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Home My WebLink About10-02-23 Correspondence - US Dept of Agriculture - MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER - OCTOBER 2023From:USDA Rural Development MontanaTo:AgendaSubject:[EXTERNAL]MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER - OCTOBER 2023Date:Monday, October 2, 2023 11:36:05 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Header MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER OCTOBER 2023 Welcome to the MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER, USDA Rural Development in Montana's monthly newsletter with Livingston information about our business, community facilities, energy, electric, housing, telecommunication, and water and environmental programs. Thanks for checking us out. Let us know how we can serve you better. Please send feedback to mark.mccann@usda.gov. From Kathleen RD Funding Opportunities Webinars and Workshops Tribal Information Montana RD News Outreach More Opportunities In this Issue FROM KATHLEEN Montana SD As we close out another fiscal year, our dedicated program staff have sprinted to the finish line to ensure applications to fund programs and projects for rural and Tribal businesses, communities, and families across Montana are processed and delivered in a timely manner. I am so proud of the work they do on behalf of our neighbors across the state. This edition of the Montana Rural Explorer is full of funding opportunities – new and existing – to help businesses grow, communities and homeowners recover from natural disaster, and Tribal communities improve infrastructure and educational opportunities. I also encourage you to check out our Montana RD News section to learn about the impact of our programs and how they help elevate rural communities. Finally, I’d like to thank our partners across the state – economic developers, Tribal organizations, financial and lending institutions, local governments and so many more. Our ability to deliver program services to our Montana neighbors would not be possible without your support. USDA Rural Development is an investor, ally, and advocate for rural America. kw signature RD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Grant Program This program provides grant funds to qualified organizations for providing on-site technical assistance on a national basis to help eligible communities mitigate damage caused by CY 2022 Presidentially declared disasters. In accordance with the industry standards, the term “water” is inclusive of all water resource infrastructure, such as drinking water, wastewater, storm drainage, and solid waste facilities. Read more on page 66797 of the Federal Register. Application period is 9/28/2023 to 10/30/2023. Applications may be submitted during the full period but are due not later than 9:59 MT on 10/30/2023. Submit applications via Grants.gov. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed loan and grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficiency equipment and new system loans to support agricultural production and processing. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, 6/30/2024, and 9/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact kathy.archer@usda.gov. Intermediary Relending Program Low-interest loans available to local lenders known as intermediaries, who then re-lend the funds to businesses to improve economic conditions and create new opportunities in rural communities. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Funding for non-profits, Tribes, colleges, and universities to create revolving loan fund programs and support training and technical assistance for rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Application deadlines 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. Rural Economic Development Loan / Grant Program Zero-interest loans to local utilities to pass through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. These programs also provide grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance community facilities. Application deadlines 4:30 p.m. (MT) on 12/31/2023, 3/31/2024, or 6/30/2024. For more information or to submit an application contact lad.barney@usda.gov. Solid Waste Management Grants This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that offer technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023.Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (406) 585-2520. Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems, helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants, and helps associations improve operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas. Application window 10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023. Submit applications via Grants.gov by 9:59 p.m. Mountain Time, 12/31/2023. For more information about the program, call (406) 585-2520. Single Family Housing - Disaster Relief for Montana Homeowners Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to help low-income homeowners in presidentially declared disaster areas repair damage caused by flooding and other natural disasters. Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Repair Grants are available to help repair homes damaged by flooding in calendar year 2022. Application period is now open. Open. For information or to apply contact katina.uecker@usda.gov. Single Family Housing Disaster Repair Grant Pilot Program expands eligibility for low-income homeowners in any presidentially declared disaster areas to receive grant funding. Pilot Program ends on 7/18/2025. For more information or to apply contact katina.uecker@usda.gov. Community Facilities - Disaster Relief Available for Montana Communities Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to repair essential community facilities and water infrastructure damaged by flooding in 2022. Eligible areas include Carbon, Flathead, Park, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure and Yellowstone Counties. Community Facilities Supplemental Disaster Repair Grants are available to help rural and Tribal communities repair essential facilities damaged by flooding in 2022. Application period is now open. For information or to apply all (406) 585-2520. Water Infrastructure Disaster Grant Repair Program is available to help rural and Tribal communities repair water infrastructure damaged by flooding in 2022. Application period is now open. For information or to apply call (406) 585-2520. MORE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES USDA Rural Development has more than 70 financial assistance programs for a variety of rural and Tribal applicants. Learn more about how RD programs can assist with your business, community facility, electric, energy, housing, telecommunication, or water and wastewater project needs. USDA RD PROGRAMS WEBINARS and WORKSHOPS Rural Development Cooperative Services Interagency Working Group Series Meetings designed to foster cooperative development and ensure coordination with federal agencies and cooperative organizations. Panels include private sector and Federal government representatives discussing program needs and brainstorming ideas for collaborative solutions. Upcoming Working Groups Co-Op Ecosystems: 10/13/2023, noon - 1:30 p.m. (MT). To join, click HERE. TRIBAL INFORMATION Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) This $3 billion grant program supports Tribal governments bringing high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. Applications due 1/23/2024. Learn more about the program or apply by clicking on the link HERE. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Tribes and Territories Only Competition Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general competition provides $5 billion in grants to Tribes and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. For the Tribes and territories competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants ranging between $1 million to $25 million. Application deadline 5/1/2024 and must be submitted directly to the EPA through Grants.gov. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR - 10/5/2023, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (MT). REGISTER HERE. Montana Department of Commerce - Tribal Grant Opportunities In a commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment within Tribal communities, the Montana Department of Commerce announces application periods for FOUR grant programs designed to support Tribal business development and strengthen indigenous entrepreneurship in Montana. Applications for three of four grants are due before the end of October. Learn more about applications and grant deadlines by clicking on the link HERE. Single Family Housing 502 Guaranteed Loans on Tribal Lands Two pilot programs, Tribal Property Valuation Pilot Program and Tribal Rehabilitation Pilot Program, provide flexible options to obtain financing on Tribal lands through loan guarantees with lenders, one with a flexible appraisal option and the other permitting rehabilitation loans for homeowners. The programs will evaluate existing regulations, expand opportunities for economic development, and improve quality of life in Tribal communities. Read more about this funding opportunity by clicking on the link HERE. Inflation Reduction Act Tribal Guidebook This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related funding programs in the Inflation Reduction Act for which Tribes are eligible. Read more about Tribal programs available through the Inflation Reduction Act by clicking on the link HERE. USDA RD TRIBAL RELATIONS PAGE MONTANA RD NEWS USDA Extends Pandemic Lifeline to Rural Montana Senior Care Facility Like many other care facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Valley View hard, stretching resources to the limit. A USDA grant helped this senior care facility in remote Montana weather the storm. Read the full story by clicking on the link HERE. Valley View Director Harlowton Rodeo Preserving History in a Rural Montana Community USDA Rural Development worked with community members in Harlowton, Montana, to help restore its iconic, more than 100-year-old covered grandstand at the rodeo arena in Chief Joseph Park. Read the full story by clicking on the link HERE. Discovery Ski Area Goes Solar by Amanda Eggert, Montana Free Press, 9/11/2023 A USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant helped a family ski area in southwest Montana install a new solar array that will offset energy demand for one of its main chairlifts by 70%. Read Amanda's full story in Montana Free Press by clicking on the link HERE. OUTREACH Outreach Our team travels throughout Montana to help businesses, communities, and homeowners learn more about funding opportunities available through USDA Rural Development. We hope to see you on the road! Montana RD - Planning to be at an event near you in October Oct. 11-13: Montana League of Cities and Towns - Helena Oct. 11-13: Montana Access Project Outdoor Recreation Summit - Butte Oct. 11-14: Montana Fire Service Convention - Billings Oct. 18-20: Montana Mainstreet and Downtown Convention - Great Falls Oct. 20-22: Northern International Livestock Expo - Billings Oct. 24: Montana Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting - Billings Oct. 25-27: Montana Economic Developers Association - Butte Oct. 27-28: Montana Farmer's Union Annual Convention - Great Falls MORE OPPORTUNITIES Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Grant Program New USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) grant program for agricultural employers focused on addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through expansion of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. Application deadline 11/28/2023. For more information or to apply for funding click on the link HERE. Thriving Communities National Capacity Builder Program US Department of Transportaion grant program to fund technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to teams of community partners that may lack the staffing or technical expertise to scope, fund, and develop infrastructure projects that advance broader community goals. Application deadline 11/28/2023. Learn more or apply by clicking on the link HERE. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - General Competition Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general competition provides $5 billion in grants to states and local governments to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. For the general competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants between $2 million and $500 million, with funding tiers allowing comparably sized projects to compete against one another. Applications due by 4/1/2024 and must be submitted directly to the EPA through Grants.gov. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR - 10/3/2023, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (MT). REGISTER HERE. Investing in America The Biden Administration's Investing in America agenda unlocks billions of dollars in opportunity for states, territories, Tribes, and local governments to make a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience. Learn more about the listing of resources to help communities access infrastructure and clean energy funding with this Technical Assistance Guide. Local and Regional Food Systems (LRFS) Resilience Playbook This resource is a collaborative effort between university-based researchers, LRFS leaders, and USDA experts. The Playbook is designed to support food systems leaders seeking to broaden and deepen their understanding of the distinct strengths and vulnerabilities of local and regional food systems in times of disruption. View or download the full Playbook by clicking on the link HERE. American Climate Corps A new initiative to train young people in high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy, the American Climate Corps will put a new generation of Americans to work conserving lands and waters, bolstering community resilience, advancing environmental justice, deploying clean energy, implementing energy efficient technologies, and tackling climate change. Learn more about the program by clicking on the following link HERE. For more information about Montana RD, follow us on Twitter @Montana_RD or Visit our WEBSITE by clicking the button below. USDA RD MONTANA USDA Rural Development in Montana has offices in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. Contact us today to learn more about funding opportunities for businesses, communities and homeowners in rural and Tribal areas. CONTACT US TODAY! Header Questions? 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