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2022, 02-01 Study Session MINUTES City of Spokane Valley City Council Study Session Meeting Tuesday,February 1, 2022 Mayor Haley called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting was held in person in Council Chambers, and also remotely via Zoom meeting. Attendance: CounciImembers Staff Pam Haley,Mayor John Hohman, City Manager Rod Higgins, Deputy Mayor Erik Lamb, Deputy City Manager Tim Hattenburg, Councilmember Cary Driskell, City Attorney Laura Padden, Councilmember Chelsie Taylor,Finance Director Brandi Peetz, Councilmember John Bottelli,Parks,Rec &Facilities Dir. Ben Wick, Councilmember Dave Ellis,Police Chief Arne Woodard, Councilmember Bill Helbig,City Engineer Adam Jackson,Planning/Grants Engineer Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk ROLL CALL: City Clerk Bainbridge called roll; all Councilmembers were present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to approve the agenda. 1. Federal Legislative Agenda—Erik Lamb Deputy City Manager Lamb introduced Cardinal Infrastructure partners Ms. Anja Graves and Ms. Sherry Little, our City's federal lobbyist. Ms. Little mentioned that Ms. Graves is the registered lobbyist responsible for identifying and advising Spokane Valley in the congressional delegation to advance this City's priorities. Ms. Little explained that today's goal is to look at what happened in 2021 as it relates to the federal agenda and to look forward into 2022 to see if Council has guidance about shifting any priority changes; that it is her understanding that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor would like a discussion about the potential re-ordering of the five priorities, as well as discuss a policy request. Ms.Graves gave an update on several bills including the re-authorization bill,the appropriations bill,Build- Back-Better,and described some of the 2020 activity and what they identify as `wins' on behalf of Spokane Valley; said they have been working hard on the five projects shown on the PowerPoint slide: 1 —Pines Road/BNSF Railway Grade Separation project 2—Spokane Valley River Loop Trail 3 —Bigelow Gulch & Sullivan Road Corridor 4—Spokane County Regional Expo Expansion 5--South Barker Road Corridor Projects Ms. Graves said they have also been working hard on the policy request to increase federal funding to improve rail safety projects in our community; said they worked hard with staff to finalize the one-page descriptions of each project; said they submitted applications to our congressional delegation requesting earmarks or congressional spending for these projects;and mentioned the various entities they have worked in collaboration with on these projects. Ms. Graves gave the following update on the specific projects: #1 above-our senators requested$2.5 million for 2022,but unfortunately there was no funding for that project in the final legislation; and she mentioned other efforts to acquire funding which were also not successful, but said it is likely funding for this will be reconsidered again in the future. #2 - said they submitted earmark requests to both house and senate offices with Congresswoman MoMorris-Rodgers requesting $2 million from the appropriations committee, but that was not included in the final bill. Council Meeting Minutes,Study Session:02-01-2022 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council:02-22-2022 #3 — stated that there was $2.65 million included in the house bill but that bill also did not pass congress; and there was a failed INFRA grant request. #4 — there is still a pending request before the EDA for $3 million; said the City Manager and Deputy City Manager informed her that the EDA seems very interested and has been requesting additional information;that the project is in a good position to receive funding but we won't know the outcome for several weeks; she also noted that request was submitted for consideration under appropriations but our delegation did not advance that to the appropriations committee. #5 — there is $3 million pending in the senate appropriations bill which has not yet passed; Congresswoman McMorris-Rodgers requested $12 million but it was not included in their final bi 11. Ms. Graves noted the FY 2022 appropriations have not yet been completed and the federal government is running under a continuing resolution until February 18; adding that she is not hopeful they will come to conclusion on an omnibus,which would package all the various agencies' budgets together, adding that it is not certain the $3 million earmark would remain; and she briefly explained some options for possible other ways the bill could be passed within that timeframe. She mentioned that the Build-Back Better bill is likely to be broken down into smaller bills that may have a chance for passage. Ms. Graves said they are excited about the bipartisan infrastructure law that has additional funding and programs that might be available for projects in our community, especially related to railroad crossings; and she noted her handout/fact sheet of "Building a Better America" that discusses new programs included in the infrastructure law that cities are eligible for, including some programs that might be of interest to us; and lastly, she briefed Council on the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program which will provide additional funding, which includes hundreds of millions of dollars for projects such as ours with possible additional funding in the future. She noted that FY 2022 and FY 2023 appropriations will be delayed; but if this congress decides to take up earmarked requests,said will help us submit them to our delegation offices then to the key appropriations committee staff. Mr. Lamb then moved to the Council's 2022 draft legislative agenda, said we did not receive full funding for any of the five capital projects on last year's agenda, and we believe it is appropriate to have those five projects remain on the agenda; but we would like Council's input and prioritization of those projects, and he added that the projects are numbered in somewhat priority but we will also be looking for a new policy request which should be coordinated with the capital projects. Councilmember Woodard suggested moving the Sullivan Overpass to#2 and move the River Loop to 3 or even lower; said if that Bigelow Gulch project is finished and we don't have any plans for Sullivan, it will `destroy us at Trent.' Councilmember Wick asked about the design process and Mr. Hohman said an alternative fund analysis has been funded for that and he is pushing staff regularly to provide Council an update; several alternatives have been developed for the Trent/Sullivan bridge, and are in the process of being vetted through WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) but they have had other priorities; said we hope to finish that soon and then begin the selection of a preferred alternative;hopefully in the next month or so. Regarding the River Loop Trail, Mr. Hohman said we have contracted with a firm to do the surveying portion and we are just now getting that information;and this week we selected the firm to do the bridge designs. Councilmember Peetz said she spoke with some of our federal delegation, and one of their sentiments was they want all the jurisdictions to come forward with one project to make it easier to fund;said some projects would benefit several jurisdictions; and she asked for Mr. Hohman's input. Mr. Hohman explained that SRTC (Spokane Regional Transportation Council) has worked diligently for the last few years to come up with a regional list of projects; this year with the infrastructure bill there are different categories and programs; he said that Mr. Jackson will take a list of the new funding programs to compare that to our specific projects to try to line them up into the different competitive categories; and if other jurisdictions are doing something similar, that would provide a background for us to get together to determine whose project would be the regional project; adding that nothing has been determined in that regard, but there is Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session:02-01-2022 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council:02-22-2022 potential. Councilmember Padden said she supports moving the Sullivan project up and to move the River Loop Trail down further;and mentioned the idea of prioritizing existing parks instead of starting a new one. It was also noted that the prices are place holders as the project costs are likely to increase. After further discussion on priority,Mayor Haley said she agrees with the transportation projects as the first three,(Pines, Sullivan Corridor, South Barker) then River Loop as 4 and Expo Center as 5, and she asked for Council consensus; they all nodded affirmatively. Mayor Haley asked for input concerning the policy requests: #1 —increase funding for economic development programs #2—revise ARPA fund to allow expenditures for transportation projects #3—increase funding for transportation safety programs After discussion, Councilmember Hattenburg suggested moving#2 to#1, and#3 to#2, and#1 to#3; #1 —revise ARPA fund to allow expenditures for transportation projects #2—increase funding for transportation safety programs #3 —increase funding for economic development programs and there was full Council consensus.Mr.Lamb said this will be brought back for a future Council meeting. Mr. Driskell explained that Mr. Hohman had a minor family matter and had to leave,but wanted to extend apologies to our guests. 2.ARPA Funds—Chelsie Taylor,Bill Helbig Finance Director Taylor went over the information contained in the Request for Council Action form, explaining the background of ARPA and CLFR (Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund), and that we will receive approximately$16 million, which will be distributed by the Department of Treasury with the City's first allocation of about$8 million received July 12, 2021, and the second expected May 2022, and that all obligated funds must be spent by December 31,2026.Ms.Taylor went over the categories identified by ARPA as primary eligible categories for CLFR dollars; she noted the City has currently spent about $32,000 on those types of activities during 2021, and that staff recommends that $250,000 be set aside for internal city costs. Ms. Taylor asked for Council consensus and Council unanimously concurred. Mayor Haley mentioned the idea of having a small council work group of herself, Deputy Mayor Higgins, and Councilmember Hattenburg to go through the list. There was discussion about the workgroup idea, with Deputy Mayor Higgins explaining that the group would focus attention on the priorities to shorten the list.Deputy City Manager Lamb also noted that timing is an issue,and the use of a subcommittee workgroup would be a means to try to speed up the prioritization and get some direction from Council to streamline the process. There was ultimately consensus to proceed with a workgroup. There was also discussion about not duplicating services, or to perhaps do something within the region,such as bringing in the assistance of mental health professionals. Mr. Helbig also noted that staff reviewed City projects and identified several that would qualify for use of the CLFR funds, in particular the Buckeye Avenue Sewer Extension, which would fall under the category of sewer infrastructure; that the project would provide aquifer quality protection by eliminating septic systems, would extend the sewer main west of Barker Road approximately 650 feet to the City limit, with an estimated project cost of$500,000,which he said would be almost immediately available;he noted there are four parcels on septic tanks and they are near the bank of the river; he said this project would be ready to go to construction the end of February or March, and if Council agrees, staff would bring this back next week for a formal action to earmark the money. Councilmembers nodded in agreement.Mr.Lamb said that staff will also bring a formal motion next week to establish the workgroup. 3. Parking Agreements at Former White Elephant Site—Cary Driskell City Attorney Driskell explained about the City's purchase of the former White Elephant property Iocated at 12614 East Sprague, with the purpose of securing adequate property for future long-term enforcement purposes. He briefly went over the history of that purchase and of the desire for the parking easement and parking license agreement. Mr. Driskell asked if Council had any objection to having this item on the Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session:02-01-2022 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council:02-22-2022 Council's next consent agenda, and Councilmember Wick said he would prefer it not be on the consent agenda as placing it on the regular agenda would give the public the opportunity for comment. It was agreed to place this on an upcoming agenda for action and not the consent agenda. 4. Advance Agenda—Mayor Haley Councilmember Woodard mentioned he will be out of town next week but would like to attend the Council meeting via zoom. There were no objections. 5. Finance Department Monthly Report This report was for information only and was not discussed or reported. 6. Council Comments—Mayor Haley There were no additional Council comments. 7. City Manager Comments—John Hohman Deputy City Manager Lamb explained that last week staff met with Spokane County Chief Executive Officer Mr. Scott Simms and Mr. Doug Chase, Director of Spokane County Parks, Recreation, and Golf, and they had two items where they would like Council's input; that Major League Baseball has extended the minor league season for the Spokane Indians,and in that regard,they are requiring certain upgrades and improvements to the minor league stadiums at as estimated price of $20 to $23 million; said the improvements must be in place by 2025 and will be done by a phased process.Mr.Lamb said he is looking for consensus if Council would like to have Spokane County come in and provide information about those improvements.Mr.Lamb said he feels sure that we will be asked for financial assistance, although they are unsure where they will get the funding, and likely could go for a county-wide bond, at which time, they might ask jurisdictions for participation in that bond. Councilmember Woodard asked to have information prior to any presentation by the County. Councilmember Peetz asked if Council has permitted other people to come to Council with financial requests; said there were a few people in the past who wanted to give presentations and we didn't allow them. Councilmember Woodard said we have the outside agencies process, and if there is a political element to a request, we haven't allowed it, which is why he said he'd like to see the information prior to any presentation.Mr. Lamb said we are working with the County on the expo project because they own the fairgrounds; so this was part of the natural discussion because of the proximity, but they have not tied the stadium project to the Expo project. Councilmember Wick said the County tried to connect their stadium project with our Expo project and that he made it clear we didn't want them connected; and he mentioned the County has posted their study on their website, but would like to hear what they have to say about the project. Mayor Haley added that she doesn't see us supporting the County on the stadium. There was ultimate consensus to include information in the Council packet, but not have a presentation at this point. Mr. Lamb said we will try to get the information as soon as possible. Mr. Lamb said the County was under the impression and informed,that Council might have some interest in the County transferring ownership of Plantes Ferry Park to us, free of charge; and does Council want an administrative report on that possibility. There was no consensus to have an administrative report on transferring ownership of Plantes Ferry Park to us. It was moved by Deputy Mayor Higgins, seconded and unanimously agreed to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. -.. 04(6-.5 ATTE Pam Haley,Mayor Christine Bainbridge, ity Clerk Council Meeting Minutes, Study Session:02-01-2022 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council:02-22-2022 • II � � � �� j ; ,4. I I i ' H • ���� I' STUDY SESSION SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL Anja Graves, Partner Sherry Little, Partner Cardinal Infrastructure, LLC February 1, 2022 M 1 - / `\ _ - v. • r = - 2021 Year in Review- Federal Projects 1. Pines Road/BNSF Railway Grade Separation Project 2. Spokane Valley River Loop Trail 3. Bigelow Gulch&Sullivan Road Corridor +� 4. Spokane County Regional Expo >' Education and Advocacy Expansion • Submissions for congressionally directed 5. South Barker Road Corridor Projects spending(INVEST Act/appropriations) • Applications to competitive grant Policy Priority opportunities(RAISE,INFRA, EDA) • Meetings with congressional delegation Increase federal funding to improve rail • Meetings with U.S.DOT Administration safety and efficiencies by promoting grade- officials separation projects at road-rail conflicts. • Collaboration with U.S.Conference of Mayors. 2 1 Advancing Project Priorities 1.Pines Road/BNSF Railway Grade Separation Project • Senators requested$2.5 million in appropriations • Rep.McMorris Rodgers requested$19.3 million in INVEST Act • Application for FY 2021 RAISE Grant 2.Spokane Valley River Loop Trail • Submitted to House and Senate offices for consideration in appropriations • Rep.McMorris Rodgers requested$2 million in appropriations 3.Bigelow Gulch&Sullivan Road Corridor • $2.65 million included in House INVEST in America Act • Application to FY 2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America(INFRA)Grant 4.Spokane County Regional Expo Expansion • Requesting$3 million for EDA Travel,Tourism,and Outdoor Recreation Grant • Submitted to House and Senate offices for consideration in appropriations 5.South Barker Road Corridor Projects • $3 million pending in Senate FY 2022 Transportation-HUD • Rep.McMorris Rodgers requested$12.9 million in appropriations 3 Appropriations and Budget Reconciliation Appropriations • Status of FY 2022 appropriations • Consequences of continuing resolution and impacts to infrastructure bill implementation • President's 2023 Budget request • FY 2023 congressionally directed spending process Budget Reconciliation • What is budget reconciliation? • Build Back Better Act negotiations and timing • "Skinny"bill(s)on core priorities 4 2 ‘ I '' ;R Overview of Bipartisan fi �"` Infrastructure Law (BIL) $1.2 trillion in total funding . . .. ;"'' $550 billion in new spending over 5 years t' Transportation:$284 billion • Roads, brides, highways L.--•` ''''' ;.t • Public transit • Passenger and freight rail • Electric vehicle infrastructure • Airports, ports,and waterways •• INFRA Program-$10.9 billion G • RAISE Program-$7.5 billion Core Infrastructure:$256 billion • CR151 Program -$5 billion • Water infrastructure • Rail Crossing Elimination Program -$2.5 • • Environmental resiliency and remediation billion • Broadband • Codifies "One Federal Decision" Permit - • Power infrastructure Streamlining Provisions • Establishes Blocked Crossing Portal Pilot Program 5 BIL Railroad Crossing Elimination Program In addition to funding for eligible at-grade crossings under the INFRA, CRISI,and RAISE grant programs. $2.5 billion for highway-rail or pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects. $625 million for highway-rail grade crossing safety information and education programs. • Eliminating frequently blocked at-grade crossings. • improving the health and safety of communities. • Reducing the impacts of rail operations on underserved communities, • improving mobility and commerce. 6 6 3 Action Items and Next Steps FY 2022 FY 2023 Federal Grant Appropriations Appropriations Opportunities Meetings with Visits to Spokane FY 2022 Federal Administration and Valley and Agenda Congressional Washington, DC delegation 7 4 PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN BUILDING A BETTER AMERI A BUILD.GOV FACT SHEET: Competitive Infrastructure Funding Opportunities for Local Governments The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes billions of dollars in competitive funding available to cities,towns, and municipalities across dozens of new and existing programs. As local governments begin to rebuild and reinvest in their communities,the Biden-Harris Administration stands ready to support local leaders as they combine funding streams, organize around their priorities, and build local support for long overdue infrastructure projects. At the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting, White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will highlight 25 already available or soon-to-be-available sources of funding that local governments —particularly cities — can compete or apply for directly. Listed below is the latest available information on these key programs, including links to agency websites, application timing, and descriptions. Highlighted programs were selected based on their size and cross-cutting objectives. Using these available sources of funds, cities can begin to plan to build in-line with President Biden's economic, equity, climate and resilience, Made in America, and labor goals.The White House will also be releasing a comprehensive guidebook of all available funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the coming weeks. The federal government cannot build a better America alone —it needs state and local leadership to act as coordinators and help prepare communities to benefit from transformative infrastructure funding. Outlined below is a short overview of how cities and towns can begin to prepare, as well as contact information for relevant federal agencies. The support of mayors is essential to fulfilling the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of equitably rebuilding America on time, on task, and on budget. Building back better is going to be a multi-year effort, and we need the help of all local leaders to start building the foundation for years to come. Program information as of January loth, 2022 25 Competitive Infrastructure Funding Opportunities for Local Govermnentsx Transportation x. Rebuilding American Infrastructure Sustainably and Equitably (RAISE) Grants—This existing competitive grant program at the Department of Transportation provides $7.5 billion with an additional $7.5 billion subject to Congressional approval in funding for road, rail, transit, and other surface transportation of local and/or regional significance. Selection criteria safety, sustainability, equity, economic competitiveness, mobility, and community connectivity.Applications will open in the first quarter of 2022. 2. Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants —This existing $2 billion Department of Transportation program funds investment in the modernization and expansion of U.S. ports to remove supply chain bottlenecks, ensure long-term competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability while reducing impacts to the environment and neighboring communities. The infrastructure law expanded the program's eligibilities to include projects that improve goods movement, as well as port electrification projects,idling reduction solutions, equipment charging infrastructure and related worker training initiatives. The Department of Transportation expects to open applications in February 2022. 3. Bus &Bus Facilities Competitive Grants This existing $2 billion program at the Department of Transportation provides capital funding to replace, rehabilitate,purchase, or lease buses and bus related equipment and to rehabilitate,purchase, construct, or lease bus related facilities — as well as capital funding for low or no emissions bus projects. Fiscal Year 2021 grant selections will be announced soon.Applications are expected to open for the Fiscal Year 2022 grant program in the first quarter of 2022. 4. National Infrastructure Project Assistance (also known as "Megaprojects" or MEGA)--This $5 billion competitive grant program supports multi-modal, multi jurisdictional projects of regional or national significance. Communities are eligible to apply for funding to complete critical large projects that would otherwise be unachievable without assistance. Selection criteria for the program will be posted on the Department of Transportation website in February 2022. 5. Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grants — This Depaiunent of Transportation program supports highway and rail projects of regional and economic significance.Applications will open in the first quarter of 2022. Learn more about how to apply here. 1 Funding amounts includes programs'contract authority,advanced appropriations and mandatory appropriations.Funding subject to appropriations not included. 2 • • 6. Safe Streets and Roads for All — This new $5 billion competitive grant program at the Department of Transportation will provide funding directly to and exclusively for local governments to support their efforts to advance "vision zero" plans and other complete street improvements to reduce crashes and fatalities, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.Applications are expected to open in May 2022. 7. Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants —In addition to the $5 billion formula program distributed to states, this $2.5 billion discretionary grant program at the Department of Transportation will fund the strategic deployment of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure, along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities. The Department is seeking comments on program design by January 28th here, and after January 28th here. 8. Clean School Bus Program --This new $5 billion competitive grant program at the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) will provide funding to replace existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses.Applications for funding will be made available here later this spring. 9. Reconnecting Communities —The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law creates a first-ever $1 billion program at the Department of Transportation to reconnect communities divided by transportation infrastructure —particularly historically disadvantaged communities too often nearly destroyed or cut in half by a highway.This new competitive program will provide dedicated funding to state, local, metropolitan planning organizations, and tribal governments for planning, design, demolition, and reconstruction of street grids, parks, or other infrastructure to address these legacy impacts.Applications will open in the second quarter of 2022. 10. Rural Surface Transportation Grant-This new$2 billion competitive grant program at the Department of Transportation will improve and expand surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas, increasing connectivity, improving safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth. This amount includes specific set asides for small projects ($20o million), rural roadway lane departure improvements ($300 million), and the Appalachian Development Highway System ($5oo million). Applications will open in the first quarter of 2022. Climate, Energy &Environment Y. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program —This existing Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) program will distribute $1 billion to support communities undertaking hazard mitigation projects to reduce the risks they face from disasters and other natural hazards. FY21 applications are open until January 28th, 2022 and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding remains available. Communities will apply as sub-applicants 3 under their states. Applications for FY22 are expected to open no later than September 30th, 2022. 2. Flood Mitigation Assistance — $3.5 billion from this existing FEMA program can be used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. FY21 applications are open until January 28th, 2022. Communities will apply as sub- applicants under their states.Applications for FY22 are expected to open no later than September 30th, 2022. 3. Brownfields Remediation Program —This existing EPA program will provide $1.2 billion in grants and technical assistants to communities to assess and safely clean-up contaminated properties and offer job training programs. Communities are currently able to request funding for Targeted Brownfields Assessments through their regional EPA office.Additional competitive funding opportunities will be announced this spring. 4. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants —This Department of Energy block grant program will provide $550 million to states,local governments, and tribes for projects that reduce energy use,increase energy efficiency, and cut pollution. The first funding opportunity is expected for release in the Fall of 2022. 5. Grants for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Improvements in Schools —This new Department of Energy Program will provide $50o million for local government education agencies and nonprofit partners to make energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean vehicle upgrades and improvements at public schools. The opportunity to apply for funding is expected to be open in the Fall of 2022. b. Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas --This new Department of Energy program will provide $1 billion to entities in rural or remote areas (defined as cities, towns, or unincorporated areas with fewer than 1o,00o inhabitants) to increase environmental protection from the impacts of energy use and improve resilience, reliability, safety, and availability of energy. Applications for funding are expected to be open in the Fall of 2022. 7. Grants for Energy Efficiency and Resilience Code Adoption —This Department of Energy program will provide $225 million to state energy agencies, in partnership with local building code agencies, codes and standards developers, utilities, and other entities, to enable sustained, cost-effective implementation of updated building energy codes to save customers money on their energy bills.Applications for funding are expected to be open by the end of 2022. 4 8. Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs —This new Department of Energy program will provide $8 billion to support the development of at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs to improve clean hydrogen production, processing, delivery, storage, and end use.Applications for funding will open in the Summer of 2022. 9. Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program — This new$1 billion program at the Department of Agriculture will provide grants to communities at risk from wildfire to develop or revise their community wildfire protection plans and carry out projects described within those plans. It will include a mix of formula and competitive funds.Applications are expected to open early in 2023. Broadband, Cyber, and Other Programs Y. ReConnect Program—This existing Department of Agriculture program will provide almost $2 billion in loans and grants for projects that provide broadband in rural areas. Applications will likely open in the 3rd quarter of 2022 (and towns in rural areas can apply to the current$x.t.SB in loans and grant funding, application deadline: February 22, 2022). 2. Middle Mile Grants Program —This new $1 billion program at the Department of Commerce provides grants for the construction, improvement or acquisition of middle mile broadband infrastructure. Applications will likely open during the-second quarter of 2022. 3. State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program — This new $1 billion program at the Department of Homeland Security makes available federal funds to state,local, and tribal governments to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems that they own or operate. Applications will likely open during the third quarter of 2022. 4. Smart Grid Investment Grant Program and Energy Sector Operational Support For Cyber Resilience Program ----These two Department of Energy programs will provide $3 billion and $50 million, respectively,for electric utilities, including municipal and co-operative utilities, to modernize the electricity grid and increase resilience to cybersecurity threats. Applications for the Smart Grid program are expected to be open by the end of 2022, and applications for the Cyber Resilience program are expected to be open in the Summer of 2022. 5. Water &Groundwater Storage and Conveyance —This existing $i billion program at the Department of Interior provides funding for water storage projects with capacity between 2,000 and 30,00o acre-feet— as well as projects 5 convey water to or from surface water or groundwater storage. The Department will hold its final stakeholder sessions this month and open applications later this spring. 6. Emergency Watershed Protection Program —This existing Department of Agriculture program will provide $300 million in technical and financial assistance to project sponsors for the design and construction of measures to help repair damages from a recent disaster.Applications open in February. Other Opportunities The law further significantly increased the amount of non-competitive formula funding that will flow first to states and then on to cities and local governments. Examples include funding available through Surface Transportation Block Grant sub-allocations for local governments,which now include significantly expanded the flexibilities for cities to determine how these funds can be used, as well as increases for states' Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.We encourage cities to reach out to the state or regional offices for various federal agencies, as well as state governments' infrastructure coordinators,to better understand forthcoming increases in formula funding. Getting Ready to Apply for and Receive Federal Infrastructure Funds Building a better America is a shared endeavor no one can do alone, and investing federal infrastructure dollars will require significant coordination between cities, states, Tribal governments, community stakeholders, and other key partners. Earlier this month,the White House Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator sent a letter to Governors recommending a series of preparatory actions, including appointing infrastructure coordinators to manage the flow of funds to their states. Cities can also begin to coordinate across their departments and with metropolitan planning organizations (MPO) to: 1. Prioritize your community's capital needs and develop a project pipeline —taking time to think about the projects previously considered impossible due to lack of funding or regional coordination. This is a once-in-a-generation funding opportunity that will require bold,inclusive thinking. 2. Use the forthcoming Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook to identify federal funding streams to target. 3. Ensure all transit, railway, road,highway, and bridge projects are a part of your MPO's Transportation Improvement.Plan. 4. Begin mapping sites for electric vehicle and alternative fuel charging stations. 5. Inventory and map the lead pipes in your city. Read through the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan here for additional federal resources for this effort. 6. Work with your state's broadband agency to ensure your city or region's needs are appropriately mapped and inventoried. 6 7. Establish relationships with the regional offices for key federal agencies,who can help direct you to resources and provide technical assistance. The American Rescue Plan also provided over $35o billion in critical resources to every state, county, city, and unit of local government to support their response to the COVID- Y9 public health emergency, including in making the investments needed to ensure a durable and equitable economic recovery. Cities should look to leverage those resources to help prepare for the transformative investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law including training the workers needed to build high quality infrastructure;hiring back the public sector workers needed to help manage potential federal investments; and getting a jump start on water, sewer, and broadband projects that could complement investments from the infrastructure law. We recognize local capacity maybe strained due to the pandemic,historic underinvestment, or just the challenges of day-to-day governance.A city's lack of capacity to apply for federal funds can create significant inequities — and for many communities,this will be their first time applying for funds from a suite of federal agencies. While many funding streams in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically set aside funds for disadvantaged communities,the White House Infrastructure Implementation Team will be engaging states, Tribal governments,territories, federal agencies, philanthropies, and others to leverage all available resources to quickly deliver the necessary technical assistance and capacity to underserved communities. Agency Contact Information Environmental Protection Agency: State&Local@7epa.gov Department of Transportation: intergov(adot.gov Department of Interior: OIEACrios.doi.gov Department of Commerce: CommerceIGAOdoc.gov Department of Energy: DL-RegionalSpecialists@hq.doe.gov Department of Agriculture: EIACusda.gov Department of Homeland Security: dhs.iga(a)hq.dhs.gov ### 7