Notice_of_Availability_of_State_and_Federal_Funds Notice of Availability of State and Federal Funds

4/22/09 N.Y. St. Reg. Notice of Availability of State and Federal Funds

NEW YORK STATE REGISTER

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 16

April 22, 2009

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS

 

ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES CORPORATION

Green Innovation Grant Program Attention: GIGP Project Manager 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12207-2997

Green Innovation Grant Program

NOTE: Below is a revised version of a “Notice of Final Description of Eligible Project Categories” that was published in the State Register on March 25, 2009. The current revision is to extend the application deadline of the program, specifically the last date that applications will be accepted is extended from May 9, 2009 to May 29, 2009.

I. BACKGROUND, SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) hereby establishes a new program designed to preserve and create jobs, promote economic recovery, and invest in environmental protection and green innovation to provide short and long-term economic benefits. Funding for the program was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and is being implemented through the New York State (NYS) Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF, respectively), authorized by NYS Public Authorities Law sections 1285-j and 1285-m.

This program, called the Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP), is intended to provide economic stimulus through the provision of funding for eligible green projects, as further described below. All projects or portions thereof which address green innovation including but not limited to water and energy efficiency improvements, green wet weather infrastructure and other environmentally innovative projects or which qualify as a demonstration of new green innovation will be listed in the CWSRF Intended Use Plan (IUP), Category G, or in the DWSRF IUP, as authorized. The IUP is a plan which identifies the intended uses of amounts available in the SRFs including, but not limited to, a list of potentially eligible projects; a description of the short-term and long-term objectives of the SRFs; information on the types of activities to be supported, including a description of projects in this category, terms of SRF assistance, eligible recipients and the criteria and method established for the distribution of funds. EFC will give the greatest priority to projects that EFC determines are able to initiate construction by June 16, 2009, 120 days following enactment of ARRA.

In order to apply for GIGP funding, the applicant must meet the minimum state and federal qualifications to participate in the CWSRF or the DWSRF programs. Eligible applicants may include any county, city, town, village, district corporation, county or town improvement district, Indian reservation wholly within New York state, any public benefit corporation or public authority established pursuant to the laws of New York or any agency of New York which is empowered to construct and operate an eligible GIGP project, or any two of the foregoing which are acting jointly in connection with an eligible GIGP project. Eligible applicants may also include any partnership, association, school district, not-for-profit corporation or any other corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York or any other state which is empowered to develop a project, or any two or more of the foregoing which are acting jointly in connection with a project. Eligible projects must be located in a city, town or village with a population of less than one million.

II. PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE

This notice describes eligibility requirements for the GIGP, the amount of funding available, the time period during which EFC will accept applications for funding, and certain other eligibility criteria and program information.

III. DESCRIPTION OF ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

The GIGP is intended to create and retain jobs, and construct and implement sustainable, green innovation projects in NYS. Green innovation includes capital projects, technologies and activities that meet the objectives of environmentally and economically sustainable facilities by exceeding traditional infrastructure goals associated with basic regulatory requirements for water quality protection. The broad definition of green innovation established by ARRA and the SRFs includes technologies and activities that protect water quality and fall in one or more of the following general project categories:

• Water efficiency, reuse or conservation - projects that deliver equal or better services with less water.

• Energy efficiency - projects that reduce energy consumption or produce clean energy.

• Green wet weather infrastructure - projects that maintain, restore, or mimic natural systems to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, or recycle stormwater.

• Environmental innovation - projects that manage water resources to prevent or remove pollution in an economically sustainable way.

Green innovation project descriptions and examples may be found at www.nysefc.org/GreenGrants. This link also includes federal guidance on green projects, along with other relevant information.

Based on the above categories, evaluation of proposed projects, or any portion thereof, shall include but not be limited to an assessment of the following criteria:

• Economic benefits generated, including job retention and creation.

• Public health and safety.

• Protection of water quality and other environmental resources.

• Demonstrated readiness to commence construction by no later than January 1, 2010.

• Green energy production or reduction in energy consumption.

• Regional distribution of projects.

• Volume of water conserved, reclaimed, reused or for which pollution has been prevented or removed.

• Attainment of water quality goals and standards.

• Sustainability of the project, meaning the capacity for continued financial stability, environmental benefits, and the efficient operation and maintenance of the project through appropriate management.

• Feasibility of transferring new technology/activities to other NYS water quality issues.

• Compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

IV. FUNDING PROPOSAL

This program will be administered by EFC, expanding upon established programs. GIGP will use funding sources from ARRA and administered under the SRFs to assist in financing and implementing eligible projects.

EFC reserves the right to fund up to 90% of a project or a portion thereof. Applicants may be required to identify separate project components for funding consideration. Funding will be provided to eligible projects only to the extent funds are available.

GIGP will provide funding to eligible applicants to help pay for the implementation costs of certain projects, or portions thereof. Payments in an amount up to 90% of eligible project costs may be provided to eligible recipients with GIGP projects that comply with all requirements. The recipient must contribute at least 10% matching funds under this program, which may include direct cash funding or documented in-kind services. Payments will be made on an incurred cost basis, with Disbursement Requests accepted by EFC not more than once every 30 days. Notwithstanding the above, no disbursements will be made (e.g. for eligible planning and design costs) until project construction contracts have been fully executed, which must occur by no later than January 1, 2010.

NOTE: Recipients of GIGP funding must document that construction contracts have been fully executed or construction of the approved project has commenced by no later than January 1, 2010. Failure to document this fact by the stated deadline may disqualify the project from receiving GIGP funding.

V. AMOUNT OF FUNDING

EFC estimates that a minimum of $35 million in funding will be made available to the GIGP from the CWSRF. In addition, EFC estimates that a minimum of $3 million in DWSRF funds may be made available to the GIGP for eligible green innovation projects related to drinking water supply systems from the DWSRF.

GIGP funding is based on receipt of incurred costs, requiring the recipient to provide copies of invoices to receive payment. Subsequent proof of payment for incurred costs will be required in order to continue to receive funding. A complete description of all sources of project funding must be included with the initial application.

VI. APPLICATION SCHEDULE

EFC will accept Applications for GIGP funding postmarked no later than May 29, 2009.

Under GIGP, EFC’s administrative responsibilities will include: receiving and reviewing grant applications; making funding commitments based on a completed GIGP Application, as determined by EFC; and entering into Funding Agreements directly with recipients for project implementation. The Funding Agreement will include, among other things, the authorization to pay for eligible costs associated with all or a portion of an approved GIGP project.

A complete GIGP Application shall, at a minimum, include the following:

• Completed, signed and dated Application Form as prescribed by EFC.

• Detailed project description, rationale for undertaking the project and demonstration of how the project meets the evaluation criteria.

• Detailed description of the economic benefits of and number of jobs retained or created by the proposed project.

• A detailed description and schedule indicating how the applicant will complete all necessary environmental and State Historic Preservation Office reviews required for the proposed project in time to meet the January 1, 2010 deadline referred to above.

• Detailed project schedule, including construction start and end dates.

• Listing of all other sources of funding being utilized in support of the project.

VII. FUNDING SCHEDULE

PROPOSED SCHEDULE
GIGP Application Materials Available	3/25/2009	EFC anticipates that GIGP Application materials will be available by March 25, 2009; applications must be postmarked no later than May 29, 2009. EFC expects to announce the list of potentially fundable projects by June 24, 2009. Selected, approved projects would then enter into Funding Agreements. Failure to comply with the Funding Agreement may result in GIGP funds being reallocated to other projects. EFC will provide funding for the GIGP only to the extent monies are available. Projects must be completed and funds disbursed by December 31, 2013.
Postmark Deadline for GIGP Application	5/29/2009
Target Date for Announcement of Fundable GIGP Projects	6/24/2009
Deadline for Applicants to Execute Construction Contracts and/or certify Start of Project Construction	1/1/2010
Deadline for Project Completion and Disbursement of All Funds	12/31/2013

VIII. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The GIGP is subject to the requirements of the ARRA, as well as the applicable requirements of the CWSRF and DWSRF. ARRA imposes new requirements for projects that receive ARRA funds, including but not limited to the following:

(1) Program Duration

Subject to the availability of funds and the other eligibility criteria set forth in this notice, EFC anticipates that GIGP projects will be identified by June 24, 2009, project construction must be commenced or all construction contracts are executed by January 1, 2010, and the project must be completed and all funds disbursed by December 31, 2013.

(2) Application Deadline

Applications for funding under GIGP must be postmarked by no later than May 29, 2009. EFC strongly encourages applicants to submit their application to EFC as soon as possible to ensure compliance with ARRA requirements in order to maximize the chances of receiving funding. The required GIGP Application may be obtained by downloading it from EFC’s website at www.nysefc.org/GreenGrants or by contacting EFC at the address specified under Section IX of this notice.

(3) Application Procedure

The procedures for administering GIGP, including the submission, review and approval of requests for SRF assistance will be governed by applicable law including the provisions of ARRA, the CWA, the SDWA, the CWSRF and the DWSRF.

(4) GIGP Grant Recipient Responsibilities

Recipients of grants under the GIGP are “subgrantees” under the federal Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. “Cross-cutting” Federal Laws and Executive Orders apply to all subgrantees and projects funded in whole or in part by the GIGP from ARRA monies. Grant recipients are responsible for complying with all applicable cross-cutting federal authorities. A listing of these authorities may be found on EFC’s web site at www.nysefc.org/GreenGrants.

(5) DUNS® (Data Universal Numbering System) Numbers

EPA guidance for reporting under ARRA calls for subgrantees to have DUNS numbers for reporting. Each applicant must provide EFC with a DUNS number in order to receive GIGP funding. DUNS numbers may be applied for through the following link: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.

(6) Compliance Reporting

As part of the GIGP funding request process, EFC may verify that any applicable permits have been issued, if required, covering the proposed project.

In order to fulfill federal and state requirements, GIGP participants will be required to submit detailed reports to EFC in compliance with ARRA and applicable law documenting achievement of project milestones, financial status, achievement of economic recovery/stimulus goals, including reporting on number and type of jobs retained or created and other general project information.

(7) Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods

ARRA requires that all iron, steel and manufactured goods used in the project is to be produced in the United States. Continuing documentation that this requirement has been met will be the responsibility of the participant and shall be provided to EFC or its agent upon request. Failure to meet this requirement will likely disqualify the project/recipient and would require the cessation of future payments as well as the recoupment of any GIGP funding paid to the recipient.

(8) Certification

With respect to funding made available under the GIGP for eligible projects, recipients shall certify that the project has received the full review and vetting required by state and federal law, and that the recipient accepts responsibility that the funding is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Such certification shall include a description of the project, the estimated total cost, and the amount of GIGP funds to be used. Recipients may not receive GIGP funding from ARRA funds unless this certification is provided to EFC for posting on EFC’s web site. Further, the recipient must certify that no other grant funds received from third-parties have been received or used for any portion of the project funded by the GIGP through EFC with ARRA monies.

(9) Environmental Reviews

The applicant must document that all environmental reviews required by local, state and federal laws and SRF requirements, including but not limited to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the State Environmental Review Process (SERP), and evaluation by the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), under NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law, Section 14.09, have been successfully completed, and that all state, local and federal permits required to undertake the project have been received.

(10) Prevailing Wage Rate Requirements

All GIGP-funded projects are subject to the applicable provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act. Notwithstanding any other provision of law and in a manner consistent with other provisions in ARRA, all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on GIGP projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by funding through the GIGP shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.

(11) Restrictions on the Purchase of Land

None of the funds appropriated under ARRA can be used for the purchase of land or easements.

(12) Fixed Price Contracts

To the maximum extent possible, contracts funded under ARRA shall be awarded as fixed price contracts through the use of competitive procedures.

(13) Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)

Projects funded under ARRA must comply with the requirements of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises under EPA’s DBE rule (40 CFR 33).

(14) Limit on Funds

ARRA prohibits the use of these funds for any casino or gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or swimming pool.

(15) Signatures

All application documents requiring the applicant’s signature must contain an original signature. Photocopy or facsimile signatures will not be accepted.

IX. INFORMATION AVAILABILITY

Any person seeking additional information or application material regarding this program should contact EFC at: Environmental Facilities Corporation, Green Innovation Grant Program, Attention: GIGP Project Manager, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207-2997, Telephone [phone], Fax [phone] or www.nysefc.org/GreenGrants, email: [e-mail]

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Bureau of STD Control ESP, Corning Tower, Room 1168 Albany, NY 12237

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Funding to Strengthen and Support Infrastructure in High Morbidity Areas

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Bureau of Sexually Transmitted Disease Control (BSTDC) will accept applications through June 8, 2009 to support Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Control infrastructure in high morbidity areas of New York State. NYSDOH BSTDC will issue a Request for Application (RFA) on or about April 22, 2009. Awards will be made on a competitive basis to Local Health Department (LHDs).

The following is a description of this initiative:

$525,000 in total funding is available.

Eligible applicants include all New York State LHDs that demonstrate the capacity to provide STD services and demonstrate 20 or more cases of early infectious syphilis, or over 300 cases of gonorrhea, or over 1,000 cases of Chlamydia in the 2007 calendar year. Services includes: field epidemiology, case interviews, internet-based and traditional partner elicitation/notification, counseling, testing, clinical support and referral and screening services for STDs.

Up to seven awards will be granted to LHDs, for up to $75,000 per year per award. The applicants will conduct activities and services that will support early infectious syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia to reduce morbidity. It is also expected that the applicants will strengthen and supplement existing STD infrastructure to support a greater STD burden, strengthen and supplement STD Disease Intervention Services (DIS) activities including: testing; laboratory services; surveillance activities; field epidemiology; case interviews; internet-based and traditional partner elicitation/notification; counseling; clinical support; referrals; screening services; and education for syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. The NYSDOH BSTDC expects that the LHDs demonstrate the following: timely data reporting, an infrastructure of categorical STD clinics located in high morbidity areas known as “Core Epidemiological Areas”; close integration of STD clinic services with DIS activities; and the ability to collaborate with institutional providers such as juvenile detention centers, or drug and alcohol treatment centers.

Applicants will need to describe how funded positions will support STD services, and indicate how funds will support and not supplant existing STD services and infrastructure. Administrative and clerical support will not be supported by these funds.

Funds will be awarded through contracts for a four and a half year period anticipated to start on 10/1/09.

For a copy of the RFA, contact: Jill Volks at the above address or call [phone], or email: [e-mail]

For written requests for the RFA, include the following information: name of organization, contact person and title, address and phone number.

401 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305-2397

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WITH DEMONSTRATED EXPERTISE IN PROVIDING DISABILITY ADVOCACY EDUCATION TRAINING FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND ADVOCATES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (FEDERALLY FUNDED)

Disability Advocacy Education Training

CQCAPD is announcing the availability of federal funding to establish two sites within New York State that will provide disability advocacy education training to parents of children with disabilities, students with disabilities, advocates, and other interested parties.

Through the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, CQCAPD will accept applications to establish an office in the Long Island Region (covering Nassau and Suffolk Counties) and an office in the Western New York Region (covering Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) for the five-year period November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2014. The initial one-year contract term (November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010) will be funded at $50,000 per contract. Funding for subsequent one-year terms throughout the five-year period will be subject to the availability of federal grant monies.

To be eligible, applicants must be not-for-profit organizations, independent of any public or private agency that provides treatment or habilitation services to persons with disabilities. Applicants must have the capacity and expertise to train the target audiences.

The RFP is expected to be released on April 30, 2009. Due date and time for the receipt of proposals is July 31, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Subcontracting will not be allowed without the express written approval of CQCAPD.

For application information, please contact Layna Maher, Project Director, at the above address; by phone at [phone]; by fax at [phone]; or by e-mail at [e-mail]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Division of Coastal Resources 99 Washington Avenue Albany, New York 12231

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS WITHIN THE COUNTIES OF DUTCHESS, ORANGE, PUTNAM, ROCKLAND, SULLIVAN, AND WESTCHESTER, AND THE SOUTHERN TOWNSHIPS OF ULSTER COUNTY (GARDINER, LLOYD, MARLBOROUGH, PLATTEKILL, SHAWANGUNK AND WAWARSING)

Lower Hudson Valley Smart Growth Grants

The Department of State is soliciting applications from local governments and not-for-profits for grants available under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for Smart Growth planning projects. Grant applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm on June 30, 2009.

Funding is available for two categories of planning: 1) municipal and area planning to revitalize “centers” – e.g., downtowns, "Main Streets", hamlets, urban cores, historic districts, transit stations and older first-tier suburbs; and 2) a regional plan.

Funding is available in the first category to:

• Develop a comprehensive center revitalization plan and program.

• Develop community designs consistent with the Smart Growth principles contained herein that improve the physical characteristics of the center, create synergies among diverse land uses and invite investment.

• Create a positive image of the center and encourage consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the center.

• Organize and coordinate community talent, resources and stakeholders to implement a center revitalization program.

• Create public consensus and input through education and outreach, including surveys, focus groups, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, data collection, charettes and concept preparation.

• Conduct market analysis of the demand for revitalization of the center, including residential, commercial/retail and support services.

• Develop local ordinances, zoning overlays and land use regulations that foster the center revitalization plan.

• Identify potential public and private funding sources and partners.

• Conduct an inventory of existing resources that will bolster the revitalization plan.

• Identify and develop the institutional tools needed to support revitalization, including retail management organizations, business improvement districts, public-private partnerships, financial strategies and organizational structures.

Funding is available in the second category for a regional plan that:

• Documents Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMTs) in the Lower Hudson Valley and the connections between transportation and development patterns in relation to VMTs, and makes projections for the future with and without Smart Growth.

• Documents the connection between land use patterns and climate change, primarily in relation to transportation-based greenhouse gases due to VMTs.

• Develops regional and inter-municipal land use solutions to the trend toward increased VMTs, based on the Smart Growth principles contained herein, with particular emphasis on the anticipated effects of the Stewart Airport expansion and the Tappan Zee Bridge project on land use and development patterns.

• Designates Priority Growth Areas - areas appropriate for a concentration of compact, mixed-use development - based on a regional analysis.

Eligible applicants include municipalities and not-for-profits within the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester, and the southern townships of Ulster County (Gardiner, Lloyd, Marlborough, Plattekill, Shawangunk and Wawarsing).

Grants will be available for up to 100% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

Notification has been transmitted to eligible municipalities, and application materials are available online at www.dos.state.ny.us. For more information, eligible applicants should contact the New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231, call [phone], or e-mail [e-mail].

1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22 Albany, New York 12226-2251

LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND ELIGIBLE PRIVATE NON-PROFIT (PNP) ORGANIZATIONS

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP); FEMA-1827-DR-NY, “New York Severe Winter Storm”

The New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) is pleased to announce that it will be accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) related to the major disaster declaration FEMA-1827-DR-NY, “New York Severe Winter Storm.” This opportunity will be made available statewide.

New York State (SEMO) is the applicant for this FEMA program. Eligible sub-applicants include local and state governments, Native American tribes or tribal organizations, and eligible private non-profit (PNP) organizations.

HMGP funds can reimburse up to 75% of the costs associated with developing or updating all-hazards mitigation plans, or implementing hazard mitigation projects. There is a minimum 25% local cost-share. Sub-applicants requesting funds for mitigation projects must have either: a) prepared and adopted a FEMA-approved all-hazards mitigation plan; or b) participated in a multi-jurisdictional mitigation planning effort and adopted the resulting FEMA-approved plan. FEMA also requires that eligible projects meet their cost-effectiveness and environmental criteria.

Eligible sub-applicants are encouraged to review the mitigation strategies and projects outlined in their mitigation plans as they develop projects for funding under the HMGP. Information about eligible project types is available in the HMGP Applicants’ Handbook included with SEMO mailings and online at www.semo.state.ny.us/programs/mitigation.

Interested sub-applicants can begin the HMGP application process by submitting an LOI that provides basic applicant and project information and allows for a determination of eligibility. SEMO will assist eligible sub-applicants with potentially eligible projects as they prepare a more detailed application. Planning applications should fully describe the jurisdiction(s) to be covered, any unusual risks, and any risk assessments or other activities performed to date. Project applications should fully describe the situation to be mitigated, a minimum of three alternatives considered, the proposed solution, the past damages and the projected savings if the project is implemented.

If HMGP monies remain after all eligible projects are funded, SEMO may also consider funding projects submitted for previous grant cycles. Subject to FEMA approval, SEMO may also make available funds to implement mitigation measures identified in the “New York State Standard Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.”

Deadline: Potential sub-applicants must complete and fax their LOIs to SEMO at (518) 322- 4983 by 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2009.

There will be no extensions to this deadline.

For more information please visit: www.semo.state.ny.us/programs/mitigation.

You may also contact: Richard Lord, Chief of Mitigation Programs, at the above address, or call [phone] landline, [phone] facsimile