The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established both the PROTECT Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs. The PROTECT Discretionary Grants Program funds projects on a competitive basis that address the climate crisis by … Read more
These are two new pilot programs that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was directed to establish under legislation in 2020. The programs are directed to evaluate opportunities to reduce flood, hurricane, and storm risks for economically disadvantaged and rural communities. Details for these programs may change as detailed program guidance has not yet been published as of November 2022.
Eligible Uses
Under the Section 118(b) Pilot Program for Economically Disadvantaged Communities, eligible uses are studies to address flooding, hurricane, or storm damages that have a disproportionate impact on a rural community, a minority community, or an Indian tribe. These studies are required to incorporate significant use of natural or nature-based features or a combination of such features to the maximum extent practical.
Under the Section 118(c) Pilot Program for Rural and Economically Disadvantaged Communities, the USACE may recommend up to 10 flood or storm damage reduction projects, without having to justify the projects solely by national economic benefits. A project under this program must benefit economically disadvantaged or rural communities whose long-term life safety, economic viability, and environmental sustainability would be threatened without the project.
Eligible Recipients
Eligible recipients are USACE non-federal sponsors, which includes legally-constituted public entities and nonprofit entities, with projects or studies benefiting communities meeting the criteria described in the Eligible Uses section.
Approx Annual Funding Amount
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included $30 million for these pilot programs to be available until expended.
Cost Share Requirements
Under the Section 118(b) Pilot Program for Economically Disadvantaged Communities, the USACE will select 10 studies to be carried out with a 100% federal cost-share (no local cost-share) for only the feasibility study phase (which includes required environmental reviews). Project construction cost-share requirements remain the same as the regular cost-share requirements for the project type.
Under the Section 118(c) Pilot Program for Rural and Economically Disadvantaged Communities, the cost-share requirements for both study and construction costs remain the same as the regular cost-share requirements for the project type.
Application Cycle
These are new programs still in development as of August 2022. For more information, contact your local USACE District.
Contact
See this linked document for contacts for USACE programs.
Other Info
- This program is covered under the Justice40 Initiative.
- See P. Law 116-260 § 118, 134 Stat. 2629.
