NRPA Funding Analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
Proposed Funding to Benefit Public Parks and Recreation
www.fws.gov/fire/
INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY
Department of Commerce
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program:
The Conference Bill provided $4.7 billion for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, of which at least $200 million is available for competitive grants for expanding public computer center capacity for local governments, including community colleges and public libraries. Citizens are requiring more access opportunity from local government agencies in community recreation centers and through after-school programming. This is a newly revitalized program from a previous Presidential Administration, and once the program is reauthorized, more details will be provided. Park and Recreation agencies should have the opportunity to apply for these competitive grants that can expand public computer centers in their recreation centers.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Department of Education
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Recreation and therapeutic recreation is presently addressed under “related services” in IDEA. Therapeutic Recreation services may be included in a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) to enable participation in recreational sports and activities, enrichment, social activities, and the exploration of career activities to raise the quality of life, enhance existing functioning levels, and slow the onset of degenerating conditions.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
was included for the IDEA Part B- Grants to States program, which provides formula grants to assist the States in meeting the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. As states begin tackling a projected 10 percent budget shortfall for FY 2009, with larger increases expected in FY 2010, education is an area that needs support. Although State funding for special education is mandatory, this funding will assist states and school districts and prevent reductions in funding for general educational operations which can allow all education programs to receive adequate funding during difficult economic times. Park and recreation agencies should partner with school districts to develop student’s individual education plans.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
AmeriCorps
www.cns.gov and www.americorps.org
INVESTING IN CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
Department of Education
Public park and recreation departments provide quality programs to children and youth, and they are the number one public after school provider nationwide. These services include child care provided by trained staff and licensed by state agencies. These programs are generally
: In the Conference Bill, $160 million was provided for the National and Community Service Act, where $89 million is reserved for Americorps. Parks and recreation agencies are eligible to receive AmeriCorps projects and volunteers. : In the Conference Bill, $12.2 billion
designed to meet the developmental needs of young children through recreation to improve dexterity and cognitive processes. Park and recreation agencies should coordinate with other public agencies that administer public daycare funds and identify programs for which they may be eligible according to federal and municipal guidelines.
Child Care Development Block Grant Recovery Funding:
was included for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to support quality child care services for low-income families. The Department of Health and Human Services distributes these funds to states through a formula based on population. With the additional economic recovery funding, states will be able to provide child care assistance for an additional 300,000 children in low-income working families who have been hit by hard economic times, and creates paid work for an estimated 125,000 caregivers.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
INVESTING IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfields:
was included for competitive grants for evaluation and cleanup of former industrial and commercial sites - turning them from problem properties to productive community use. According to the EPA, Brownfields Program provides direct funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training. To facilitate the leveraging of public resources, EPA’s Brownfields Program collaborates with other EPA programs, other federal partners, and state agencies to identify and make available resources that can be used for brownfields activities. Local governments, regional councils, redevelopment agencies, tribes, coalitions of eligible organizations and other government entities are eligible to apply for this funding.
There are three types of brownfield grants: assessment, environmental cleanup and revolving loan funds and these grants are also available to non-profit organizations.
http://epa.gov/brownfields/pilot.htm
Local Government Energy Efficiency Block Grants
: The Conference Bill included $3.2 billion to help state and local governments make investments that make them more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. This program, created by the Energy Independence and Security Act, provides for grants intended to reduce fossil-fuel emission and total energy use, and improves energy efficiency and conservation in the transportation and building sectors. Of the $2 billion in funding provided for such grants, 68 percent is distributed directly to counties and cities.
The grants can be used for a variety of purposes, from planning and building to providing incentives for efficient energy use. Among the program-eligible uses are: developing and implementing efficient energy and conservation strategies; developing programs to conserve energy used in transportation, such as flex-time for workers, satellite work centers, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways; updating building codes and inspection procedures; installing renewable energy technology on or in government buildings; replacing traffic signals and street lighting with energy-efficient technology; energy audits; conservation programs; retrofitting to increase energy efficiency; smart-growth planning and zoning; and installing technology designed to capture greenhouse gases.
http://www.nlc.org/ARTICLES/articleItems/NCW122407/energybillsigned.aspx
In the Conference Bill, $100 million In the Conference Bill, $2 billion
INVESTING IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Federal Highway Administration
Highway Infrastructure Investment:
for highway infrastructure investments through formula grants for highway investments that will be allocated through competitive grants for projects including highway rehabilitation and restoration, bridge repair, and infrastructure investments that improve highway safety and resurfacing.
Transportation Enhancements:
www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/
INVESTING IN HEALTH AND COMMUNITIES
Department of Health and Human Services
Head Start and Early Head Start:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/hsweb/index.jsp
Healthy Communities:
http://www.nrpa.org/achieve
Senior Nutrition Programs
www.mowaa.org
Community Services Block Grant
for grants to local communities to support employment, food, housing, and healthcare efforts serving those
: The Conference Bill provided $1 billion : In the Conference Bill, $100 million was included for formula grants to states for elderly nutrition services including Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals. These funds can help relieve the burden from budget cuts. Most public agencies operating senior centers are eligible for this funding. The Conference Bill provided $650 million for the Prevention and Wellness Fund. Programs such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ACIEVE Healthy Communities program would be eligible for a portion of this funding. The Healthy Communities program implements evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies, and public health workforce development activities authorized by the Public Health Service Act. The Department of Health and Human Services will determine the allocation of the the money appropriated to the Prevention and Wellness Fund. However, a portion of these funds could go to a cooperative agreement awarded to NRPA for a period of 5 years. The ACHIEVE program funds national organizations to work through local affiliates to advance community leadership in the nation’s efforts to prevent chronic diseases and related risk factors. Community action plans are developed to address chronic disease prevention through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies. The Conference Bill provided $1 billion for Head Start, and $1.1 billion for early Head Start to provide comprehensive education, health and nutrition, and social/emotional development services that ensure that low-income children can succeed in school. The Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to Head Start centers based on need. Currently, 910,000 low-income children participate in Head Start, which is only about half of all eligible preschoolers and less than 3 percent of eligible infants and toddlers. With the economic recovery funds, approximately 110,000 additional children will be served annually. Communities use early child development and preschool funds in various ways. In many communities, park and recreation agencies partner with community entities to provide early childhood development and preschool programming. The bill allows for up to 3% of each state’s allocation to be used towards transportation enhancement projects. These projects allow opportunities for park and recreation agencies to directly apply for funding for trail, bike and pedestrian projects. The Conference Bill provided $27.5 billion hardest hit by the recession. The grants can provide funding to assist areas hardest hit by poverty and can be used to provide programs that develop character building and physical fitness activities. Community action agencies have seen dramatic increases in requests for their assistance due to rising unemployment, housing foreclosures, and high food and fuel prices.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/
INVESTING IN NEIGHBORHOODS
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Neighborhood Stabilization Program:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/nspfaq.cfm
Community Development Block Grants
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
INVESTING IN JOB CREATION
Department of Labor
Workforce Investment Act, Training and Employment Services
http://www.dol.gov/DOL/allcfr/ETA/Title_20/Part_671/toc.htm
http://www.doleta.gov/etainfo/
http://www.youthbuild.org/site/c.htIRI3PIKoG/b.1223921/k.BD3C/Home.htm
http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/
Disclaimer: There may be other programs that parks and recreation agencies can benefit from in this bill. We encourage you to contact your local and state government agencies for additional funding opportunities.
For more information on advocacy efforts, please contact the NRPA Public Policy Office at 202-887-0290.
: The Conference Bill provided $3.95 billion for job training including formula grants for adults, dislocated worker, and youth services. Under this title, $1.2 billion was included to create up to one million summer jobs for youth. Additionally, $120 million is available for “Community Service Employment for Older Americans.” The needs of workers also will be met through dislocated worker national emergency grants, and new competitive grants for worker training in high growth and emerging industry sectors (with priority consideration to “green” jobs and healthcare). : The Conference Bill provided $1 billion for community and economic development projects including housing and services for those hit hard by tough economic times. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) which provides block grants to eligible cities and urban areas. According to community development organizations, approximately $100 million of CDBG funds are utilized annually for park and recreation projects which often are initiated along with more comprehensive community redevelopment initiatives. The Conference Bill provided $2 billion for local governments and states with high levels of foreclosures as a way for the local community to purchase and rehabilitate vacant housing in partnership with non-profit and private entities to enhance the funding included under this heading through capitalization of the funds. Park and recreation agencies should contact their city or county planners to identify possible uses of vacated or abandon properties, including public green space, parks, and community gathering places or other community recreation resource.
www.fws.gov/fire/
INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY
Department of Commerce
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program:
The Conference Bill provided $4.7 billion for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, of which at least $200 million
is available for competitive grants for expanding public computer center capacity for local governments, including community colleges and public libraries. Citizens are requiring more access opportunity from local government agencies in community recreation centers and through after-school programming. This is a newly revitalized program from a previous Presidential Administration, and once the program is reauthorized, more details will be provided. Park and Recreation agencies should have the opportunity to apply for these competitive grants that can expand public computer centers in their recreation centers.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Department of Education
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Recreation and therapeutic recreation is presently addressed under “related services” in IDEA. Therapeutic Recreation services may be included in a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) to enable participation in recreational sports and activities, enrichment, social activities, and the exploration of career activities to raise the quality of life, enhance existing functioning levels, and slow the onset of degenerating conditions.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
: In the Conference Bill, $12.2 billion
was included for the IDEA Part B- Grants to States program, which provides formula grants to assist the States in meeting the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. As states begin tackling a projected 10 percent budget shortfall for FY 2009, with larger increases expected in FY 2010, education is an area that needs support. Although State funding for special education is mandatory, this funding will assist states and school districts and prevent reductions in funding for general educational operations which can allow all education programs to receive adequate funding during difficult economic times. Park and recreation agencies should partner with school districts to develop student’s individual education plans.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
AmeriCorps
: In the Conference Bill, $160 million was provided for the National and Community Service Act, where $89 million
is reserved for Americorps. Parks and recreation agencies are eligible to receive AmeriCorps projects and volunteers.
www.cns.gov and www.americorps.org
INVESTING IN CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
Department of Education
Public park and recreation departments provide quality programs to children and youth, and they are the number one public after school provider nationwide. These services include child care provided by trained staff and licensed by state agencies. These programs are generally
2
designed to meet the developmental needs of young children through recreation to improve dexterity and cognitive processes. Park and recreation agencies should coordinate with other public agencies that administer public daycare funds and identify programs for which they may be eligible according to federal and municipal guidelines.
Child Care Development Block Grant Recovery Funding:
In the Conference Bill, $2 billion
was included for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to support quality child care services for low-income families. The Department of Health and Human Services distributes these funds to states through a formula based on population. With the additional economic recovery funding, states will be able to provide child care assistance for an additional 300,000 children in low-income working families who have been hit by hard economic times, and creates paid work for an estimated 125,000 caregivers.
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
INVESTING IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental Protection Agency
Brownfields:
In the Conference Bill, $100 million
was included for competitive grants for evaluation and cleanup of former industrial and commercial sites - turning them from problem properties to productive community use. According to the EPA, Brownfields Program provides direct funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training. To facilitate the leveraging of public resources, EPA’s Brownfields Program collaborates with other EPA programs, other federal partners, and state agencies to identify and make available resources that can be used for brownfields activities. Local governments, regional councils, redevelopment agencies, tribes, coalitions of eligible organizations and other government entities are eligible to apply for this funding.
There are three types of brownfield grants: assessment, environmental cleanup and revolving loan funds and these grants are also available to non-profit organizations.
http://epa.gov/brownfields/pilot.htm
Local Government Energy Efficiency Block Grants
: The Conference Bill included $3.2 billion
to help state and local governments make investments that make them more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. This program, created by the Energy Independence and Security Act, provides for grants intended to reduce fossil-fuel emission and total energy use, and improves energy efficiency and conservation in the transportation and building sectors. Of the $2 billion in funding provided for such grants, 68 percent is distributed directly to counties and cities.
The grants can be used for a variety of purposes, from planning and building to providing incentives for efficient energy use. Among the program-eligible uses are: developing and implementing efficient energy and conservation strategies; developing programs to conserve energy used in transportation, such as flex-time for workers, satellite work centers, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways; updating building codes and inspection procedures; installing renewable energy technology on or in government buildings; replacing traffic signals and street lighting with energy-efficient technology; energy audits; conservation programs; retrofitting to increase energy efficiency; smart-growth planning and zoning; and installing technology designed to capture greenhouse gases.
http://www.nlc.org/ARTICLES/articleItems/NCW122407/energybillsigned.aspx
3
INVESTING IN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Federal Highway Administration
Highway Infrastructure Investment:
The Conference Bill provided $27.5 billion
for highway infrastructure investments through formula grants for highway investments that will be allocated through competitive grants for projects including highway rehabilitation and restoration, bridge repair, and infrastructure investments that improve highway safety and resurfacing.
Transportation Enhancements:
The bill allows for up to 3%
of each state’s allocation to be used towards transportation enhancement projects. These projects allow opportunities for park and recreation agencies to directly apply for funding for trail, bike and pedestrian projects.
www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/
INVESTING IN HEALTH AND COMMUNITIES
Department of Health and Human Services
Head Start and Early Head Start:
The Conference Bill provided $1 billion for Head Start, and $1.1 billion
for early Head Start to provide comprehensive education, health and nutrition, and social/emotional development services that ensure that low-income children can succeed in school. The Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to Head Start centers based on need. Currently, 910,000 low-income children participate in Head Start, which is only about half of all eligible preschoolers and less than 3 percent of eligible infants and toddlers. With the economic recovery funds, approximately 110,000 additional children will be served annually. Communities use early child development and preschool funds in various ways. In many communities, park and recreation agencies partner with community entities to provide early childhood development and preschool programming.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/hsweb/index.jsp
Healthy Communities:
The Conference Bill provided $650 million
for the Prevention and Wellness Fund. Programs such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ACIEVE Healthy Communities program would be eligible for a portion of this funding. The Healthy Communities program implements evidence-based clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies, and public health workforce development activities authorized by the Public Health Service Act. The Department of Health and Human Services will determine the allocation of the the money appropriated to the Prevention and Wellness Fund. However, a portion of these funds could go to a cooperative agreement awarded to NRPA for a period of 5 years. The ACHIEVE program funds national organizations to work through local affiliates to advance community leadership in the nation’s efforts to prevent chronic diseases and related risk factors. Community action plans are developed to address chronic disease prevention through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
http://www.nrpa.org/achieve
Senior Nutrition Programs
: In the Conference Bill, $100 million
was included for formula grants to states for elderly nutrition services including Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals. These funds can help relieve the burden from budget cuts. Most public agencies operating senior centers are eligible for this funding.
www.mowaa.org
Community Services Block Grant
: The Conference Bill provided $1 billion
for grants to local communities to support employment, food, housing, and healthcare efforts serving those
4
hardest hit by the recession. The grants can provide funding to assist areas hardest hit by poverty and can be used to provide programs that develop character building and physical fitness activities. Community action agencies have seen dramatic increases in requests for their assistance due to rising unemployment, housing foreclosures, and high food and fuel prices.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/
INVESTING IN NEIGHBORHOODS
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Neighborhood Stabilization Program:
The Conference Bill provided $2 billion
for local governments and states with high levels of foreclosures as a way for the local community to purchase and rehabilitate vacant housing in partnership with non-profit and private entities to enhance the funding included under this heading through capitalization of the funds. Park and recreation agencies should contact their city or county planners to identify possible uses of vacated or abandon properties, including public green space, parks, and community gathering places or other community recreation resource.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/nspfaq.cfm
Community Development Block Grants
: The Conference Bill provided $1 billion
for community and economic development projects including housing and services for those hit hard by tough economic times. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) which provides block grants to eligible cities and urban areas. According to community development organizations, approximately $100 million of CDBG funds are utilized annually for park and recreation projects which often are initiated along with more comprehensive community redevelopment initiatives.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/
INVESTING IN JOB CREATION
Department of Labor
Workforce Investment Act, Training and Employment Services
: The Conference Bill provided $3.95 billion for job training including formula grants for adults, dislocated worker, and youth services. Under this title, $1.2 billion was included to create up to one million summer jobs for youth. Additionally, $120 million
is available for “Community Service Employment for Older Americans.” The needs of workers also will be met through dislocated worker national emergency grants, and new competitive grants for worker training in high growth and emerging industry sectors (with priority consideration to “green” jobs and healthcare).
http://www.dol.gov/DOL/allcfr/ETA/Title_20/Part_671/toc.htm
http://www.doleta.gov/etainfo/
http://www.youthbuild.org/site/c.htIRI3PIKoG/b.1223921/k.BD3C/Home.htm
http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/
Disclaimer: There may be other programs that parks and recreation agencies can benefit from in this bill. We encourage you to contact your local and state government agencies for additional funding opportunities.
For more information on advocacy efforts, please contact the NRPA Public Policy Office at 202-887-0290.
5 6
NRPA Funding Analysis of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
Proposed Funding to Benefit Public Parks and Recreation
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was created to stimulate and add balance to the economy by investing in job creation and important infrastructure improvements. The bill, which totals $787.2 billion, provides significant funding opportunities for park and recreation infrastructure and programming. On Friday, February 13, 2009, the House passed the bill by a vote of 236-183. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38. This bill provides funding opportunities for park and recreation agencies through various competitive grant programs, including: special education services, childcare services, and community development block grant programs. Additionally, there will be funds available to remove and clean up commercial sites, or brownfields which could benefit park and recreation agencies.
NRPA advocates scored a major victory for communities across America in the negotiations over the economic stimulus bill. Late last week, the Senate adopted an amendment that prohibited the use of funds appropriated through the Act for “community parks”. However, due to the determination of NRPA advocates and NRPA Public Policy staff, the Conference Committee rejected the Senate language and agreed to allow communities to use funding from programs such as Community Development Block Grants, transportation infrastructure, and the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund to support community parks.
Additional hope was provide for park and recreation funding as the LWCF state assistance program was considered through final deliberations of the bill. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) offered an amendment that included $100 million for LWCF state assistance. Unfortunately, before it could be brought to the floor for a vote, a compromised bipartisan spending agreement was reached prompting Senate leadership to prohibit additional amendments that increased spending.
Future legislation may be proposed in the 111th Congress that seeks to stimulate the economy by creating jobs. In an effort to promote government accountability and to remove government waste, the Obama Administration will allow citizens to track where their tax dollars are spent on this Recovery Bill at
www.recovery.gov
. The website will be available after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
INVESTING IN RURAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY NEEDS
Department of Agriculture
It is important to note that the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize, where practical, the Public Lands Corps, Youth Conservation Corps, Student Conservation Association, Job Corps and other related partnerships with Federal, State, local, tribal or non-profit groups that serve young adults.
Rural Community Facilities Program:
In the Conference Bill, $130 million
was included for the program, which provides financing to local governments, nonprofit corporations, and federally-recognized Indian tribes for the development of essential community facilities in rural areas. We are still awaiting USDA confirmation of public parks and recreation eligibility for the program. However, most funds would likely be available for partnering with other local agencies if not directly eligible. Funds can be used for health care facilities; fire, rescue, and public safety buildings, vehicles, and equipment; libraries and other important community needs.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/brief_cp_grant.htm
State Fire Assistance Hazardous Fuel Projects and Forest Health Projects:
The Conference Bill provided $250 million
for hazardous fuels reduction. This funding is channeled down to local communities for urban forestry efforts. Funding from these programs also protect the environment, especially trees that store carbon dioxide.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was created to stimulate and add balance to the economy by investing in job creation and important infrastructure improvements. The bill, which totals $787.2 billion, provides significant funding opportunities for park and recreation infrastructure and programming. On Friday, February 13, 2009, the House passed the bill by a vote of 236-183. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38. This bill provides funding opportunities for park and recreation agencies through various competitive grant programs, including: special education services, childcare services, and community development block grant programs. Additionally, there will be funds available to remove and clean up commercial sites, or brownfields which could benefit park and recreation agencies.
NRPA advocates scored a major victory for communities across America in the negotiations over the economic stimulus bill. Late last week, the Senate adopted an amendment that prohibited the use of funds appropriated through the Act for “community parks”. However, due to the determination of NRPA advocates and NRPA Public Policy staff, the Conference Committee rejected the Senate language and agreed to allow communities to use funding from programs such as Community Development Block Grants, transportation infrastructure, and the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund to support community parks.
Additional hope was provide for park and recreation funding as the LWCF state assistance program was considered through final deliberations of the bill. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) offered an amendment that included $100 million for LWCF state assistance. Unfortunately, before it could be brought to the floor for a vote, a compromised bipartisan spending agreement was reached prompting Senate leadership to prohibit additional amendments that increased spending.
Future legislation may be proposed in the 111th Congress that seeks to stimulate the economy by creating jobs. In an effort to promote government accountability and to remove government waste, the Obama Administration will allow citizens to track where their tax dollars are spent on this Recovery Bill at
www.recovery.gov
. The website will be available after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
INVESTING IN RURAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY NEEDS
Department of Agriculture
It is important to note that the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize, where practical, the Public Lands Corps, Youth Conservation Corps, Student Conservation Association, Job Corps and other related partnerships with Federal, State, local, tribal or non-profit groups that serve young adults.
Rural Community Facilities Program:
In the Conference Bill, $130 million
was included for the program, which provides financing to local governments, nonprofit corporations, and federally-recognized Indian tribes for the development of essential community facilities in rural areas. We are still awaiting USDA confirmation of public parks and recreation eligibility for the program. However, most funds would likely be available for partnering with other local agencies if not directly eligible. Funds can be used for health care facilities; fire, rescue, and public safety buildings, vehicles, and equipment; libraries and other important community needs.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/brief_cp_grant.htm
State Fire Assistance Hazardous Fuel Projects and Forest Health Projects:
The Conference Bill provided $250 million
for hazardous fuels reduction. This funding is channeled down to local communities for urban forestry efforts. Funding from these programs also protect the environment, especially trees that store carbon dioxide.
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