Press Releases:

Biden-Harris Administration announces renewed efforts to boost the Federal Government’s resilience impacts of climate change

October 6, 2022, White House

     On Thursday, new actions were announced by the Biden-Harris Administration and more than 20 agencies to address the Federal Government’s “resilience to the worsening impacts of climate change.” In the Fact Sheet released by the White House, the administration outlines new efforts to safeguard Federal investments, develop a more resilient supply chain, expand and deepen agency resilience efforts, strengthen institutional climate adaptation capacity, and incorporate environmental justice and equity into Federal adaptation efforts. 

Now Open: Thriving Communities Program (TCP)

October 6, 2022, USDOT

     Funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new Thriving Communities Program (TCP) is now available. The purpose of the program is to generate technical assistance, planning, or capacity-building services for disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by environmental, climate, and human health policies. The goal is to facilitate the planning and development of transportation and community revitalization activities to ensure more equitable access funding provided in the BIL, delivering quality infrastructure projects to these areas. For FY 2022 funding, the program offers two separate response opportunities for potential applicants: a Letter of Interest to receive technical assistance, planning, or capacity-building services and a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide technical assistance, planning, or capacity-building services to help disadvantaged communities.

Low-cost and flexible financing for transit and Transit-oriented Development projects

October 4, 2022, DOT

     On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced new initiatives regarding low-cost and flexible financing for transit and Transit-oriented Development (TOD) projects through the DOT’s Build America Bureau. The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, or TIFIA 49, now authorizes borrowing up to 49% of eligible project costs for projects, which have historically been capped at just 33% of project costs. Aimed at offering maximum level low-cost and flexible financing for transit and transit-oriented development, Buttigieg explained that “now, with TIFIA 49, we’ll be able to support more of them than ever, and lower costs for taxpayers.” In addition to financing, the Build America Bureau plans to partner with project sponsors to provide technical assistance and plans to expand outreach and technical assistance capabilities to assist project sponsors to take full advantage of this initiative.

DOT and National Coalition of Truck Parking discuss shortage of truck parking

September 30, 2022, DOT 

     On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation convened with the National Coalition of Truck Parking to address the nationwide truck parking shortage. The shortage presents many dangers for not just the drivers of trucks themselves, but all commuters on highways. To reduce these risks, funds from the BIL are available to help address truck parking shortages, and the department is working with state and local officials to improve conditions for workers. These efforts will also generate more efficient and cost-effective systems for truckers.

News Clippings:

Here Comes the Sun: The Inflation Reduction Act Provides a Multitude of New Tax Incentive Opportunities for the Solar Industry - JDSupra

October 5, 2022

     JDSupra discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act provides new opportunities for solar industry participants, including producers, developers, and investors, to rack up tax incentives, while also boosting domestic production and benefiting the workforce.

Inflation Reduction Act Gives a Boost to the Biogas Sector - National Law Review

October 6, 2022

     On Wednesday, Forbes discussed how the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will bolster U.S. manufacturing. The act will have monumental impacts on the health of the environment, as well as workforce development in various industries related to physical infrastructure. Financial incentives for renewable project developers will help accelerate clean energy manufacturing and reinvest in local communities.