There are three types of requests that you can submit to my office, listed in the order they appear on this web page:
Deadlines for all requests have passed.
All Transportation & Infrastructure Member Designated Project requests submitted by Congresswoman DelBene to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for inclusion in the surface transportation reauthorization legislation are posted here. The selection of a project does not guarantee it will be funded by the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Congresswoman DelBene has also certified to the Committee that neither she nor her immediate family have a financial interest in the requests made.
Submission of a request does not create a binding commitment on any party nor a guarantee that any organization or program will be awarded funding from any federal agency. Once submitted, this request may be made publicly available. For-profit entities are ineligible to apply for a MDP.
Capital projects eligible under title 23, United States Code, and chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, are eligible for funding requests under T&I’s project submission process. The best way to ensure project eligibility is to select projects included on the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Projects included on the STIP or TIP already have been certified as eligible for FHWA or FTA funding and do not require further verification of eligibility.
For projects not on the STIP or TIP, the Committee will require additional documentation, including: verification whether the project can be added to the STIP or TIP in a reasonable timeframe if the funding request is included in the legislation; whether the project is on a long-range transportation plan; and verification of eligibility for the proposed activity under title 23 or chapter 53 of title 49 by the relevant federal agency.
Please note that the eligibility criteria for MDP overlaps with the criteria for the Community Project Funding Department of Transportation – Local Transportation Priorities account. Therefore certain project may be eligible for consideration under both processes. If you would like your project considered through both processes, you will need to submit both the CPF form and MDP form as they fall under two committees that have their own distinct set of questions. Because the deadline for MDP is earlier than CPF, you must note when submitting the MDP form whether you will also be submitting the same project under CPF.
All Community Project Funding requests submitted by Congresswoman DelBene to the House Appropriations Committee are posted here. The selection of a project does not guarantee it will be funded by the House Appropriations Committee. Congresswoman DelBene has also certified to the Committee that neither she nor her immediate family have a financial interest in the requests made.
Please read the eligibility criteria and selection guidance carefully before submitting a request. Interested parties can review the Appropriations Committee announcement to learn more about the general guidelines required for submitting these requests. Submission of this information does not create a binding commitment on any party nor a guarantee that any organization or program will be awarded funding from any federal agency. Once submitted, this request may be made publicly available.
For-profit entities are ineligible from receiving CPF, and submissions will be required to include demonstrated community support for the project. My office will be prioritizing projects that have the greatest chance of success of being included in the final appropriations bill. Latest update on FY22 Community Project Funding can be read here.
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS:
Agriculture-FDA
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) owns and operates laboratories and facilities across the United States. Many of these laboratories/facilities are decades old, have outlived their functional lifespan, and are badly in need of major repairs, renovation, or replacement. Facility requests must be for ARS-owned facilities or for facilities that will enhance ongoing ARS work. Requests can assist in the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the Department of Agriculture.
Grants to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities, to purchase equipment, and pay other related project expenses. Essential community facilities include, but are not limited to, healthcare facilities, public facilities, public safety measures, educational services, or other community support services. Examples of eligible projects include; medical or dental clinics, towns halls, courthouses, childcare centers, police or fire departments, public works vehicles, or distance learning equipment. Any project must serve a rural area as specified in 7 CFR 3570.53, and the Member’s request must demonstrate community support.
Such requests are also subject to the maximum grant assistance limitations specified in 7 CFR 3570.63(b). Community Facilities grants generally cannot be used to pay initial operating expenses or annual recurring expenses, refinance existing debt, pay interest, build or repair facilities in non-rural areas, or pay for construction costs of facilities that will be used for commercial rental space.
ReConnect broadband pilot grants facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Grants funds can be used for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to 4 provide broadband service to rural areas without sufficient broadband access, defined as 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream.
The area must be rural and lack sufficient access to broadband service. A rural area is any area which is not located within: (1) A city, town, or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants; or (2) an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants. Sufficient access to broadband is defined as greater than 90% of any rural area in which households have fixed, terrestrial broadband service delivering at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. Mobile and satellite services will not be considered in making the determination of sufficient access to broadband.
Stand-alone middle-mile projects are not eligible under the ReConnect Program. However, middle-mile facilities are eligible if they are needed to bring sufficient broadband service to all premises in the area.
Members are strongly encouraged to include information in their requests, such as the number of households, businesses, or farms will be served in the area, what the performance of the service to be offered will be, and whether healthcare or educational facilities will be served.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached.
Commerce-Justice-Science
Byrne JAG Grants assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to prevent crime, improve the criminal justice system, provide victims’ services, and other related activities. Community projects funded under this category must comply with the requirements cited in JAG statutes and be consistent with Justice Department guidance for the program. Below are the links to the Department’s guidance and frequently asked questions regarding Byrne-JAG:
https://bja.ojp.gov/program/jag/overview
https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/jag-faqs.pdf
The Committee encourages community project funding designed to help improve police-community relations. Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or buildings under this account.
Funding will be provided for community project grants for State, local, and tribal law enforcement to develop and acquire effective technologies and interoperable communications that assist in investigating, responding to, and preventing crime, provided that such equipment meets the applicable requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES).
This funding will allow recipients the opportunity to establish and enhance any of a variety of technical equipment and/or programs to encourage the continuation and enhancement of community policing efforts within their jurisdictions. These projects should help improve police effectiveness and the flow of information among law enforcement agencies, local government service providers, and the communities they serve.
Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account. Recipients of community project funding under this account may not subgrant to other organizations or agencies
Community project funding for NOAA will only be considered within the Operations, Research, and Facilities account. This account does not fund construction projects, and as such, any such requests will not be considered. Requests for funding will be considered for research, demonstration, or education projects performed by external partners or for prioritizing NOAA internal funds for geographically specific projects. Any such project must be aligned with NOAA’s mission and within their existing authorities.
The subcommittee will not entertain requests for community project funding for the National Weather Service or the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
Coastal Zone Management funds are distributed to states on a formula basis and will not be considered for community project funding.
Historically, the Committee has not funded vehicles or building construction or renovation as part of community project funding under this account.
Funding must be for activities consistent with and supportive of the work of NASA’s mission directorates and within the agency’s authorities, such as STEM education activities and scientific research. Funding for building construction or renovation projects will not be considered for community project funding.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached.
Defense
- Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Army
- Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Navy
- Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Air Force
- Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Space Force
- Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Defense-Wide
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts will be available after the President’s budget is released.
Energy and Water
o Investigations
o Construction
o Mississippi River and Tributaries
o Operation and Maintenance
o Water and Related Resources
All requests for the Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) accounts listed above should reflect a funding amount that can be realistically utilized in FY22. In the event that the Subcommittee cannot fully fund your request, the Subcommittee may reach out to the Corps and Reclamation regarding useful increments of funding.
Please note that for the Corps, the Subcommittee may provide funding for a very limited number of new start projects, if any, in the Investigations, Construction, and Mississippi River and Tributaries accounts. While requests for new starts in these accounts will be accepted, please consider this limitation when making requests.
Please note that for the Corps, the Subcommittee may provide funding for a limited number of Environmental Infrastructure projects, if any, in the Construction account. While requests for specific projects will be accepted, please consider this limitation when making requests. For these projects, please provide the requested information in the appropriate place in the “Supplemental Questions” tab of database.
Please note that for the Corps, the Subcommittee may include a very limited number of Continuing Authorities Program projects, if any, in the Construction account. While requests for specific projects will be accepted, please consider this limitation when making requests. For these projects, please provide the requested information in the appropriate place in the “Supplemental Questions” tab of database.
Projects authorized under sections 4007, 4009(a), and 4009(c) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–322) will not be accepted.
Only authorized projects will be considered for funding. The online database will not allow Community Project Funding requests to be entered into any accounts other than these. The Subcommittee will not accept Community Project Funding requests for the Department of Energy (Title III) or any Independent Agencies (Title IV) funded by the Subcommittee.
Only authorized projects will be considered for funding. You can view a list of authorized projects here.
Only authorized projects will be considered for funding. You can view a list of authorized projects here. All requests for the Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) accounts listed above should reflect a funding amount that can be realistically utilized in FY22.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached
Financial Services
Under this option, Members may submit funding requests for Community Projects in support of small businesses, such as entrepreneur training, workforce development, counseling, research, and construction or acquisition of facilities. Project recipients must be other units of government or nonprofit organizations to be considered eligible.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached
Homeland Security
- Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Assistance:
o Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program will be considered for funding, including the cost-share requirement and environmental and historic preservation requirements, as applicable. For any projects designated for funding in the final fiscal year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the state agency responsible for administering mitigation grants in the requestor’s state must submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that entity will serve as the administrative agent for the grant. Therefore, all project proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the appropriate state agency affirming that it believes the project is eligible.
o Nonprofit Security Grants
Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity and the Preparedness Grants Manual for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) will be considered for funding. For any projects designated for funding in the final fiscal year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the respective state administrative agency (SAA) must submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the SAA will serve as the administrative agent for the grant. Therefore, all project proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the appropriate SAA affirming that it believes the project is eligible.
o Emergency Operations Center Grants
Only projects that meet the requirements detailed in the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Emergency Operations Center Grant Program, including the cost-share requirement and environmental and historic preservation requirements, as applicable, will be considered for funding. For any projects designated for funding in the final fiscal year 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, the respective state administrative agency (SAA) must submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that agency will serve as the administrative agent for the grant. Therefore, all project proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the appropriate SSA affirming that it believes the project is eligible.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached
Interior-Environment
Federal acquisition of lands and water and interests therein must be for the purpose of land and habitat conservation and the encouragement of outdoor recreation, as established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965. Land acquisition project requests funded from the LWCF should be requested through the agency that would manage the land being acquired. The four land management agencies are: within the Department of the Interior, (1) the Bureau of Land Management, (2) the Fish and Wildlife Service, (3) the National Park Service; and within the Department of Agriculture, (4) the Forest Service.
Third party organizations (i.e. The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, etc.) frequently participate in the federal acquisition process by coordinating the negotiation and purchase of tracts. If the project you are requesting involves a third-party organization, please be mindful that funding for a land acquisition project goes to the agency that will manage the land.
The Great American Outdoors Act of (Public Law 116-152) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) mandates that the president submit, along with the upcoming fiscal year’s budget request, proposed and supplemental project lists. The Committee will look favorably upon requests for projects that appear in either of these lists. When submitting your request, please indicate whether the project is on these lists.
The vast majority of requests made to the Interior Subcommittee are for STAG infrastructure grants. These grants fund local wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. This includes construction of and modifications to municipal sewage treatment plants and drinking water treatment plants. Similar to past practice, the Committee will be limiting STAG infrastructure grants only to projects that are publicly-owned or owned by a non-profit entity and that are otherwise eligible for the funding from that state’s Clean Water or Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) loan programs. Privately-owned projects are NOT eligible for infrastructure grants, even if they are otherwise eligible for assistance under a SRF program. The Committee will look favorably upon requests for projects that are listed on a state’s most recent Intended Use Plan.
There is a minimum 20% cost share requirement for any portion of a project funded through a STAG infrastructure grant. For example, a $1 million project could receive a maximum of $800,000 from the Federal government, with the remaining $200,000 the responsibility of the grantee. In almost all cases, other federal funds cannot be used to meet this 20% cost share. Ability to fund the 20% cost share is required before EPA can award a STAG grant. Please note that only the non-federal portion of assistance provided by a SRF can be applied towards a project’s matching requirement.
The Forest Service is an agency within the Department of Agriculture. Requests that do not fit into the described categories below are unlikely to be eligible for funding under the Forest Service. The State and Private Forestry account provides technical and financial assistance, usually through the network of State Foresters, to improve the management, protection, and utilization of the Nation’s forests. Community projects are usually limited and include various specific urban and community forestry projects and specific forest disease or pest treatment areas. Members may also request specific State fire assistance projects or specific forestry 11 assistance projects in this account. The Committee will look favorably upon requests for projects that are listed on any federal or state ordinal list or are clearly demonstrated to meet the goals of a State Forest Action Plan(s).
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached
Labor-Health, Human Services -Education
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act demonstration program is the only Labor Department program that supports community project funding. Community project funding is designated under Training and Employment Services.
These projects must meet all statutorily mandated requirements, except that they are exempt from the requirement to compete. In addition, all projects must:
1) Include direct services to individuals to enhance employment opportunities;
2) Demonstrate evidence of a linkage with the State or local workforce investment system; and
3) Include an evaluation component.
Equipment purchases may be included within community project funding only as an incidental part of the entire project. A similar standard applies to curriculum development, which should be incidental to the project’s emphasis on direct services to individuals. Community project funding cannot be used for construction or renovation of facilities
The Subcommittee has historically provided community project funding only in the categories listed below. Requests that do not fit into one of these categories are unlikely to be eligible for community project funding under HRSA.
o Health Facilities Construction and Equipment
o Health Professions Education and Workforce Development
o Rural Health Outreach
o Rural Health Research
o Telehealth and Health Information Technology
Community project funding within SAMHSA should be submitted through the Health Surveillance and Program Support account. Community project funding must fall under one of the following categories:
o Mental Health—grants to support programs that promote the prevention or treatment of mental health disorders, including rehabilitation, outreach, and other support services.
o Substance Abuse Treatment—grants to support programs that improve access, reduce barriers, and promote high quality, effective treatment and recovery services.
o Substance Abuse Prevention—grants to support programs to prevent the onset of illegal drug use, prescription drug misuse and abuse, alcohol misuse and abuse, and underage alcohol and tobacco use.
Community project funding cannot be used for construction (other than a limited amount of renovation necessary to carry out a funded project).
Community project funding for elementary and secondary education should be submitted through the Innovation and Improvement account. Elementary and secondary education community project funding includes instructional services, afterschool centers, curricula development, teacher training, acquisition of books and computers, arts education, social and emotional learning activities, full-service community schools, and early childhood education. In general, the focus of elementary and secondary education community project funding should be providing early childhood or K‐12 educational services.
Community project funding to provide and improve special education services at the elementary and secondary levels are also eligible under elementary and secondary education. Community project funding may include early intervention services for infants and toddlers, transition services, and postsecondary education services.
Eligible grantees are state education agencies, school districts, colleges and universities, and other public and private nonprofit entities. Generally, community project funding intended for individual schools is provided to the applicable school district and not directly to the individual school.
Community project funding cannot be used for construction or renovation of school buildings, except in the case of minor remodeling required as part of technology upgrades. Daycare and childcare projects that do not include educational services are also not eligible.
Community project funding can be designated under this heading for a wide variety of higher education projects. Generally, community project funding should focus on improving access to, or the quality of, postsecondary education. Community project funding cannot be used for construction or renovation of academic buildings, except in the case of minor remodeling required as part of technology upgrades.
Examples of the types of projects that can be funded under FIPSE include projects to hire and train faculty, establish and improve degree programs, improve teacher preparation programs, develop and improve curricula, upgrade technology and telecommunications, acquire science laboratory equipment, provide student support, implement university partnerships with school districts, and establish research and training centers. Grantees are usually colleges and universities, but may include other public and private nonprofit organizations.
Grantees are usually colleges and universities, but may include other public and private nonprofit organizations.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached
Legislative Branch – will not be accepting Community Project Funding requests in FY22
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs
Eligible community project requests include both construction and unspecified minor military construction projects for active components. An unspecified minor military construction project is a project that has an approved cost equal to or less than $6,000,000. The types of projects under this heading include construction, installation, equipment of temporary or permanent public works, military installations, and facilities for the accounts listed below:
o Army
o Navy and Marine Corps
o Air Force
o Defense-Wide Agencies (SOCOM, DHA, etc.)
Eligible community project requests include both construction and unspecified minor military construction projects for Reserve Components. An unspecified minor military construction project is a project that has an approved cost equal to or less than $6,000,000. Some Reserve Component projects require a State funding match. Requesting offices must determine whether the proposed project requires such a match and if so, confirm that the project has current State match funding before the request can be considered. The types of projects under this heading include construction, expansion, rehabilitation, and conversion of facilities for training and administration for the accounts listed below:
o Army National Guard
o Air National Guard
o Army Reserve
o Navy Reserve
o Air Force Reserve
The types of projects under this heading include improving facility resilience, study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services for the accounts listed below:
o Army
o Navy and Marine Corps
o Air Force
o Defense-Wide Agencies (SOCOM, DHA, etc.)
o Army National Guard
o Air National Guard
o Army Reserve
o Navy Reserve
o Air Force Reserve
Only projects that appear on a list provided to Congress by the Secretary of Defense or his designee will be considered.
Additional guidance with specific information about these accounts is attached.
State, Foreign Operations – will not be accepting Community Project Funding requests in FY22
Transportation, Housing Urban Development
All projects must be:
o Capital projects or project-specific planning/design for a capital project.
o Supported by the state or local government that would administer the project. Inclusion on a Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) or Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) would satisfy this requirement.
o Administered by public entities.
Additional guidance with specific information about this account is attached.
AIP community project requests may be used for enhancing airport safety, capacity, and security, and mitigating environmental concerns. All projects must be:
o AIP eligible in accordance with sections 47101 to 47175 of title 49, United States Code, and FAA policy and guidance.
o Supported broadly by local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and elected officials.
o Administered by an airport and/or airport sponsor.
Additional guidance with specific information about this account is attached.
EDI community project requests may be used for economic and community development activities, including land or site acquisition, demolition or rehabilitation of housing or facilities, construction and capital improvements of public facilities (including water and sewer facilities), and public services. Requests may also include planning and other activities consistent with the underlying authorization for the Community Development Block Grant program within HUD. EDI community project requests are not eligible for the reimbursement of expenses for activities already undertaken (including debt service or debt retirement). All projects must be:
o Supported broadly by local stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and elected officials.
o Administered by governmental or non-profit entities, including public housing agencies, as well as tribes and tribally designated housing entities
Additional guidance with specific information about this accounts is attached.
The deadline for Programmatic and Language requests has passed (Monday, April 19, 2021) and we are no longer accepting requests.
There are three types of requests Members can submit:
- Programmatic Requests: A request for general support or funding for a program.
- Language Requests: A request to add language to the bill or report to accompany the bill which generally does not include dollar amounts.
- Community Project Funding Requests: A request to direct funds to a specific state or local government or eligible non-profit recipient.
