FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2006 

$15 Million Available For Rural Projects

The Business and Economic Development Department (BEDD) of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska would like to bring your attention to funds that are available from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for public infrastructure projects. Projects must lead to long-term, private sector jobs and investment.

The maximum Federal grant rate is from 50% to 80% (depending on eligibility, competitiveness of the project and other factors). Native and Tribal organizations are eligible for a higher grant rate, up to 100% (also, depending on eligibility, project competitiveness, and other factors). Projects must be included in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to qualify for funding. Based on BEDD’s understanding of the program, the following should be a target for proposed projects: for every $10,000 in funding, it is expected that a project will result in one full-time, private sector job; for every dollar of EDA funding, it is expected that a project will generate $22 dollars in private investment. Again, funding decisions are dependent upon many factors, including eligibility and project competitiveness.

EDA will make grants to public bodies, such as cities, Native Tribal or village entities, boroughs, the state, and certain categories of non-profit organizations.

Pre-applications (form enclosed with electronic news release) must be submitted to EDA by mid January, please keep them short. Upon approval of the pre-application, EDA staff may be available to go out to the community to help write the application.

Based on BEDD’s understanding of the program, the following are the things to consider when applying. These are recommendations only; we encourage you to contact EDA for details.

  1.        1.       It can take up to six months for you to receive the award after both the pre-application and application are approved. It may take another six months for the project to begin. Please plan accordingly. This may not apply to all projects.
  2.        2.       Be realistic on environmental impacts. Pay attention to historic preservation, marine mammals, and other issues. It will help avoid delays with processing of your pre-application and application.
  3.        3.       Projects that result in significant regional impact and lead to creation of private sector jobs and investment, will be given priority. EDA can help identify the kind and number of jobs created by your project.
  4.        4.       Acquisition of title may be an allowable cost.
  5.        5.       Construction is encouraged to start within two to three years after the date of award, at the latest. Construction has to be completed within five (5) years from the date of award.
  6.        6.       Application development costs will not be reimbursed by EDA.
  7.        7.       Community Development Block Grant funds can be used as matching funds.
  8.        8.       Administration costs are suggested to be equal to or less than 18% of the construction budget (applies to construction projects). Indirect rate must be approved in advance.
  9.        9.       Low or no consultant fees are preferred.
  10.   10.       Low or no in-kind contributions are preferred.
  11.   11.       Keep your pre-application short. Please feel free to email a brief summary of your idea / project description to EDA for feedback.
  12.   12.       Communities that are economically distressed will get first priority.
  13.   13.       You are encouraged to try other sources of funding first; combine EDA funding with other sources; and, contribute your local funds.
  14.   14.       Make sure / show proof of local utilities being able to support the project.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy:

Projects must be present in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to qualify for funding. Business and Economic Development Department of Tlingit and Haida Central Council will partner with the Southeast Conference to develop CEDS update for 2007. Work on CEDS with Southeast communities will begin early next year. The department is looking for Native and Tribal entities, ANCSA corporations, and municipalities to partner for this project. Please contact BEDD Manager, Andrei Chakine, via email achakine@ccthita.org to discuss partnership opportunities.

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For more information contact:
Andrei Chakine, BEDD Manager
9097 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801
Ph: 907.463.7121  |  Fax: 907.463.7356
E-mail: achakine@ccthita.org

Media Contact:
Jodi Wolf, CCTHITA Publications
9097 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801
Tel. 907/463-7123
Email: jwolf@ccthita.org