Technical Assistance Programs - Local Technical Assistance

Agency: Economic Development Administration

Program: Technical Assistance Programs — Local Technical Assistance

Program Description: Grants are designed to assist in solving specific economic development problems, respond to developmental opportunities, and build and expand local organizational capacity in distressed areas. Projects might focus on military base and industrial plant closures, deteriorating commercial districts, and technical or market feasibility studies. Priority consideration for funding is given to proposals that benefit areas of sever economic distress; lead to near-term (1-5 years) generation or retention of private sector jobs; are consistent with the OEDP; document strong local support; and support EDA’s special initiatives.

Eligible Communities: Public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; and state agencies.

Funding Information: EDA awards grants only and considers the unemployment in an area. EDA gives priority to projects designated as high priority by local economic development agencies. In addition, projects must result in job creation. Funds are available on a reimbursable basis upon approval. For technical assistance and planning projects, funds are available immediately or as soon as the work begins. For construction projects, funds are usually not disbursed until all construction contracts are awarded.

Timelines: EDA is funded on the basis of the federal fiscal year that runs October 1 to September 30. EDA is open for preapplications year-round. The EDA field representative will invite a preapplication for a project that seems to have a good chance of being successful. The preapplication is then submitted to the EDA regional office where a project review committee decides whether or not to invite a final application. After the final application is completely reviewed, the regional director makes the final decision. Most projects that submit a final application are approved for funding. The entire process from preapplication to final decision can take from three months (rare) to a year or more. The process can be lengthy because (1) EDA stops considering preapplications when spending limits for the fiscal year are complete, and (2) there are always numerous projects for the small staff to review.

Contact: Anne Berblinger Deena Sosson

US Dept. of Commerce — EDA US Dept. of Commerce - EDA

Suite 244, One World Trade Center 801 I Street, Suite 411

121 SW Salem Street Sacramento, CA 95814

Portland, OR 97204 Phn (916)498-5285

Phn (503)326-3078 Fax (916)498:5286

Fax (503)326:6351 Int www.doc.gov/eda/