543571 - Iowa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program
Funding Opportunity Details

ENERGY

Final Application Deadline: Mar 18, 2024 11:59 PM

Description

• Description

  The State of Iowa has received $2 million of federal formula funds to establish the Iowa Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Iowa EECBG Program is comprised of two funds—Community Fund and Innovation Fund.

  In support of the federal Justice40 Initiative, projects benefitting federal identified disadvantaged communities will receive a scoring preference during application review.

  Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize any project applicable U.S. Department of Energy provided EECBG Blueprint. Blueprints outline key activities to drive project success. Following a Blueprint may also streamline National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

  The following federal requirements may apply to EECBG funded projects:

  • National Environmental Policy Act
  • Davis-Bacon Act
  • Federal Procurement (2 CFR 200)
  • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
  • Build America, Buy America

  The EECBG Policies and Procedures Manual includes:

  • Eligibility requirements
  • Program details, including types of projects that align with program purposes and priorities
  • Processes for applicants

  Community Fund Overview: (see Policies and Procedures Manual for more details)

  Eligible Recipients

  Eligible applicants for the Community Fund are cities and counties NOT eligible to receive an EECBG formula direct allocation from the federal government. Therefore, NOT eligible to apply to the State of Iowa’s EECBG Community Fund are Ames, Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Cerro Gordo County, Council Bluffs, Clinton County, Dallas County, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa City, Johnson County, Linn County, Marion, Marshall County, Muscatine County, Polk County, Sioux City, Urbandale, Waterloo, Warren County, and West Des Moines. All local governments are eligible to apply to the Innovation Fund described below.

  Eligible Projects

  Project awards may range from $50,000-$300,000. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Project examples (may include but are not limited to):

  • Building energy assessment or audits plus energy efficiency upgrades
  • Energy efficiency upgrades at wastewater or water supply facilities
  • Replacement of traffic signals and streetlights to improve energy efficiency

  Eligible Project Costs

  Project costs incurred before the approval of a grant award are not eligible. Eligible project costs include:

  • Energy assessments/audits
  • Developing and installing energy efficiency improvements
  • Contracting for project development and/or implementation
  • Direct administration costs
  • Contracting for federal regulations compliance assistance

  Cost Share

  Cost share is not required for Community Fund applications, but applicants providing cost share will receive a scoring preference during application review.

  Innovation Fund Overview: (see Policies and Procedures Manual for more details)

  Eligible Recipients

  Eligible applicants for the Innovation Fund include local governments, nonprofits, and for profit entities.

  Eligible Projects

  Eligible project types include innovative energy efficiency and innovative renewable energy demonstration projects. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Project examples (may include but are not limited to):

  • Demonstrating an innovative energy efficiency or renewable energy project, program or technology new or rarely used in Iowa
  • Reducing fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities
  • Reducing total energy use
  • Improving energy efficiency in transportation, building, or other appropriate sectors
  • Building a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities

  Eligible Project Costs

  Project costs incurred before the approval of a project are not eligible. Eligible project costs include:

  • Energy assessments/audits
  • Developing and installing energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems
  • Contracting
  • Direct administration costs
  • Contracting for federal regulations compliance assistance

  Cost Share

  A 50% cost share is required for Innovation Fund projects. Cost share may be a combination of cash and in-kind but at least 50% of the proposed cost share must be cash.

  How to Apply:

  • Applications must be submitted through www.iowagrants.gov

  Questions may be directed to the Program Manager, Jeff Geerts at jeff.geerts@iowaeda.com or by calling 515.348.6211 Application focused questions should be submitted to IEDA at least one week prior to the application deadline to ensure adequate time for receipt, consideration, and response.