FEDERAL FUNDING
Our Commitment
Leveraging federal funding so that Virginia can meet our conservation and environmental goals.
THE ISSUE
There is an unprecedented amount of funding available at the federal level that the state should leverage to meet our conservation and environmental goals. Funds will be distributed in different ways and through multiple different channels. Some funding has already started to flow and some grant programs haven’t opened up yet. The following resources are meant to highlight some of the biggest opportunities for the Commonwealth to utilize.
BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW
The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, infused historic levels of federal dollars towards clean transportation and charging infrastructure as well as funding to strengthen the nation’s drinking, storm, and wastewater systems.
In addition to the new programs created through the IRA, historic funding has been infused into many existing programs for Chesapeake Bay cleanup, land conservation, resilience, wildlife crossings, and more. Throughout portions of the Briefing Book, federal programs are highlighted that can help achieve specific environmental goals.
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law in August 2022, established investments through grant programs and tax credits in the clean energy economy, many of which may be leveraged by state and local governments. Opportunities include investments in solar, wind, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and other technologies that reduce our dependence on carbon-intensive infrastructure. In addition, the IRA established a direct pay program providing the opportunity for governments to receive the value of clean energy tax credits as cash payments.
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program
Department of Transportation
Clearing House for Environmental Financing
Environmental Protection Agency
Elective Pay Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions
Internal Revenue Services
EPA Clean School Bus Program
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Funding Announcements from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act
Environmental Protection Agency
Implementation Framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Environmental Protection Agency
Low or No Emission Grant Program
Federal Transit Administration
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
Department of Transportation
Neighborhood Access and Equity Program
Department of Transportation
Open and Upcoming Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Funding Opportunities
White House
Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program
Department of Transportation
The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Program
Department of Energy
Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants
NOAA Fisheries
Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
Federal Highway Administration
Roundup: Environmental Protection Agency Increases Chesapeake Bay Program Funding to $85 million
ROUNDUP: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY INCREASES CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM FUNDING [...]
Federal Energy Funding for Rural and Remote Areas: A Guide for Communities
The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations released a resource guide for individuals looking for federal funding and assistance for local energy projects in rural or remote communities.
Federal Funding & Opportunities for the Chesapeake Region
The Campbell Foundation released a resource guide providing an overview of different pathways through which current federal funding is being distributed to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Water Program Portal
Atlas Public Policy & Water Foundation released their Water Program Portal, a digital information hub for organizations and public agencies tracking recent federal investments in water, specifically the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
IRA & IIJA Fact Sheet
Generation 180 released a fact sheet that informs individuals and communities how to access new federal funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and other new Federal funding in their communities.
Maximizing Clean Energy Tax Credits: User Guide for Governments, Schools, Nonprofits
BlueGreen Alliance released a resource guide explaining how tax-exempt entities, such as schools, hospitals, and governments, can claim tax credits through "direct pay" for clean energy technologies through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Federal Funding Roadmap for Public Buildings
BlueGreen Alliance released a resource guide that identifies the federal funding opportunities available through the Inflation Reduction Act, The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the American Rescue Plan, that can be used to upgrade public buildings.