EDA Announces Additional $5 Million to Support Indigenous Communities Through Existing Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Funding Opportunities

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced an update to the FY 2023 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program (PWEAA) funding opportunity, including an addendum to provide $5 million for indigenous communities.

The additional funding expands on the transformational work of the American Rescue Plan Act's (ARPA) Assistance to Indigenous Communities (AIC) program and EDA's continued commitment to mature its funding opportunities to better support indigenous communitiesthrough its programs.

"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," said 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 accordance with Executive Order 14112, EDA is providing Tribal Nations with the flexibility to improve economic growth, address the specific needs of their communities, and realize their vision for their future. EDA encourages eligible applicants to submit non-construction projects that provide capacity-building, planning support, and technical assistance to support the future implementation of foundational economic infrastructure. Foundational economic infrastructure can include broadband, energy, road, water, and wastewater infrastructure (including community water facilities); vocational and higher education facilities; and community health and childcare facilities that are necessary for job creation and economic mobility. Projects can also provide technical assistance to support business development, entrepreneurship assistance, economic development planning, rural prosperity, and workforce training in indigenous communities.

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, EDA intends to advance general economic development in accordance with EDA's investment priorities, but also to pursue projects that, where practicable, incorporate specific priorities related to equity, workforce development, and climate change resiliency so that investments can benefit everyone for decades to come.

The update also includes technical changes including applying the revisions to 2 CFR Part 200 to awards made under the PWEAA funding opportunity.