opportunities through the Bureau of Justice Assistance are drawing closer. For more available criminal justice grants, visit http://www.grants.gov and search under the Department of Justice. * Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program: Local Solicitation, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/JAGrecoveryLocal.pdf. Application deadline has been extended to June 17, 2009. * Enhancing Institutional and Community Corrections Grant Program, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09NationalCorrectionsSol.pdf. Applications are due June 22, 2009 * Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY09 Local Solicitation, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09JAGLocalSol.pdf. Applications are due July 9, 2009. (06/08/2009)
$550 Million Available In Emergency Services Grants - Fire Station Monies Available The U.s. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released application guidance for more than $500 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prepardness grants for fire station construction, port and transit secutity-funded by the ARRA. The grants are intended to go directly to local projects. The guidance includes $150 million for the Port Security Grant Program, $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program, and $210 million for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program. These fire grants are in addition to the $565 million in Assistance to Firefighters grants announced earlier this year. Full guidance and more information on preparedness grant programs can be found at: http://www.dhs.gov. (06/01/2009)
Panel Discusses ARRA Impact At TCSA Conference June 2 - PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE State and federal agency officials serving on a panel during TCSA's annual legislative conference June 2-3 in Sevier County discussed the impact of the ARRA with local officials. Below is a link to three of the presentations, offered here has a single PDF file. * Department of Education, pages 1-8 * Department of Labor & Workforce Development, pages 9-40 * U.S.D.A Rural Development, pages 41-47 (06/03/2009)
County Audit Releases ‘Must See’ Documents On Use Of ARRA Funds Before the first dollar of ARRA funding is spent at the county level, county government officials should fully understand the requirements they must comply with in order to receive and use those federal grants. The state Comptroller’s Division of County Audit today released three documents that deal with the procedures, internal controls and accounting principles to be used in accounting for the ARRA funds. Before any local government decides to apply for or accept ARRA grants, that government should determine whether it is willing and able to comply with the strict accounting, internal control, and reporting requirements of the grant. ARRA grants will be subject to accountability and transparency requirements that will necessitate additional accounting and reporting procedures. Governments that do not comply with ARRA provisions may be required to repay ARRA grants, according to Audit Division representatives. Those Division of County Audit documents can be found at: http://www.tn.gov/comptroller/ca/arra_ca.htm (04/30/2009)
Local Recycling, Landfill Programs Stand To Gain From Grants - Deadline June 25, 2009 Funding totaling more than $28 million is available for some 27 local governments from the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program for recycling and landfill gas projects. The State of Tennessee will receive an additional $13.8 million. Communities on the funding list are encouraged to use this money to cover the capital expenses of starting or expanding recycling programs. In some cases, for example, funding may help cover the costs of transition to single stream collection or other efficiency upgrades. Investing in processing equipment is also an excellent potential use of the funds. In addition, communities may spend the money on landfill gas projects. Access to the funding requires development of an Energy Efficiency Strategy approved by DOE which must be submitted at the time of application or within 120 days of award. The application deadline is June 25, 2009. For more information, including a list of direct distributions for Tennessee, go to: http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/grantalloc.html. (04/29/2009)
U.S. Education Dept. Issues White Paper To Stimulate Ideas For ARRA Funds Usage The U.S. Department of Education has issued a working paper that it hopes will spark ideas about how school districts and schools might use ARRA funds, particularly those available under the SFSF, Title I, and IDEA Part B programs. Districts generally have up to two years to obligate these funds. While many school districts may need to use a portion of their ARRA funds to save jobs, every district and school should be considering how to use these funds to improve student outcomes over the next two years and to advance reforms that will have even longer-term impact, according to the white paper issued April 24. ARRA provides billions of dollars to strengthen education through the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF); Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA); Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Pell Grants; Federal Work-Study; and other programs. It also provides support for adults with disabilities through the Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants program and the Independent Living programs authorized under the rehabilitation act. The document, found at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/uses.doc, includes framing questions for decision making and examples of potential uses of funds to improve educational outcomes from early learning through high school. (04/24/2009)
Homeless Student Population Helped With ARRA Funding The Tennessee Department of Education has released ARRA Title X McKinney-Vento Act funding for homeless students. These allocations represent funding for districts to meet the special needs of students who are homeless. These recovery act funds can be used for multiple purposes including coordinating social services, purchasing school supplies, paying for the cost of travel and providing supplemental instructional services. For details on allocations, go to: http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRA_Title_X_Allocations.pdf. (04/23/2009)
Schools Technology Funding Announced The Tennessee Department of Education has released ARRA Title II-D Education Technology funding data. The allocations represent funding that will be available for all districts to effectively integrate technology into the classroom and increase student achievement, as well as assist every student in crossing the digital divide by ensuring their technological literacy by the time they complete the eighth grade. For a complete district-by-district allocation, go to: http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRA_Title_II_D_%20Allocations.pdf. The Department of Education website also lists: * ARRA 2009 IDEA Awards at http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRA_IDEA_Allocations.pdf. * ARRA Title I Awards at http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRA_TitleI_funds.pdf. (04/21/2009)
11 Tennessee Counties Receive Weatherization Funding Some 11 Tennessee counties are in line to receive ARRA formula-based funding under the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program. More than $2.7 billion in formula grants are now available to U.S. states, territories, local governments and Indian tribes under the program, administered by the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy. Tennessee's total receipt from the program is more than $42.2 million. Some $28.4 million of that will go to counties and municipalities here. To see a list of entities eligible for formula grants and allocation amounts, go to http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/. (04/20/2009)
Transportation Projects To Be Funded Through ARRA, Bonding And Traditional Funds A final list of transportation projects to be funded with ARRA monies, proposed bridge bonds and TDOT’s regular funding mechanisms has been announced by Governor Phil Bredesen. The three-tiered program represents more than 450 projects statewide touching every county in Tennessee. The General Assembly is currently considering the transportation budget for approval. TDOT will let to contract all Recovery Act projects in May and June of 2009. A complete listing of all projects identified for funding is posted on the TDOT web site at: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Chief_Engineer/transadmin.htm. (04/14/2009)
Recovery Act Helps Students With Disabilities Across Tennessee The first round of education funding through the ARRA includes allocations representing approximately half of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding that will be available to school districts. The ARRA dollars represents significant funding for programs that help ensure children with disabilities, including children age 3-5, are provided services that meet their needs. Possible uses of these funds could include professional training for special education teachers, data collection to improve teaching and learning, and improving overall student achievement. School districts must apply for these funds, just as they have for regular allocations of federal IDEA dollars. Applications will be available on the Tennessee Department of Education’s Web site at http://tn.gov/education/recovery.shtml. Each school district’s awarded allocation will also be posted online. The remaining portion of ARRA IDEA funds will be awarded by September 30, 2009. For a complete list of allocations, please visit http://tn.gov/education/doc/ARRA_IDEA_Allocations.pdf. (04/06/2009)
ARRA Making Additional Summer Youth Jobs Available Some $25 million in funding is available for the Summer Youth Jobs Program in Tennessee counties. That translates into about 11,639 jobs available for disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Summer work will begin June 6 and ends on August 7. Youth must be low income, and have one or more of the following barriers: deficient in basic literacy skills, school dropout, homeless, runaway or foster child; pregnant or parenting, offender, or an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment. The grants will be administered at the county level. For more information call the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 1-800-255-5872. (04/02/2009)
Two State-Run Healthcare Facilities To Receive More Than $780,000 Uninsured and underinsured families in Tennessee will receive some $6.5 million in Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grants being awarded to the 23 federally qualified health centers in Tennessee through ARRA. With this funding, these health centers will be able to provide care to an additional 37,000 people in the state, more than half of whom – 20,000 – have no health insurance. Two state-run health centers are among the grant recipients. In addition to the Stewart County Community Medical Center, the Upper Cumberland Primary Care Project was awarded a grant. More information, go to For more information, go to http://www.tnpca.org. (03/31/2009)
Watershed Funding Opportunities Exist Through NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Recovery Act programs provide the greatest public and environmental benefits through floodplain easements and investments in watershed infrastructure improvements. Watershed rehabilitation projects mitigate the risks of failure and threats to public safety posed by aging flood control infrastructure. Potential projects are being evaluated and specific information will be posted as implementation proceeds. For additional information, see the NRCS website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/recovery/implementation.html. (03/27/2009)
ARRA Helps Funding For At Least 3 Major TDEC Grant Programs The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing significant levels of funding for states to finance high priority infrastructure projects needed to ensure clean water and safe drinking water. Tennessee is scheduled to receive $56,930,445 for its Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $20,238,000 for its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funding for drinking water and wastewater projects is being channeled through the existing State Revolving Fund loan program within the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC). Meanwhile, the federal stimulus funds are providing $1.7 million for Tennessee over two years for TDEC's Division of Air Pollution Control. The agency will use the funds to advance the existing Clean Diesel Grant program, which assists trucking companies with the eligible costs associated with the purchase of idling reduction units.  This will help reduce truckers’ fuel costs and achieve emissions reductions. Click here for Draft Intended Use Plans and Priority Rankling Lists of Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF Loan Programs under Recovery Act. For additional information on these grant programs, see the TDEC website at: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/recovery/index.shtml. (03/25/2009)
Tennessee Arts Commission ARRA Grants To Help Preserve Jobs - Application Deadline May 21, 2009 ARRA funds will provide federal assistance from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the sole purpose of protecting and preserving jobs in the nonprofit arts sector that are threatened by the current economic downturn. Application deadline is May 21, 2009. Applicants who receive funding through the “Investing In Tennessee” (IIT) grant category will be required to adhere to strict reporting under federal guidelines. An organization may submit one IIT application for up to $25,000, specifically for the purpose of jobs preservation. Threatened positions may include full-time permanent staff or contracted artists, technicians or part-time staff whose elimination impedes the organization from fulfilling its mission. Organizations may also use funding to re-contract with performing groups or exhibiting artists who were canceled due to the economic downturn. Because of the shortened application period, the IIT grant application will not utilize the commission’s eGRANT system. The application and specific guidelines are available through a special section on Commission’s Web site: http://www.arts.state.tn.us/grant_arra.htm Applications must be in the commission's office 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2009. Projects may begin no earlier that July 1, 2009, and must end no later than March 31, 2011. (04/21/2009)
School Buses Eligible For Diesel Grants Through ARRA - DEADLINE APRIL 28 Funding levels up to 25% or 50% of the cost of a replacement school bus, depending on the engine emission certification levels of the replacement bus, are available through the ARRA, according to the U.S. EPA. The age of the bus plays a role in the eligibility. All application packages must be received by the appropriate EPA regional contact by Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 4:00 p.m. in order to be considered for funding. In addition to the school bus grant funding, eligible diesel emissions reduction solutions include: verified emission control technologies including retrofit devices, cleaner fuels, and engine upgrades; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine repowers; and/or vehicle or equipment replacement. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses; medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and non-road engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling of cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary generators and pumps). Details on the specific allocations are available at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/documents/recovery-act-national-clean-diesel-rfa.pdf. Go to Page 14 to see the language about school buses. (04/16/2009)
Food Stamp Benefit Start Increasing April 1 Food Stamp program participants in Tennessee and across the nation are beginning to see the real effects of the ARRA. More than one million Tennesseans participate in the Food Stamp program, making up 473,000 households. Starting April 1, all participants will see a 13.6 percent increase in their monthly Food Stamp allotments. Those dollars are 100 percent federally funded through the United States Department of Agriculture. In general, a household of one will see a maximum increase of $24 per month, and a family of four will receive an $80 per month boost in benefits. For additional information about health-related Recovery efforts in Tennessee, go to http://state.tn.us/humanserv/recovery/arra.html. (04/01/2009)
Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs - Deadline April 22, 2009 The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs is opening the competitive grant application process for Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime & Drugs. This grant is available to “rural” law enforcement agencies. For the purpose of this grant, “rural” means agencies located in counties that are not part of a Metropolitan Service Area (MSA), or in a county within an MSA but with a county population of less than 50,000. Priority will be given to agencies not receiving the “direct grants.” For more information, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recovery/RecoveryRuralLE.pdf. (03/30/2009)
School Fund Grants Available From ARRA - Contact TN Department of Education For Details The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides a one-time appropriation to Tennessee of $2,275,738 for grants to school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for equipment assistance. Grant guidelines and applications can be found on the Tennessee Department of Education website at: http://www.tn.gov/education/recovery.shtml. (03/25/2009)
Governor Releases FY2009-2010 Budget Proposal Gov. Phil Bredesen on March 23 unveiled his proposal for a state budget that uses more than $4.5 billion over the next two years to reduce potential cuts and layoffs. The governor told lawmakers that the federal stimulus was not to be considered a silver bullet fix to the state's budget woes. Instead, the funds should be looked at as a way to buy time for departments and agencies where reductions will still be necessary over the next fiscal year. For information about the governor's budget, go to the state's website (03/24/2009)
Law Enforcement, Courts Could Benefit From JAG Stimulus Funding - Deadline May 18, 2009 The application deadline for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, is May 18, 2009. Additional funds have been allocated through ARRA for units of local government appearing on the FY 2009 Recovery Act Units of Local Government List. The state Department of Finance & Administration is the administrator of the Tennessee portion of the $19.5 million in federal grant funds. Visit the F&A website at http://www.tennessee.­gov/finance/rds/ocjp.htm for additional information, including the local jurisdictions eligible to apply as well as a link to the JAG application. JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice. (03/17/2009)
DOJ Awarding Funds To Crime Victim Programs The federal Department of Justice (DOJ) is awarding $100 million in funding to crime victim programs as part of ARRA. Some $47.5 million in formula funding will be directed to state agencies that administer VOCA-funded crime victim compensation programs and $47.5 million in formula funding will be directed to state agencies that administer VOCA-funded crime victim assistance programs. For Tennessee, that means as much as $1.4 million for compensation and another $911,000 for the assistance. A list of the allocations and an explanation of how the VOCA allocations were calculated is available HERE. More information about the National Field-Generated Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects (NFG) competitive grant solicitation is available HERE. (03/17/2009)
ARRA Accountability Training Offered Beginning May 21 The County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) and the state Division of County Audit is offering a series of training sessions across the state addressing the management and accounting requirements of ARRA funds. County officials who will be responsible for the accounting, reporting and/or overseeing of ARRA funds are strongly encouraged to attend one of these training sessions, scheduled at five locations beginning May 21 in Jackson. Additional sessions will be held May 29 in Johnson City, May 27 in Franklin, May 28 in Dunlap and May 29 in Oak Ridge. All of the four-hour sessions begin at 8 a.m. local time. To register, fill out the registration form here and return it to CTAS. Four hours of Category A or Recertification credit will be given to attendees who are enrolled in the County Officials Certificate Training Program (COCTP). (05/07/2009)
ARRA Panel Scheduled For June 2 in Sevier County A panel of state and federal agency officials will present the latest of what they know about the local government impact of federal Recovery Act funding, from their perspectives, during the annual Legislative conference June 2-3 in Sevier County (Gatlinburg) hosted by the Tennessee County Services Association. Those registered for the TCSA conference are invited to participate in the information session set for 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2. Invited speakers will come from the state Departments of Education, Labor & Workforce Development, Economic Development and Transportation, as well as the U.S.D.A Rural Development office. Recertification credit through the CTAS County Officials Certificate Training Program (COCTP) will be provided to those attending the session. Registration for the two-day legislative conference is available on-site at the Glenstone Lodge. For additional information, visit the TCSA website at: http://www.tncounties.org. (05/22/2009)
April 2 Webinar To Discuss Recession, ARRA’s Local Funding The National Association of Counties (NACo) is offering a series of free webinars designed to provide county officials with information and ideas about coping with and recovering from the recession. The first webinar, Leading in Tough Times: Implementation of the Stimulus Package – What Counties Need to Know, will be held at 1 p.m. (CST) Thursday, April 2, and will run 75 minutes. With funds from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) already reaching the state and local governments, participants will learn what’s in it for counties; the purpose, structure and status of key funding for counties; and the important accountability requirements of the law. For additional information, visit the NACo websites at http://www.naco.gov. (03/25/2009)
Tennessee ARRA Budget Estimates The state Department of Finance & Administration is continuing to revise its estimates of how much Tennessee will likely receive over the next two years from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) signed into law in February. Governor Bredesen and the Administration are using the $4.5 billion projections to help structure the 2009-2010 state budget, expected to be released to the General Assembly on March 23. The F&A estimates can be found at http://tnrecovery.gov/030309-TN-Allocation-Summary.pdf. (03/16/2009)
TN Schools To Receive $194.1 Million In Title I Grants Tennessee school systems are poised to receive an estimated $194.1 million in new Title I grant funding through ARRA. Specific allocations under the act can be found HERE. As a whole, the ARRA provides $10 billion in additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Title I, Part A funds to local education agencies (LEAs) for schools that have high concentrations of students from families that live in poverty in order to help improve teaching and learning for students most at risk of failing to meet state academic achievement standards. Additional education funds have been designated within ARRA. Specifics of those funds have not yet been announced. The federal Department of Education’s Recovery website can be found HERE. (03/16/2009)
Deadline April 27 For EPA's Diesel Emission Reduction Act Program Grant Applications U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign is announcing the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) program will soon open its grant program, funded through ARRA. The deadline for proposals will be April 27, 2009. ARRA funding for DERA grants will focus on promoting economic recovery, preserving and/or creating jobs, and reducing diesel emissions. Early information about the DERA grant program can be found on the EPA National Clean Diesel Campaign website at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/prognational.htm. EPA Region IV estimates that approximately $19 million will be available for projects in the southeastern region. Some of the eligible projects, such as diesel retrofits, would provide 100 percent funding. DERA funds may also be used to cover the incremental cost of biodiesel above the cost of conventional diesel. It is expected that proposed projects could include a broad reach of diesel engines, including ports, airports, locomotives, agricultural pumps and off-road equipment as well as transit buses, school buses, etc. This could be an excellent opportunity to do some significant projects to address harmful diesel emissions, as well as to bring much needed stimulus funding into your area. (03/16/2009)
ARRA Funds To Help Landowners Restore Floodlands More than $145 million is being set aside to help Tennessee landowners restore thousands of acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The ARRA funds are available through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. Landowners can sign up for the easements through March 27, 2009 at their local USDA Service Center. The funding includes both technical and financial assistance to restore the easements. The goal is to have all floodplain easements acquired and restored within 12-18 months. Additional information can be found at http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov. (03/16/2009)
State Creates ARRA Website The State of Tennessee has rolled out a website to help county officials and the general public as they follow the projects and spending plans involving the federal stimulus funds being released to the state. The website, http://www.tnrecovery.gov, provides various links to state department Recovery websites and includes the latest news related to ARRA implementation in Tennessee. (03/16/2009)
Information Sessions Scheduled For ARRA Law Enforcement Grants - NOTICE DATE CHANGES FOR JACKSON & NASHVILLE With ARRA, the Byrne Justice Assistance "Direct" Grant Award will be available to many more local governments than usual. The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) has teamed up with the Office of Criminal Justice Programs to bring informational seminars to three locations. County sheriffs and/or their representatives have been invited. OCJP will be available to answer questions. Agencies that have not an opportunity to apply and receive funds in the past are likely to be eligible for these monies. Additional information can be founds at http://www.tacp.org. The three locations include: 1: NASHVILLE - March 24 2 offerings: 10am to 12noon and 1pm-3pm at Metro Nashville PD North Precinct, 2231 26th Avenue North, 615.862.4410 2: JACKSON - March 25 10am to 12noon at Highland Park Conference Center, 615 West Forest Avenue, Jackson (Next to Jackson General Hospital) 3: KNOXVILLE - March 26 12noon to 2pm at Knoxville Family Justice Center, 400 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville 37915 (03/20/2009)
Deadline Changed For ARRA Funds To Help Restore Floodlands - Counties Eligible For Funding The deadline for applications has changed to April 10 for the more than $145 million being set aside to help Tennessee landowners, including counties, restore thousands of acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the list of applicants includes individuals, state and local governments. Land is eligible if it has been damaged by flooding once in the last 12 months or twice in the last 10 years. Also, land that would be inundated as a result of a dam breach is eligible. The funding includes both technical and financial assistance to restore the easements. The goal is to have all floodplain easements acquired and restored within 12-18 months. Additional information can be found at http://www.tn.nrcs.usda.gov. (04/08/2009)
COPS Hiring Recovery Program Opens Application Process - Deadline Is April 14, 2009 An additional $1 billion has been approved for COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). Applications opened on March 16, 2009 with applications available on the COPS Website. The application is expected to be open until April 14, 2009. Some materials and information about the program include: a CHRP Fact Sheet that provides a general overview of the program, an explanation of some funding provisions, and links to resources that can help law enforcement agencies recruit, train, and retain quality officers; a COPS Office CHRP Podcast, available on the COPS home page, offers an overview of the program, explains some eligibility requirements, walks potential applicants through some necessary pre-application procedures, and answers a few frequently asked questions about the program; CHRP Non-Supplanting FAQs, providing additional answers to common questions that potential applicants have about the non-supplanting requirement, which requires that COPS funding supplement, not replace, funds that would have been dedicated to law enforcement, if federal funding had not been awarded; and CHRP Retention FAQs that can likewise provide answers to common questions about the retention requirement, which ensures that grantees retain CHRP-funded officers for 12 months following the initial 36-month grant period. (03/16/2009)
Department of Energy EECBG Program Alert - Webinar At 1 p.m. (CST) April 16 The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has released detailed guidance for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The National Association of Counties (NACo) is providing a free Webinar on the program beginning at 1 p.m. (CST) Thursday, April 16. The ARRA appropriated $3.2 billion in FY09 for these grants. Funding allocations, program guidance and application package are now available. Applications for counties are due June 25, 2009. For additional information on the program, go to the DoE website at http://www.energy.gov/recovery/index.htm. Interested in the Webinar? Is your county “eligible” for direct formula grants or do you need to apply for funds through your state energy office or the competitive grant process? This webinar will explore eligibility determinations, funding allocations, application requirements, eligible projects, and reporting measurements. Participants will participate in an interactive question and answer period with speakers. Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/197096431. (03/27/2009)
Bids In For 10 Local Bridge Projects Funded Through ARRA The bids are in and the Tennessee Department of Transportation has identified the 10 lowest responsive bidders on the state’s first infrastructure projects funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). TDOT officials, contractors and others gathered at the TDOT Nashville Regional Complex on March 20 as the sealed bids were opened and read aloud for the 10 local bridge replacement projects to be funded through the Recovery Act. TDOT officials are currently reviewing the bids and are preparing to announce the contractors for each bridge. (03/22/2009)
TDOT Includes 10 Local Bridges On ARRA Project List The state Department of Transportation has included 10 locally owned bridges in its March 20 letting of projects using federal ARRA monies. The estimated construction cost for these county BRZ projects is $7.95 million. The entire construction cost of the projects will be covered using ARRA funds. The preliminary engineering and right-of-way phases will retain the required 20-percent local match. However, the local match will be waived during the construction phase. Under this schedule, the projects could be underway by the end of March, according to state officials. For additional information, see: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/recovery. (03/16/2009)