EDA American Rescue Plan Act funding program: Coal Communities Commitment

As a part of EDA’s webinar series on the new Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Coal Communities Commitment webinar focused on funding for communities affected by the coal downturn. 

Coal communities are defined as communities affected by changes in the coal economy which resulted in or anticipate job losses and layoffs in any coal-reliant commercial sector, including coal mining, coal-fired power plants, and related transportation, logistics, and supply chain manufacturing industries.

EDA aims to:

  • Encourage all coal communities to apply for ARPA funding
  • Commit to planning and technical assistance grants 
  • Offer opportunities to develop communities of practice and build resilience for these communities 
  • Dedicate $300 million of their $3 billion in ARPA funding to coal communities via two NOFOs:

FAQ

Can our community apply to any of the six NOFOs?

Coal communities can also obtain funds from one of the other four NOFOs if it aligns more with their project. Each community may only apply to one NOFO, however. Your state’s Economic Development Representative (EDR) can advise on which one is right for your community. 

Does our project have to directly relate to the coal industry? 

Coal communities that apply for funding are not tied to projects surrounding the coal industry itself. Any projects that increase economic activity or diversify supply chains are welcomed by EDA. 

Is our community eligible even though we have received an Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) grant? 

EDA welcomes applications for ARPA funding from communities that have previously received an ACC grant. However, EDA encourages these communities to leverage their current portfolio and create a proposal which builds or improves upon their previous investments. 

Next steps for prospective applicants: 

  1. Read the NOFOs and eligibility requirements.
  2. Find your Economic Development District (EDD) for planning support and technical assistance (projects can range in stage).
  3. Connect with your state's EDR for questions about planning or NOFO choice.