Power a Clean Future Ohio launches Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program
Local governments can apply for federal resources to advance clean energy priorities
(Columbus, OH)— Today, Power a Clean Future Ohio (PCFO) launched the Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program (IGAP), created to directly support local governments in applying for and strategically deploying federal resources made available through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The bipartisan infrastructure legislation provides federal grants to invest in the transition to a clean energy economy built on clean energy infrastructure, including a nationwide electric vehicle charging network, a modernized grid to support renewable energy deployment, and more efficient buildings and transit systems.
“We know local governments have experienced challenges in pursuing federal funding sources, and this program will enable PCFO to provide direct, tangible support to member communities for future funding opportunities,” said Joe Flarida, Executive Director of PCFO.
Mayor Edward Kraus of Solon said, “In looking at the recently passed federal infrastructure bill, much of the areas addressed fit perfectly into our city’s plans for the years ahead. Clean energy, transportation, and energy efficiency solutions benefit us all and it’s important for our community to be aggressive in securing needed funding in these areas to create a healthier and stronger future for our residents. Being part of PCFO better prepares us to be ready for these opportunities and bring real benefits to our community.”
PCFO is taking a multi-phased approach to develop the IGAP initiative to best meet the current needs of local communities, beginning with an in-depth exploration with PCFO member communities to identify key challenges, barriers, and potential resources to address them.
Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith said, “Lima is ready to invest in our infrastructure by utilizing this historic federal funding, which very well may be a once-in-a-generation chance to address critical needs and modernize our community. We will take advantage of every chance to bring clean energy jobs and new economic opportunities to Lima residents. I look forward to working with PCFO’s team to prepare for these grant programs and build on the work we have already done together.”
Mayor David Scheffler of Lancaster said, “We are always looking for ways to create more jobs and increase economic development opportunities for our community and residents. Alongside the numerous benefits, federal grants also present their share of challenges for local governments to both apply for and manage. Utilizing support from PCFO will allow us to be more competitive and pursue funding that we may not have previously.”
PCFO’s team surveyed and interviewed PCFO Communities across the state of Ohio to identify the right resources that would be the most beneficial for the local governments that want to compete for infrastructure grants. Research, project scoping, competitiveness reviews and editing, along with some grant writing support emerged as key themes of the feedback. Keeping government officials informed on the opportunities and educated about which applicants would be most competitive will also be critically important for Ohio cities and counties to take advantage of the grant opportunities.
In the coming weeks and months, the Infrastructure Grant Assistance Program will begin providing resources and technical assistance designed to support communities that are interested in applying for federal grants for clean energy and clean transportation projects. This support will range from raising awareness about specific grant opportunities to educational webinar series to direct grant writing support and research.
Once the federal government begins deploying the new funding through grants to state and local governments, through either competitive opportunities or formula-funded programs, the PCFO team will assist with promoting and highlighting these successes. By measuring and evaluating beneficial climate and jobs impacts, PCFO will help to share best practices and promising examples for other cities and local governments to pursue for clean energy programs.