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Bringing Home the Green Recovery: A User's Guide to the 2009

1. A number of states have developed incentive programs to encourage investment in brownfield development Program nternational Boundary and Water Commission Water Quantity Program Purpose Provide binational solutions to issues that arise during the application of United States Mexico treaties regarding boundary demarcation national ownership of waters sanitation water quality and flood control in the border region 220 million Resources Comments Upgrade flood control levees on the Rio Grande Secretary of State must provide River on the United States border with Mexico and Congress a detailed spending interior floodway levees in the United States plan for funds within 90 days Support identified urgent needs of the Colorado River Boundary and Capacity Preservation Project 52 State Fiscal Stabilization Program Funding 53 6 billion allocated as follows DOE State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Title XIV Department of Education 1 one half of 1 to outlying areas 2 up to 14 million for administration and oversight by ED 3 5 billion for State Incentive Grants 50 of which state must subgrant to local school districts and 4 remainder for formula grants to states Statutes 20 U S C 6301 et seq Elementary and Secondary Education Act 20 U S C 1400 et seq Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Carl D Perkins Career and Technical Edu
2. 21 000 000 57 35 805 000 739 000 47 164 000 4 855 000 13 834 000 34 243 000 23 798 000 6 405 000 19 914 000 769 000 22 870 000 43 341 000 2 851 000 1 410 000 11 378 000 17 848 000 2 885 000 12 945 000 471 000 2 500 000 134 670 000 26 890 000 273 820 000 62 860 000 40 140 000 260 570 000 20 670 000 60 440 000 25 670 000 101 940 000 336 740 000 39 050 000 17 560 000 96 370 000 62 180 000 39 630 000 146 140 000 11 960 000 Lifting Up What Works PolicyLink Headquarters 1438 Webster Street Suite 303 Oakland CA 94612 t 510 663 2333 f 510 663 9684 infogpolicylink org Communications Office 55 West 39th Street 11th floor New York NY 10018 t 212 629 9570 f 212 629 7328 www policylink org 2009 by PolicyLink and Green for All All rights reserved NEUGREEN ET FORALL 1611 Telegraph Avenue Suite 600 Oakland California 94612 t 510 663 6500 www greenforall org
3. of the Solid Waste Disposal Act Regulations 40 CFR Part 31 CFDA 66 805 200 million Formula grants to states and tribes State matching requirement waived for these funds Oversight and corrective action for petroleum releases from federally regulated underground storage tanks 50 Resources Comments Program EPA Brownfields Training Research and Technical Assistance Grants and Cooperative Agreements Environmental Protection Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization Purpose Provide training research and technical assistance to individuals and organizations to facilitate the inventory of brownfields properties assessments cleanup of brownfields properties community involvement or site preparation Statute 42 U S C 9601 39 and 42 U S C 9604 k 6 CFDA 66 814 Funding 100 million Project grants Cooperative Agreements No cost share requirement Environmental site assessment and cleanup of sites not listed or proposed for Superfund listing Funds will capitalize revolving funds and provide low interest loans job training grants and technical assistance to local governments and non profit organizations 51 Resources Comments Brownfields sites are defined as real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or contaminant
4. and government organizations to perform energy efficiency retrofits 5 developing implementing programs to conserve energy used in transportation including a use of flex time by employers b satellite work centers c development and promotion of zoning guidelines or requirements that promote energy efficient development d development of infrastructure such as bike lanes and pathways and pedestrian walkways 6 developing implementing building codes and inspections services to promote building energy efficiency 7 energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within entity s jurisdiction 8 energy distribution technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency including distributed resources and district heating and cooling systems 9 increasing participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs 10 purchase and implementation of technologies to reduce capture and use methane and other greenhouse gases generated by landfills and similar sources 11 replacement of traffic signals and street lighting using energy efficient technologies 12 developing implementing and installing on or in any government building onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable sources 29 Resources Comments First year funding can be used to develop a proposed energy and conservation strategy that each local government must submit t
5. facilities restore and modernize real property to include barracks and invest in the energy efficiency of Department of Defense facilities 42 Resources Comments No mandated use it or lose it provision suggests that advocates may have more time to push for equitable projects Water Parks and Environmental Remediation Progam Fundi Uses c9 Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Services Purpose Provide technical and financial assistance in carrying out works of improvement to protect develop and utilize the land and water resources in watersheds Statute Watershed Prevention and Flood Prevention Act 16 U S C 1001 et seq Regulations 7 CFR Part 622 CFDA 10 904 155 million Project Grants Federal agency provides project grants to sponsoring local organizations of authorized watershed projects may include local entities nonprofits states and U S territories Funding must be used for projects that can be fully funded and completed with the funds appropriated in the act and for activities that can commence promptly following enactment Act also includes 145 million for purchasing and restoring floodplain easements Watershed protection flood prevention agricultural water management sedimentation control public water based fish wildlife recreation and extending long term credit to help local interests with
6. funds in a manner that maximizes job creation and economic benefit Funds appropriated are available until September 30 2010 unless expressly provided otherwise All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded under this Act must be paid prevailing wages wages and fringe benefits at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a similar character in the locality as determined by DOL pursuant to the Davis Bacon Act For funds provided to any state or state agency the governor must certify within 45 days that the state will request and use funds provided If any funds are not accepted by the governor then acceptance by the state legislature shall be sufficient In fiscal year 2009 federal agency heads may transfer up to 176 of any appropriation in this act between appropriations funded in this act of that department or agency This authority is in addition to any other transfer authority available under current law It does not apply to appropriations in this act that include express transfer authority in this act 54 Appendix B Tax Credits and Financing to Build an Inclusive and Green Economy n addition to appropriated funds the Recovery Act also includes billions of dollars in tax credits and other financing incentives that can be used to create green jobs While a full discussion of these provisions is beyond the scope of this guide some of the key provisions are Product
7. implement sectoral employment strategies Just as all industry sectors do not provide the same opportunity for living wage career track employment not all will be stimulated equally by Recovery Act funds Local leaders will need to identify the industry sectors that are likely to be at the fulcrum of scaled family sustaining job creation and what strategies will be necessary to ensure that low income communities are prepared to compete for the jobs that are created In order to respond to this opportunity effectively local leaders should expand and develop regional sectoral employment partnerships These partnerships focus on a particular industry sector e g energy efficiency and work to link education and training to employer demand within a region They rely on partnerships of key stakeholders multiple firms unions education and training providers such as community colleges community organizations and public agencies to ensure that these linkages are made And they use a dual customer approach that satisfies the needs of both workers and employers 5 Advocate for targeted and coordinated approaches to spending recovery dollars Recovery dollars to create green jobs flow through a variety of public agencies and programs and Cover areas as broad as transit energy efficiency water infrastructure workforce development parks homes and public buildings Under normal circumstances state and local governments of
8. including energy projects 31 Resources Comments GSA must submit a plan to Congress within 45 days detailing by project how funding will be used building best practices GSA is currently reviewing hundreds of projects currently in the agency s backlog Projects will be evaluated based on how fast GSA can create jobs and how much added energy efficiency and sustainability can be gained from projects ready for construction awards within two years The GSA will consider hiring contractors for various projects Once details are determined they will be posted online Regional state and local for the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Training programs Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit a plan to Congress within 30 days detailing how funding will be used Any state may apply directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs for grants for construction of state owned veterans home facilities Pre application is due by April 15 2009 for all projects State assurance of matching funds is due by August 15 2009 to receive priority status Program Go Public Housing Capital Fund Formula and Competitive Grants Housing and Urban Development Purpose Provide funds to Public Housing Agencies PHAs for the development financing and modernization of public housing developments and for management improvements Statute Section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 42 U S C 1437g Re
9. long term affordability and increased sustainability and attractiveness of housing and neighborhoods Grantees may also redevelop demolished or vacant properties this includes new construction of housing and building infrastructure for housing Opportunity exists to incorporate green building and energy efficiency in all rehabilitation and redevelopment projects and link green rehabilitation and redevelopment projects to workforce development initiatives HUD s NSP Guide for Eligible Uses HUD s NSP Policy Guidance page Program CJ smart Grid Investment Program including Worker Training Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Purpose Support the modernization of the nation s electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure Statute 42 U S C 17381 et seq Title XIII of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 Funding 4 5 billion including 100 million for worker training for Smart Grid projects Includes a regional demonstration initiative and a matching grant program for smart grid investments Research and development pilot projects and federal matching funds for the Smart Grid Investment Program to meet the goal of a modern electric grid enhance security and reliability of energy infrastructure and facilitate recovery from disruptions to the energy supply 36 Resources Comment
10. of wages stipends and benefits to participants An eligible youth is an individual who is 1 between the ages of 16 and 24 on the date of enrollment 2 a member of a disadvantaged youth population and 3 a school dropout Up to 25 of participants may be youth who do not meet the education and disadvantaged criteria but are 1 basic skills deficient despite attainment of a secondary school diploma or GED credential or 2 have been referred by a local secondary school 24 Resources Comments YouthBuild USA is implementing an ambitious Green Initiative to train participants for jobs building energy efficient buildings with sustainable materials This program builds on the traditional YouthBuild model a 9 to 24 month full time program that combines training in construction trade skills with time in the classroom working towards a GED or high school diploma youth leadership and civic engagement skills building For more information see YouthBuild USA Program Green Jobs Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Statute 171 e 1 B of WIA Green Jobs Act of 2007 Title X of EISA Funding 500 million Competitive grants Although eligible entities are not specified in the appropriation they likely include nonprofits and state and local government entities including the various partnerships described in section 171 e 2 B of WIA Funds available for obligation imm
11. operating plan for the center and is available to the public DOL may Regulations 20 CFR Part 670 require operators to submit additional information as part of the plan 26 Resources cen Comments 89 million for AmeriCorps AmeriCorps State and National funds must be See CNCS s 20 national rans WESTERN ERSTES corporation fot LU 65 million for AmeriCorps VISTA and Community Service Purpose AmeriCorps addresses A de pressing education public safety and human and environmental needs by encouraging Americans to serve AmeriCorps VISTA has a similar purpose but is focused on poverty Statute National and Community Service Act of 1990 Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 Regulations 45 CFR Part 2500 CFDA 94 006 27 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Program 23 Weatherization Assistance Program WAP Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Purpose Increase energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low income persons or provide such persons renewable energy systems or technologies reduce their total residential expenditures and improve their health and safety especially low income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly persons with disabilities families with children high residential energy users and households with high energy burden Statute 42 USC 6861 et seq Regulations 10 CFR Part 440 CFDA 81 0
12. renewable energy QECBs can be used to finance a range of projects including capital projects to reduce energy consumption in public buildings mass commuting facilities and related facilities that reduce the consumption of energy including expenditures to reduce pollution from vehicles used for mass commuting demonstration projects designed to promote the commercialization of green building technology and public education campaigns to promote energy efficiency School Construction Bonds The Recovery Act authorizes the issuance by state and local governments of 22 4 billion in new bonds for the construction rehabilitation and repair of public schools and the acquisition of land on which a school will be built and 1 4 billion in qualified zone academy bonds public schools located in empowerment zones or enterprise communities that cooperate with businesses to enhance curriculum and increase graduation rates in 2009 and 2010 Recovery Zone Bonds The Recovery Act authorizes 25 billion in recovery zone economic development and facility bonds Recovery zone bonds may be used for infrastructure job training education and economic development in areas within the boundaries of the state city or county that has significant poverty unemployment or home foreclosures These bonds will be allocated to states by a formula based on job losses States then allocate the bonds to counties and large municipalities places with a popula
13. states have already done focused on green industries within regional economies O Pressure Point Governors and State Workforce Investment Boards Workforce Investment Act Adult Program O Advocacy Hook Use workforce funds to provide training and supportive services to those most in need The Recovery Act specifies that priority be given for both intensive and training services to public assistance recipients and other low income individuals O Pressure Point Governors and Local Workforce Investment Boards LWIBS O Advocacy Hook Focus training on green collar jobs created by Recovery Act funding Training under WIA is typically funded by vouchers on an individual by individual basis but the Recovery Act allows LWIBs to contract with training providers to train multiple workers for high demand occupations providing the opportunity to target training more effectively O Pressure Point Governors and Local Workforce Investment Boards LWIBS Green Jobs Training Competitive Grant Program O Advocacy Hook Partnerships of industry labor educational institutions and community organizations should develop proposals that incorporate pathways out of poverty and into careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries Although this grant program is not run through the Green Jobs Act it targets populations e g unemployed individuals at risk youth and ex offenders and industries specified i
14. their share of costs 43 Resources Comments Applicants submit plan to the federal NRCS and notify state s Single Point of Contact for Federal Assistance if any of intent to apply Sponsors must conduct public meetings to assure local involvement See National Watershed Manual for more information on planning and applications for assistance Program AG Watershed Rehabilitation Program Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Services Purpose Provide assistance to rehabilitate dams originally constructed with assistance of USDA watershed programs CFDA 10 916 EPA Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Environmental Protection Agency Statute Title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act CFDA 66 458 CWSRF 66 468 DWSRF Funding 50 million Project Grants Federal agency to sponsoring local organizations for existing watershed projects that include dams Funding must be used for projects that can be fully funded and completed with the funds appropriated in the act and for activities that can commence promptly following enactment 4 billion for clean water state revolving fund programs 2 billion for drinking water state revolving fund programs Up to 1 5 of revolving funds may be reserved by EPA for tribes Revolving funds not subject to matching or cost share requirements in curre
15. 0 4 195 000 15 084 000 7 463 000 3 685 000 9 072 000 17 107 000 63 237 000 16 898 000 11 454 000 20 821 000 1 415 000 2 089 000 11 536 000 2 017 000 26 363 000 2 387 000 53 497 000 Program 73 930 000 19 190 000 65 440 000 49 640 000 189 650 000 82 600 000 65 310 000 8 520 000 14 060 000 184 340 000 127 300 000 4 410 000 31 470 000 250 030 000 135 410 000 83 710 000 58 030 000 73 920 000 52 670 000 43 630 000 62 880 000 125 220 000 251 750 000 137 830 000 51 050 000 131 730 000 28 140 000 43 150 000 38 010 000 24 020 000 121 180 000 30 790 000 404 230 000 WIA Dislocated Worker Weatherization Assistance Program North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Outlying Areas Outlying Areas and 10 442 000 1 247 000 23 623 000 3 687 000 6 392 000 16 713 000 20 332 000 2 128 000 10 522 000 1 247 000 10 945 000 34 692 000 1 816 000 1 247 000 5 280 000 9 792 000 2 434 000 5 236 000 1 247 000 1 250 000 Bureau of Indian Affairs Source Congressional Research Service and National Community Action Foundation 25 324 000 2 948 000 56 726 000 8 796 000 15 220 000 41 058 000 42 886 000 5 668 000 24 962 000 2 948 000 25 353 000 82 829 000 5 118 000 2 948 000 13 114 000 23 682 000 5 397 000 13 948 000 2 948 000
16. 10 CFR 420 17 Funds cannot be used to purchase real estate for building construction research or demonstration of non commercially available technology or transit subsidies utility rate demonstrations or state tax credits for energy conservation 30 Resources Comments To receive funds state must submit application to DOE including any amendments to state plan needed to reflect changes the state is planning to undertake State Energy Program page on the website of the National Association of State Energy Officers NASEO State Energy Advisory Board NASEO State by state summaries of activities funded with SEP dollars DOE State by state summary descriptions of FY2006 activities in SEP plans Section 410 requires governor to make assurances that state regulatory authority will seek to implement a general policy that ensures utility financial incentives are aligned with helping their customers use energy more efficiently This language requires states to consider decoupling i e disconnecting utilities sales from their profits thereby encouraging them to implement energy efficiency programs Program G3 Converting Federal Buildings to High Performance Green Buildings Title V of Recovery Act General Services Administration Statute Section 401 of Public Law 110 140 definition of high performance green buildings 1 23 Veterans Medical Facilities Department of Veterans Aff
17. 42 Funding 5 billion Formula Grants Federal agency distributes to states territories and some tribes using existing State subgrants funds to Community Action Agencies and other public or nonprofit entities State must give preference to current subgrantees as long as they run effective programs DOE may reserve up to 20 of funds to provide directly or indirectly training and technical assistance to any grantee or subgrantee Training and technical assistance may include providing information concerning conservation practices to occupants of eligible dwelling units For dwelling units occupied by family units with income under 200 of federal poverty level and certain multi family housing units 1 Installing weatherization materials such as attic insulation caulking weather stripping furnace efficiency modifications certain mechanical measures to heating and cooling systems and replacement furnaces boilers and air conditioners 2 Installing renewable energy systems for the purpose of heating or cooling providing hot water or electricity for use within such dwelling or wind energy for non business residential purposes Multi family buildings may be weatherized if at least 66 of dwelling units in the building are eligible and certain other requirements are met Threshold is 50 for duplexes four unit buildings and certain other buildings Funds may also be used to weatherize shelters
18. Capital Grants Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration National Railroad Passenger Corporation Statute Section 101 c of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 CFDA 20 315 Funding 8 billion DOT must give priority for development of intercity high speed rail service Funds available through September 30 2012 May fund up to 100 of a project current law requires 5076 match 1 3 billion 450 million for capital grants for security improvements For non security grants priority must be given to repair rehabilitation or upgrade of railroad assets or infrastructure and for capital projects that expand passenger rail capacity including the rehabilitation of rolling stock Capital improvements to improve intercity passenger rail service Capital improvements include the purchase of passenger rolling stock i e train cars the improvement of existing tracks to allow for higher maximum speeds the addition or lengthening of passing tracks to increase capacity the improvement of interlockings to increase capacity and reliability and the improvement of signaling systems to increase capacity and maximum speeds and improve safety Capital improvements Funds may not be used to subsidize operating losses 40 Resources Comments DOT must submit a strategic plan to Congress within 60 days that describes how funds will be used to improve and deploy
19. Lifting Up What Works o GREEN PolicyLink ziadi FOR ALL Bringing Home the Green Recovery A User s Guide to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Radhika Fox Associate Director PolicyLink Jason Walsh National Policy Director Green For All Shawn Fremstad Federal Policy Advisor Green For All is a national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works Design by Leslie Yang Illustrations by Leslie Yang iStockphoto com FILO iStockphoto com John Woodcock Lifting Up What Works GREEN 1 amas FOR ALL PolicyLink v4 Bringing Home the Green Recovery A User s Guide to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Radhika Fox Associate Director PolicyLink Jason Walsh National Policy Director Green For All Shawn Fremstad Federal Policy Advisor 2009 by PolicyLink and Green for All All rights reserved Acknowledgements Many thanks to our colleagues at PolicyLink Green for All and partners who made contributions to this report including Charlotte Brody Cara Carrillo Milly Hawk Daniel Tricia Griffin Stacy Ho Ruben Lizardo lan Kim Kathleen Mulligan Hansel Solana Rice Kalima Rose and Vien Truong Seizing the Moment Before Us he recently passed 787
20. aborate effectively State and local agencies poised to receive hundreds of billions of dollars are equally fragmented See the summary table of programs analyzed and the in depth matrix of programs in later sections of this User s Guide for more information The majority of recovery dollars flow by established formula to states and localities or to existing federal programs Recovery Act funds will be disbursed in five ways by 1 formula 2 competition via requests for proposals that will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead 3 demand from eligible individuals and entities 4 one time disbursements usually to individuals and 5 agency operating and spending plans It is important to note that the vast majority of the dollars in the Recovery Act flow through existing programs and must be used in ways that are consistent with the purposes and requirements of those programs For example in the transportation arena most of the money will be given to state Departments of Transportation DOTs and regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations MPOs to disburse to state and local projects consistent with existing federal transportation law There is some guidance in the legislation to push for inclusion of low income people and communities of color The Recovery Act directs the federal government and grantees to use funds to achieve five overall purposes including 1 preserving and creating jobs and promoting economic recovery 2
21. acement of obsolete utility systems and dwelling equipment 5 management improvements including the establishment and initial operation of computer centers in and around public housing through a Neighborhood Networks initiative 6 capital expenditures to facilitate programs to improve the empowerment and economic self sufficiency of public housing residents and to improve resident participation Funds may not be used for direct social services Secretary may waive statutory or regulatory provisions related to the obligation and expenditure of capital funds if necessary to facilitate the timely expenditure of funds except for requirements related to fair housing non discrimination labor standards and the environment 32 Resources Comments PHA Annual Plan must describe the capital improvements necessary to ensure long term physical and social viability of the PHA s public housing developments including the capital improvements to be undertaken in the year in question and their estimated costs and any other information required for participation in the Capital Fund PHAs also are required to include 5 Year Plans covering large capital items HUD Public Housing Agency Plans See 2008 funding list Program CUJ Native American Housing Block Grants Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing Purpose Serve the housing needs of low income American Indians and Alaska Natives S
22. ainability Funding for energy efficiency and sustainability programs primarily for housing schools and public buildings Weatherization Assistance Program Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants State Energy Program Converting Federal Buildings to High Performance Green Buildings Veterans Medical Facilities Public Housing Capital Fund Formula and Competitive Grants Native American Housing Block Grants Energy Retrofit of Elderly Disabled and Section 8 Assisted Housing Community Development Fund Neighborhood Stabilization Program Green Energy Infrastructure Funding for smart grid investment and transit Systems Smart Grid Investment Program Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Surface Transportation System Transportation Enhancement Activities including Pedestrian and Bicycling Facilities Using Highway Investment Funds On the Job Training Supportive Services for Highway Construction Projects Capital Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service Amtrak Capital Grants Transit Capital Assistance Fixed Guideway Infrastructure Investment Capital Investment Grants Department of Defense Facilities and Construction continued on next page Summary of Recovery Programs Analyzed continued from previous page Water Parks and Environmental Remediation Funding to build clean healthy communities Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Water
23. airs Veterans Health Administration Title X of Recovery Act Funding 4 5 billion Up to 3 million must be used for on the job pre apprenticeship pprenticeship training egistered with the Department of Labor 4 million for the Office of High Performance Green Buildings 1 billion Act also provides 150 million for grants to states to acquire or construct nursing homes or remodel modify or alter existing hospital or nursing home facilities for veterans A high performance green building is one that during its life cycle as compared with similar buildings as measured by Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey or Residential Energy Consumption Survey data from the Energy Information Agency 1 reduces energy water and material use 2 improves indoor environmental quality 3 reduces negative impacts on the environment including air and water pollution and waste generation 4 increases the use of environmentally preferable products 5 increases reuse and recycling opportunities 6 integrates systems in the building 7 reduces the environmental and energy impacts of transportation through building location and site design 8 considers indoor and outdoor effects of the building on human health and the environment including improvements in worker productivity life cycle impacts of building materials and operations and other facts determined appropriate Non recurring maintenance
24. ake improvements to intermodal and transit facilities Eligible purposes are capital projects to modernize or improve existing fixed guideway systems including purchase and rehabilitation of rolling stock track line equipment structures signals and communications power equipment and substations passenger stations and terminals security equipment and systems maintenance facilities and equipment operational support equipment including computer hardware and software system extensions and preventive maintenance 41 Resources Comments FTA on use of Recovery Act Although these funds are limited to capital projects notes that the funding for Urbanized Area formula grants 5307 funds can be used by transit agencies for preventive maintenance including the major costs of repairing buses trains and other transit vehicles such as engine or transmission overhauls These costs can constitute a significant portion of a transit agency s operating costs However some Metropolitan Planning Organizations MPOs have restrictions on the allowable percentage of 5307 funds that can be used for preventive maintenance A fixed guideway refers to any transit service that uses exclusive or controlled rights of way or rails entirely or in part The term includes heavy rail commuter rail light rail monorail trolleybus aerial tramway inclined plane cable car automated guideway transit ferryboats that p
25. billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a big bold and historic investment intended to kick start the United States economy and lay the foundation for long term economic growth and stability It can also serve as a down payment if invested wisely on building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty The circumstances couldn t be more urgent the American people are suffering through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and the planet is approaching a tipping point beyond which lies climate catastrophe With hundreds of billions of dollars to build modernize and retrofit homes public buildings schools transit systems parks and water infrastructure as well as a significant investment in our nation s human capital through education and workforce training this landmark legislation could be a once in a generation opportunity to move the nation along an arc that bends towards justice full inclusion and sustainability The challenge however is the political and economic urgency to spend Recovery Act funds quickly in order to put large numbers of people back to work This poses a danger in three ways that money will be spent poorly that funding will go predominantly to projects which only reinforce the pollution based economy s status quo with low income people and communities of color at the smokestack end and that jobs will only go to workers with the skil
26. cation Act 20 USC 2301 State formula grants allocated as follows 61 based on each state s population of individuals ages 5 through 24 39 on each state s total population To receive formula funds governor must submit an application to ED that includes a description of how state intends to use its allocation an assurance that it will maintain education funding at FY2006 levels or greater and an assurance that it will address inequities in the distribution of highly qualified teachers between high and low poverty schools and ensure that low income and minority children are not taught at higher rates than other children by inexperienced unqualified or out of field teachers Resources Comments The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has written a brief analysis of the Fund that includes state by state estimates of allocation levels Governors must use 18 2 of allocations for public safety and other government services i e basically anything government does Specifically includes assistance for elementary and secondary education and public institutions of higher education and for modernization renovation or repair of public school facilities and institutions of higher education facilities including modernization renovation and repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system The U S Green Building Council maintains a website with a range of r
27. ccountability and oversight At the federal level the act puts in place several provisions for oversight of expenditures A Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board will be established and will work with an independent advisory panel to prevent fraud waste and abuse The Board will also maintain a website to allow easy access to tracking investments In addition all federal agencies must immediately establish on their existing websites a page dedicated to the Recovery Act that will provide a portal for all agency specific information In an effort to create more accountability at the state and local level every infrastructure project must receive certification from the state s governor local mayor or local chief executive officer All projects must be reviewed vetted and determined to be appropriate use of taxpayer dollars Summary of Recovery Programs Analyzed Category Programs Reviewed Education and Training Funding streams that can be used to provide low income people with training for and access to green jobs and careers Workforce Investment Act WIA Adult Program WIA Dislocated Workers WIA Dislocated Workers National Reserve WIA Youth YouthBuild Green Jobs Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Job Corps Construction Rehabilitation Acquisition and Operation Corporation for National Service AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA Expansion Energy Efficiency and Sust
28. defined as dwelling units whose principal purpose is to house on a temporary basis individuals who may or may not be related to one another and who are not living in nursing homes prisons or similar institutional care facilities On a statewide basis the average expenditure per dwelling unit on materials program support and labor costs is limited to 6 500 28 Resources Comments States allocate WAP funds to subgrantees according to a state plan prepared after notice and a hearing and approved by DOE State Policy Advisory Councils have responsibility for advising the state agency responsible for allocating funds Federal regulation requires to the maximum extent possible use of training participants and public service employment workers other Federal or State training program workers to work under the supervision of qualified supervisors and foremen State plan must include a training and technical assistance plan List of weatherization activities by state eatherization Assistance Program echnical Assistance Center Resources include list of state directors and other brief state by state information DOE guidance for program year 2009 issued before passage of Recovery Act so it will be revised Program DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Purposes Implementing strategies to r
29. developed by states and localities 2 Demand a transparent and accountable public process to shape how resources are spent 3 Utilize existing policy levers to push for quality jobs especially for those who need them the most 4 Expand and develop regional partnerships that implement sectoral employment strategies 5 Advocate for targeted and coordinated approaches to spending recovery dollars 6 Work to shape the rules regulations and guidance being developed for federal programs 1 Push to insert equity into the implementation plans being developed by states and localities There are a number of large funding streams that are flowing by formula to states and local governments In some cases plans must be submitted to a federal agency for approval These formal planning requirements are happening on a very short timeline Advocates should insert themselves into these planning processes to ensure that those hit hardest by the recession gain access to training and employment in green economy sectors For example the 3 2 billion Energy Efficiency and Block Grant Program 2 8 billion of which is being distributed by formula the remainder through competitive grants requires local governments to develop and submit to the Department of Energy a proposed energy and conservation strategy within one year of receiving their initial allocation of dollars Advocates can push to ensure that the strategy developed i
30. e Activities Sec 1602 Funds Generally Available Until September 30 2010 Sec 1603 Wage Rate Requirements Sec 1606 Funding Distribution to States Sec 1607 Transfer Authority Sec 1612 The President and federal agency and department heads must manage and expend funds to achieve the following purposes 1 Preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery 2 Assist those most impacted by the recession 3 Provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health 4 Invest in transportation environmental protection and other infrastructure that will provide long term economic benefits 5 Stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases Sec 1511 requires governors mayors or other chief executives to certify that infrastructure investments have received the full review and vetting required by law including a description of the investment the estimated total cost and the amount of covered funds to be used The certification must be posted on a website and linked to Recovery gov Recipients of funds for infrastructure investment must 1 give preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously including a goal of using at least 5076 of the funds for activities that can be initiated within 180 days 2 use grant
31. eate hundreds of thousands of jobs in construction related sectors of the economy Most of these jobs including highway and transit construction jobs will be subject to the federal Davis Bacon law that requires contractors to pay prevailing wages to workers In addition the Recovery Act applies this prevailing wage requirement to all employees performing manual work for contractors or subcontractors on projects assisted with Recovery Act funds including school construction and energy efficiency projects financed with tax exempt bonds Preference for quick start and shovel ready Slow and steady wins the race does not apply to obtaining funding under the Recovery Act In general the act requires that funds be distributed or awarded rapidly For example it contains a general preference for quick start infrastructure including a goal of using at least half of infrastructure funds for activities that can be started within 180 days other related partnerships with federal state local tribal or non profit groups that serve young adults in carrying out activities funded in Title VII of the Act As a result funds could end up being heavily weighted towards new highway construction and other large scale shovel ready projects at the expense of smaller repair or local transit projects Strong advocacy and pressure at the state and local level is essential to counter this potential problem Transparency a
32. ediately and remain available until June 30 2010 Target groups of eligible individuals to be given priority for training and other services include 1 workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy 2 individuals in need of updated training related to energy efficiency and renewable energy industries 3 veterans or past or present members of military reserves 4 unemployed individuals 5 individuals including at risk youth seeking employment pathways out of poverty and 6 formerly incarcerated adjudicated nonviolent offenders Research labor exchange everything involved in connecting workers to jobs and job training projects that prepare workers for careers in the following energy efficiency and renewable energy industries including 1 the energy efficient building construction and retrofit industries 2 the renewable electric power industry 3 the energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle industry 4 the biofuels industry 5 the deconstruction and materials use industries 6 the energy efficiency assessment industry serving the residential commercial or industrial sectors and 7 manufacturers that produce sustainable products using environmentally sustainable processes and materials 25 Resources Comments This grant program doesn t directly fund the Green Jobs Act GJA of 2007 which remains unfunded However it is clearly inspired by the GJA and
33. educe fossil fuel emissions in a way that is environmentally sustainable and maximizes benefits for local and regional communities reduce total energy use improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector building sector and other appropriate sectors Statute 42 U S C 17151 et seq Title V Subtitle E of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 Funding 3 2 billion 2 8 billion for formula grants remainder for competitive grants Formula Grant DOE allocates to local governments states and Indian tribes as follows 68 to local governments 28 to states must pass through 60 to local governments not receiving direct funding 2 to tribes 2 to competitive grants priority to local governments 1 in states with populations of less than 2 million or 2 that plan to carry out projects that would result in significant energy efficiency improvements or reductions in fossil fuel use Local governments may subgrant funds to nongovernmental organizations up to the greater of 20 of funds or 250 000 Activities to achieve purposes of the program including 1 developing implementing an energy efficiency and conservation strategy including hiring technical consultants to assist in development of strategy 2 conducting residential and commercial building energy audits 3 establishing financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements 4 grants to non profits
34. ementation and evaluation O Pressure Point U S Department of Energy State Energy Program O Advocacy Hook To receive funds the state must submit an application to DoE including any amendments to the plan needed to reflect changes the state is planning to undertake Push for equity criteria and inclusion of lower income people in jobs that are created Energy efficiency in the transportation sector is an eligible use and advocates should push for funding transit O Pressure Point Governors and State Departments of Energy Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants O Advocacy Hook HUD encourages grantees to strategically incorporate modern green building and energy efficiency improvements in rehabilitation projects to provide for long term affordability increased sustainability and attractiveness of housing and neighborhoods At the local and state level push to incorporate green building and energy efficiency in all rehabilitation and redevelopment projects and link green rehabilitation and redevelopment projects to workforce development initiatives O Pressure Point Local and state Housing and Community Development Departments State Housing Finance Agencies Green Infrastructure Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Surface Transportation System O Advocacy Hook The criteria for these grants are yet to be determined Push the Secretary of Transportation to prioritize projects that support ma
35. ent Act WIA Funds can be used for supportive services including transportation childcare dependent care housing and needs related payments if an individual needs them to participate in the program WIA provides three levels of employment and training services 1 core including outreach job search and placement assistance and labor market information 2 intensive more comprehensive assessments development of employment plans and counseling and career planning 3 training occupational and basic skills training 20 Resources Comments Although WIA is generally a universal program i e not means tested low income individuals and veterans generally must receive priority for intensive services and training according to guidelines developed by state and local governments Moreover the Recovery Act places a priority on using these new funds to provide services generally to low income individuals public assistance recipients and veterans Local boards are generally required to provide training through individual training accounts but Recovery Act funds may be used to contract directly with an institution of higher education or other eligible training provider if the board determines it would facilitate the training of multiple individuals in high demand occupations Resources Program Funding Comments XA WIA Dislocated 1 25 billion Employment and training activities see ab
36. ers of green jobs train those who are being left behind and build greener more equitable communities It does not closely analyze Recovery Act tax and financing provisions that will be of particular importance to renewable energy industries Some of the key provisions are however briefly summarized in Appendix B Finally it does not analyze programs that could be used by entrepreneurs and small businesses to create green jobs and community wealth Accessing Hyperlinks in the User s Guide Click on the light blue outlined text to access links to outside resources I The Recovery Act A Bird s Eye View his section summarizes what local and state leaders focused on inclusive green job creation should know about the Recovery Act Appendix A provides more detail on general Recovery Act provisions Programs that can be used to build inclusive green economies and create green jobs are spread across a multitude of agencies and across various levels of government The Recovery Act contains billions of dollars that can potentially be used to create green and equitable communities and pathways to good jobs for those who need them the most The challenge though is that the dollars are spread across a multitude of agencies and levels of government At the federal level funds are being administered and distributed by various agencies including Energy Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Labor that often don t coll
37. esources on building green schools For additional information and strategies for greening schools go States must use at least 81 8 of their formula to the Green Schools Initiative allocations to support elementary secondary and higher education and as applicable early education programs and services These funds must first be used to restore and maintain state support for education elementary and secondary education and public institutions of higher education in each of SFYs 2009 2011 to the greater of the SFY 2008 or 2009 funding level Any remaining funds shall be used to provide subgrants to local school districts based on their funding under Title of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Local school districts may use funds for any activity authorized by ESEA IDEA or Perkins Act and for school modernization renovation and repair including those consistent with a recognized green building rating system Public institutions of higher education including community colleges may use funds for educational and general expenditures and in such a way to mitigate the need to raise tuition and fees or for modernization renovation or repairs of facilities that are used for instruction research or student housing 53 Appendix A General Recovery Act Provisions Provision Description Overall Purposes Sec 3 Accountability and Transparency Title XV Preference for Quick Start Infrastructur
38. fordable housing activities must develop or support rental or ownership housing or provide housing services to benefit low income Indian families on Indian reservations and other Indian areas Affordable housing must cost no more than 30 of the family s adjusted income 33 Resources Comments The program is the largest single source of funding for affordable housing on tribal lands and was designed to give direct control to tribes in identifying and addressing their affordable housing needs The program has distributed more than 5 7 billion in funding to tribes or tribally designated housing entities from 1998 to 2006 Between 2004 and 2006 the program funded the construction of more than 6 000 affordable housing units and provided housing assistance to 24 000 families Energy efficiency and conservation is a new addition to the description of rehabilitation as an eligible use and potentially significant if tribal entities include energy efficiency and green retrofit work in their grant applications Resources Program Funding Comment HUD Energy and Green 250 million Energy retrofit and green investments in The Recovery Act also provides 2 ject based assisted housing illi f Retrofit Investments Competitive grants or loans dr oU a i d Ee in Elderl 5 Disabled to owners of project based Secretary may provide incentives to owners to Assisted Housing Stability 7 and Section 8 assisted housi
39. gories 1 Education and Training Funding streams that can be used to provide low income people with training for and access to green jobs and careers Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Funding for energy efficiency and sustainability programs primarily for housing schools and public buildings Green Infrastructure Funding for smart grid investment and transit systems Water Parks and Environmental Remediation Funding to build Clean healthy communities State Fiscal Stabilization Funding to be used primarily to restore state education budget shortfalls but a portion of it can also be used for almost any other government purpose including activities in any of the categories above What s in the Grid Resources Comments Program Funding t Program Name i n E P amount Allowable uses of the funds and Additional information that can il of new funding the Recovery any notable restricted uses help shape implementation or Appropriations Act provides for the program and advocacy efforts Accou nt Requirements if any related to allocation of funds The column also includes among allowable uses or program purposes The federal agency administering the program 1 the type of funding usually For programs providing direct benefits or services either a formula grant or to individuals e g employment and training Purpose This is generally the overall competitive grant programs who are eligible to recei
40. gulations 24 CFR Part 90 CFDA 14 872 Funding 4 hillion 3 billion by formula 1 billion by competitive grant Must use same formula used for FY2008 funds Formula funds must be allocated within 30 days Competitive funds are for priority investments including investments that leverage private sector funding or financing for renovations and energy conservation retrofit investments Competitive funding must be obligated by September 30 2009 Public housing authorities must prioritize 1 capital projects that can award contracts based on bids within 120 days from the date funds are made available to them 2 rehabilitation of vacant rental units 3 capital projects underway or already in their 5 year plans Capital and management activities of public housing agencies including 1 improvement of energy and water use efficiency by installing fixtures and fittings that conform to ASME ANSI standards and by increasing energy efficiency and water conservation by such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate 2 integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures 3 development financing and modernization of public housing projects including the redesign reconstruction and reconfiguration of public housing sites and buildings and the development of mixed finance projects 4 addressing deferred maintenance needs and the repl
41. hat if it s business as usual a small number of insiders and bureaucrats will decide how billions of recovery dollars are spent The coalition will throw sunshine on this process through public hearings so that state officials uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency For more information see ellabakercenter org 3 Utilize existing policy levers to push for quality jobs especially for those who need them the most Most of the jobs created by the Recovery Act will be project based or will be overseen by state or local planning and oversight bodies There is a toolbox of finely honed and proven tools typically wielded by strong community labor coalitions for ensuring that residents within the communities where projects are undertaken reap substantial benefits These tools which can be applied project by project or as policies that pertain to a wide array of projects link The Partnership for Working Families has been at the forefront of efforts to build coalitions that win community benefit agreements For examples of tools for Recovery Act implementation see w communitybenefits org job quality standards to job access requirements in an effort to lift up low income workers and build the middle class They include first source hiring agreements that require the targeted hiring of community members job quality and labor peace standards that guard against low road employer practice
42. high speed passenger rail systems and issue interim guidance to applicants within 120 days covering grant terms conditions and procedures until final regulations are issued Funds must be awarded within 30 days of enactment Program Transit Capital Assistance Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Statute 49 U S C 5302 a 1 5307 urbanized area formula grants CFDA 20 507 20 509 Fixed Guideway Infrastructure Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Purpose Assist in financing the acquisition construction reconstruction and improvement of facilities rolling stock and equipment for use in public transportation service Statute 49 U S C 5309 CFDA 20 500 Funding 6 9 billion Formula Grants 80 through FTA S urbanized formula 10 through rural formula and 10 through growing states and high density formula See FTA s preliminary 100 million for discretionary grants to public transit agencies for capital projects that will reduce energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions May fund up to 100 of a project 150 million Funds will be distributed through the existing fixed guidewa formula See estimates of allocations May fund up to 100 of a project Capital projects as defined in 49 USC 5302 a 1 including to purchase buses and equipment needed to provide additional public transportation service and to m
43. homes of low income households creating jobs and reducing energy costs The Recovery Act provides resources for an unprecedented expansion of the program and thus raises a number of challenges which advocates should ensure are addressed in the guidance or rules issued by the Department of Energy DoE Can enough workers receive quality training California Immediately following the approval of the Recovery Act Assembly Speaker Karen Bass announced the formation of a new task force to develop a comprehensive approach to spur the state s economic recovery The Stimulus Economic Recovery and Jobs SERJ Task Force in conjunction with local governments business leaders workers and community groups will develop a strategy to leverage and maximize the benefits to California from federal stimulus finding creative ways to speed California s recovery and turning the state s joh losses into job gains Outreach is being planned through public hearings local economic round tables and wide distribution through the Internet Wisconsin Recognizing that the Recovery Act designates spending in over 130 different state and federal programs Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle established an Office of Recovery and Reinvestment to solicit input and provide information about Recovery Act funds allocated to the state For more information see 12 to do the work up to 1 billion of the 5 billion allocated can be used for training and technical assi
44. idance being developed for federal programs Even as state and local stakeholders need to focus on implementation within their communities they should not lose sight of the fact that a number of new programs funded by the Recovery Act still require rules regulations or guidance to be written by federal administering agencies It s likely that initial disbursements of funds will occur before Coordinating for Maximum Impact The Role of State Recovery Commissions such rule writing takes place However the rule writing process will occur on a very fast track and will shape the ways in which and on what critical funds are spent This provides a critical opening for local implementers and advocates to bring their expertise and priorities to bear on the longer term development of these programs For example O The grant program at the Department of Labor that will distribute 500 million for green job training is inspired by the Green Jobs Act and explicitly references it in terms of target populations and industries The Department of Labor will most likely issue a solicitation for grant applications very soon and only then turn to issuing guidance or rules on the grant program itself When they do advocates should be prepared to push for language that hews closely to the partnerships and pathways out of poverty emphasis of the Green Jobs Act O The Weatherization Assistance Program has a proven track record of weatherizing the
45. implify the process of federal housing assistance for Indian tribes and make such assistance better fit their circumstances Statute Title of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 NAHASDA 25 U S C 4111 et seq Regulations 24 CFR Part 1000 CFDA 14 867 a e 510 million half by formula half by competitive grant Eligible grantees are Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages or their tribally designated housing entities which designate who receives the grants Projects are limited to low income households Formula grants Distributed according to FY2008 funding formula to Indian tribes with approved Indian Housing Plans IHPs HUD shall obligate funds within 30 days In selecting projects to be funded recipients shall give priority to projects for which contracts can be awarded within 180 days from dates funds are available to recipients Competitive grants HUD may obligate funding to eligible entities that apply for funds authorized under NAHASDA Competitive funding must be obligated by September 30 2009 Secretary must give priority to projects that will spur construction and rehabilitation and create employment opportunities for low income and unemployed persons Formula funds must be used for new construction acquisition rehabilitation including energy efficiency and conservation and infrastructure development Generally eligible af
46. ion Tax Credit for Renewable Energy PTC Extension of Eligible Time Period Established in 1992 the PTC is an incentive to producers of renewable electricity including wind biomass and geothermal for each kilowatt hour of energy they produce The credit is available during the first 10 years that a facility producing renewable energy is in operation In 2008 the credit for wind closed loop biomass and geothermal energy was 2 1 cents per kilowatt hour of energy produced The PTC was limited to facilities in operation before 2010 or 2011 depending on the type of power The Recovery Act extends this to 2012 for wind energy and 2013 for most other forms and is estimated to provide a 13 billion subsidy for renewable energy production over the next decade Increase in Value of Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homeowners The Recovery Act triples the tax credit for various energy efficiency improvements including installation of insulation and energy efficient roofing windows doors and heating and cooling Systems and extends it through tax year 2010 The legislation also removes current caps on the 30 percent tax credit for solar water heating Energy Related Bonds for State and Local Governments State and local governments are authorized to issue an additional 4 billion 55 in clean renewable energy CREBs and qualified energy conservation bonds QECBs CREBs can be used to finance facilities that generate
47. istration Department of Defense DOE Department of Energy Department of the Interior Housing and Urban Development DOL Department of Labor Veterans Administration Other Codes Used in Table CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 CFDA Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance CFR Code of Federal Regulations FY Fiscal Year federal unless noted otherwise FTA Federal Transit Agency GJA Green Jobs Act EISA Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 NPS National Park Service NRCS National Resources and Conservation Service NSP Neighborhood Stabilization Program PHA Public Housing Agency USC United States Code WAP Weatherization Assistance Program WIA Workforce Investment Act WIB Workforce Investment Board How to Use the Internet to Find Out More About a Particular Program or Funding Source 1 Read the description of the program in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance available at 2 Go to the website of the federal agency that oversees the program you ll want to look at both the Recovery Act page maintained by the agency all agencies are required to have one and the page for the program itself Go to Recovery gov to see if they have any information on the program or funding source 4 Go to Grants gov within 20 days after enactment agencies must post synopses of funding opportunity announcements there and within 30 days of enactment the Grants gov
48. lations 23 CFR Part 652 and Subchapter H CFDA 20 205 Funding Approximately 412 5 million 3 of 50 of a total appropriation of 27 5 billion must be used for Transportation Enhancement activities Funds apportioned within 21 days using STP formula and federal aid highway allocations Priorities for 1 projects projected to be complete within a 3 year time frame and 2 located within economically distressed areas as defined by section 301 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 30 of funding goes to urban areas that are not subject to the time limits for use Resources Comments For additional information on use of funds see DOT October 2008 or Transportation Enhancement Recovery Act also provides 20 million for disadvantaged business enterprises to obtain bid payment and performance bonds See DOT s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for details on registering local state contacts and additional information Transportation enhancement activities defined at 23 USC 101 a 35 include bike and pedestrian facilities safety and educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists landscaping and other scenic beautification rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings structures and facilities preservation of abandoned railway corridors including for pedestrian or bike trails inventory control and removal of outdoor advertising a
49. ls and connections necessary to get those jobs quickly thereby reinforcing racial and economic inequity While swift action is critical to get the economy back on track the need for deliberate speed shouldn t undermine the opportunity to utilize these dollars to transform the economy into one that is more just and green and that provides real opportunity to all Americans Our nation has dug an economic and ecological hole that is too deep and too polluted to be refilled carelessly Instead we need to creatively develop and employ new tools and materials with a focus on deliberate action scaling up local innovation and ensuring that all can participate and prosper Green For All and PolicyLink have prepared this User s Guide to assist local and state advocates nonprofit organizations public agencies and policymakers in making the best use of recovery dollars The guide is organized into four parts The Recovery Act provides 787 billion over the next ten years with most of the spending occurring over the next two years The act includes 48 billion in investments in job training and education nearly 100 billion in funding for transportation and infrastructure 20 billion in tax incentives for renewable energy and more than 41 billion for energy related programs A substantial portion of these funds can be used to green our economy and communities while creating quality employment and training opportunities that provide pa
50. majority of recovery dollars are flowing quickly to states and localities with broad discretion there is significant danger of deal cutting and pet project funding that will not benefit communities most in need Advocates should push for public hearings citizen oversight boards and other mechanisms at the local and state level to make decision making transparent and to create forums where democratic voices can be heard Finding a champion such as a state legislator mayor or city council member to push for this can be very helpful Where elected leaders do not agree to convene public meetings on implementing the Recovery Act communities should organize their own including town halls and other high visibility events The media will be closely following the story of how recovery funds get spent and are likely to be very open to documenting efforts directed at bringing decision making out of the shadows No More Closed Doors and Smoky Rooms California Green Stimulus Coalition In California the Ella Baker Center and other partners including PolicyLink and Green For All have organized the California Green Stimulus Coalition to advocate for Recovery Act funds for high quality job creation and green and equitable economic development The coalition which includes influential and respected California organizations advocating for the environment economic justice organized labor and a strong workforce system recognizes t
51. many communities Pressure Point Metropolitan Planning Organizations State Fiscal Stabilization Fund O Advocacy Hook Although most of this money will be allocated by formula to states and used to address education budget shortfalls 8 8 billion of the Fund will be available as a flexible 16 block grant that can be used for a variety of purposes public safety and other government services including modernizing schools to green building standards and providing assistance to public institutions of higher education which could be used to develop the capacity of education and training programs related to green jobs Advocates should work to ensure that this money is not misused i e that it is invested in green jobs not jails O Pressure Point Governors Conclusion The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers more than economic relief to a struggling nation It is a chance for state and local leaders to pursue innovative strategies that can benefit people and the planet demonstrate the equity and employment promise of a green economy and lift up new models that federal policymakers can learn from to inform future legislation Indeed President Obama and the 111th Congress will have a number of opportunities to apply lessons learned from the implementation of the Recovery Act In the year ahead they will need to reauthorize the Surface Transportation Act the Workforce Investment Act and will confront
52. must give preference to the following types of services in the order listed 1 Services related to recruiting counseling transportation physical examinations remedial training with special emphasis upon increasing training opportunities for members of minority groups and women 2 Services in connection with the administration of on the job training programs being sponsored by individual or groups of contractors and or minority groups and women s groups 3 Services designed to develop the capabilities of prospective trainees for undertaking on the job training 4 Services in connection with providing a continuation of training during periods of seasonal shutdown 5 Follow up services to ascertain outcome of training being provided 39 Resources Comments Under current law State Departments of Transportation must operate apprenticeship and training programs targeted to move women minorities and disadvantaged persons into journey level positions to ensure that a competent workforce is available to meet highway construction hiring needs and to address the historical under representation of members of these groups in highway construction skilled crafts Program Capital Assistance for High Speed Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service Department of Transportation ederal Railroad Administration Statute Section 501 of P L 110 432 49 U S C 24401 CFDA 20 317 Amtrak
53. n the Green Jobs Act and will no doubt be implemented in a manner consistent with the goals of that legislation which Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was a chief sponsor of in the House O Pressure Point U S Department of Labor 14 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Weatherization Assistance Program O Advocacy Hook Partnerships involving key stakeholders should use the added capacity to improve the quality of jobs created and to develop more robust career pathways for workers to gain additional skills training and connections to careers in the building trades O Pressure Point The state administrative and policy advisory councils Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants O Advocacy Hook First year funding can be used to develop a proposed energy and conservation strategy that each local government must submit to the DoE Push for inclusion of low income communities as beneficiaries of funding Energy efficiency in the transportation sector is an eligible use and advocates should push for funding transit O Pressure Point State Departments of Energy Mayors City Councils and County Executives O Advocacy Hook This program was initially authorized in 2007 but no funds were appropriated DoE has yet to issue program guidance allocation formulas and related policies Authorizing statute requires DoE to establish a state and local advisory committee to advise it regarding program administration impl
54. nd environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff and to reduce vehicle caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity Funds may also be used for surface transportation workforce development training and education STWDTE that STWDTE activities are those associated with surface transportation career awareness student transportation career preparation and training and professional development for surface transportation workers including activities for women and minorities and includes tuition and educational expenses of state and local transportation agency employees employee professional development student internships university or community college support and education activities including outreach to develop interest and promote participation in surface transportation careers 38 Program Funding On the Job Training 20 million Supportive Services for Highway Construction Projects Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Purpose Increase the overall effectiveness of the State highway agencies approved training programs by encouraging completion of training programs and seeking other ways to increase the training opportunities for minorities and women Statute 23 U S C 140 b Regulations 23 CFR Part 230 Supportive services that will increase the effectiveness of approved training programs State highway agencies
55. ng undertake energy or green retrofits including H fees to cover investment oversight and HUD project based rental assistance Assisted Housing 1 Section 202 Housing implementation or to encourage job creation for helps more than 1 3 million low and or the Elderly low income or very low income individuals very low income households afford Housing and Urban Development private housing It also provides Office of Affordable 2 Section 811 Housing for transitional housing for the homeless Housing Preservation Persons with Disabilitie 3 Section 8 Project Based Payments are made to owners for 12 month periods Owners receiving funding must spend it within two years 34 Program Neighborhood Stabilization Program Housing and Urban Development Community Planning and Development Purpose Provide assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight Division B Title Ill of th and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 Funding 2 billion Competitive grants to states units of general local government and nonprofits or consortia of nonprofit entities which may submit proposals in conjunction with for profit entities HUD must publish criteria for grants within 75 days Applications for funds due within 150 days HUD must ensure that grantees are in areas with the greatest number and percentage of fo
56. nsportation Office of the Secretary Statute 49 U S C Chapter 53 public transit projects between 20 and 300 million subject to Secretary waiver for significant smaller projects Secretary must publish grant criteria within 90 days grant applications due within 180 days after the publication of criteria May fund up to 100 of a project 37 across the Department s operating administrations and offices The purpose of the TIGER team is to make sure that DOT s portion of recovery funding goes out to states and localities as quickly as possible The team will develop reporting standards to accurately track the money as it is being spent and ensure that all accountability requirements are being met Urging the Department of Transportation to apply a green screen that would prioritize funding for projects that will bring our transportation system to a state of good repair reduce energy use lower greenhouse gas emission and or lower household transportation costs would maximize the benefits of this new discretionary program Program Transportation Enhancement Activities including Pedestrian and Bicycling Facilities Using Highway Investment Funds Department of Transportation ederal Highway Administration Purpose Restoration repair construction and other activities for projects meeting eligibility requirements of Statute 23 U S C 101 a 35 104 b 3 133 b 8 Regu
57. nt law Revolving fund projects must be under contract or construction within 12 months Sharing costs of watershed rehabilitation projects including reconstruction or decommissioning of the dam and relocation or flood proofing of downstream property State Revolving Funds Low interest loans to fund water quality protection projects including for wastewater treatment nonpoint source pollution control watershed and estuary management and drinking water system infrastructure improvements At least 20 of the revolving funds must be used for projects to address green infrastructure water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative activities Resources Comments FY2007 Allocation of Clean Water State Revolving Funds FY2008 Distribution of DWSRF Allotment Program AG Department of 1 38 billion for rural water and waste disposal project grants and Agriculture Rural direct loans to local public entities Utilities Service non profits basis and tribes USDA Water and Environmental Programs Statute Section 381E d 2 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act CFDA 10 760 Rural Water Loans grants and loan guarantees for drinking water sanitary sewer solid waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10 000 or less Grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities
58. nt that result from releases or potential releases of hazardous substances pollutants and contaminants from abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites Statute Comprehensive nvironmental Response ompensation and Liabili CERCLA Regulations 40 CFR 300 420 Remedial actions actions taken to prevent or minimize the release of hazardous substances so that they do not cause substantial danger to present or future public health or the environment 49 Resources Comments See National Priorities List state by state list of national priorities among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances pollutants or contaminants CERCLA mandates that specific community involvement activities occur at certain points during the Superfund process Site teams must develop a community involvement plan See Community Involvement handbook Superfund Job Training Initiative website Program EPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Office of Underground Storage Tanks Purpose Provides money for overseeing and enforcing corrective action taken by a responsible party who is the owner or operator of the leaking UST provides money for cleanups at UST sites where the owner or operator is unknown unwilling or unable to respond or which require emergency action Statute Section 9003 h
59. o Department of Energy without one year of receiving initial allocation Strategy must include goals for increased energy efficiency and conservation and a plan for using funds to achieve those goals DOE must approve or disapprove it within 120 days Additional funding is contingent on plan approval Program was initially authorized in 2007 but no funds were appropriated Energy Department has yet to issue program guidance allocation formulas and related policy Authorizing statute requires DOE to establish a state and local advisory committee to advise it regarding program administration implementation and evaluation Energy Department may determine other allowable uses of funds consistent with program purposes in consultation with EPA DOT and HUD Program DOE State Energy Program Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Purpose Promote energy conservation reduce the rate of growth of energy demand and reduce dependence on imported oil through the development and implementation of a comprehensive State Energy Program and the provision of federal financial and technical assistance to states Statute 42 USC 6321 et seg Part D of Title IIl of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act Regulations 10 CFR 420 et seq CFDA 81 04 Funding 3 1 billion Formula Grant DOE allocates funds to states 1 3 equally among states 1 3 according to populati
60. on 1 3 according to energy consumption State matching requirement of 2076 cash or in kind State must prioritize grants toward funding energy efficiency and renewable energy programs including retrofits of buildings and industrial facilities expanding existing programs and joint activities between states States may use funds for a wide range of activities and programs that promote energy efficiency including residential commercial and governmental building energy efficiency retrofits As part of its State Energy Plan each state must 1 implement mandatory lighting efficiency standards for public buildings throughout the state 2 have various activities in place that promote the availability and use of carpools vanpools and public transportation 3 have under implementation mandatory standards and policies affecting the procurement practices of the state and its political subdivisions to improve energy efficiency and 4 implement mandatory thermal efficiency standards for all new and renovated buildings States may also use funds for 1 public education to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy 2 transportation energy efficiency 3 energy audits of buildings and industrial facilities 4 promoting energy efficiency as an integral component of economic development planning 5 providing education and training to building designers and contracts 6 various other activities detailed in
61. ortion of motor bus service operated on exclusive or controlled rights of way and high occupancy vehicle HOV lanes Program Capital Investment Grants Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Statute 49 U S C 5309 m 2 A CFDA 20 500 DOD Department of Defense Facilities and Construction Funding 750 million Discretionary grants for Priority for projects already in construction or able to obligate funds within 150 days Army 1 47 billion Navy 657 million Marine Corps 113 9 million Air Force 1 1 billion Army Reserve 98 3 million Navy Reserve 55 million Marine Corps Reserve 39 9 million Air Force Reserve 13 2 million Army National Guard 266 3 million Air National Guard 25 8 million Recovery Act also provides funds to the Corps of Engineers for environmental infrastructure projects Act also provides 100 million to the Navy and Marine Corps for energy conservation and alternative energy projects and 120 million defense wide for the Energy Conservation Investment Program Construction of new fixed guideway systems or extensions to existing fixed guideway systems Eligible purposes are light rail rapid rail heavy rail commuter rail monorail automated fixed guideway system such as a people mover or a busway high occupancy vehicle HOV facility or an extension of any of these Improve repair and modernize Department of Defense
62. ove for dislocated workers A dislocated worker is Workers Formula grants to states someone who meets any of the following criteria See Appendix C for estimated Department of Labor Employment state allocations 1 terminated or laid off or has received a notice and Training Administration of termination or layoff from employment States allocate funds to local 2 eligible for or has exhausted Purpose Reemploy workforce investment boards by unemployment insurance dislocated workers formula prescribed by the governor 3 demonstrated an appropriate attachment to the workforce but not eligible for Statute Title I B of WIA Funds available for obligation unemployment insurance and unlikely to return A immediately and remain to a previous industry or occupation Regulations 20 CFR Part 663 available until June 30 2010 4 terminated or laid off or received notification of termination or layoff from employment as a result of a permanent closure or substantial layoff 5 employer has announced that facility will close within a 180 days 6 self employed but unemployed as a result of general economic conditions or natural disaster or 7 displaced homemaker no longer supported by another family member CFDA 17 260 21 Resources Program Comments 92 WIA Dislocated 200 million National emergency grants for dislocated worker employment and training services in high Workers National Project grants Applicants may unemplo
63. providing investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health 3 stabilizing state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases 4 helping those most impacted by the recession and 5 investing in transportation environmental protection and other infrastructure that will provide long term economic benefits Advocates should reference and reinforce the overriding importance of purposes 4 and 5 in seeking funding for job creation and infrastructure improvement in their communities Other than a prevailing wage requirement the act generally lacks provisions such as local hiring requirements or formal linkages to workforce training programs that would maximize potential for full inclusion of lower income people More formal connections to One modest but important exception is section 702 of the Act which requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior to utilize where practicable the Public Lands Corps Youth Conservation Corps Student Conservation Association Job Corps and workforce development programs and mandates for local hiring would have made the bill far more equitable Establishing such linkages will now fall to advocacy at the local and state level discussed in the recommendations section On a more positive note the Recovery Act will cr
64. reclosures and obligate all funding within a year Recovery Act also provides 1 billion in Community Development Block Grant funds 1 Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties including such mechanisms as soft seconds loan loss reserves and shared equity loans for low and moderate income homebuyers 2 purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon in order to sell or rent such homes and properties 3 establish and operate land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon 4 demolish foreclosed properties that have become blighted structures and 5 redevelop demolished or vacant foreclosed properties in order to sell or rent such properties Secretary may use up to 10 of the funds for grantees for the provision of capacity building of and support for local communities receiving Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding in the Recovery Act or previously 35 Resources Comments HUD awarded 3 92 billion in NSP formula grants to states and 1 1 billion to cities and counties in September 2009 Rehabilitation funds may be used for preservation improving energy efficiency or conservation or providing renewable energy source s HUD encourages grantees to strategically incorporate modern green building and energy efficiency improvements in rehabilitation projects to provide for
65. requires entities seeking grants to comply with the GJA s requirements related to eligible industries and target group priorities The other provisions of the GJA don t directly apply to this funding in large part to provide the Secretary with the flexibility needed to allocate Recovery Act funds expeditiously but the funds can and should be used in ways consistent with the GJA particularly its emphases on partnerships between industry labor and community and on developing pathways out of poverty for low income individuals Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was the chief sponsor of the GJA in the House For more information on the GJA ww greenforall org files aq greenjobsact07 pdf Resources Program Comments ob Corps 250 million Construction rehabilitation and Job Corps has 122 centers in 48 acquisition of Job Corps centers states new centers are slated to Construction Funds available for obligation open in the two remaining states Rehabi litation immediately and remain DOL may transfer up to 1576 to meet operational New Hampshire and Wyoming Rena available until June 30 2010 needs of centers include training for careers Acquisition 4 and in the energy efficiency renewable energy Operation and environmental protection industries Current law requires a contract between Department of Labor DOL and the entity operating a Job Corps center This contract serves as Statute Title Subtitle C of WIA an
66. s Smart grid is shorthand for operating the nation s electricity transmission and distribution system using advanced digital technology to save energy and cost and to allow demand response use of storage technologies including plug in hybrid batteries integration of dispersed renewable and distributed generators enhanced reliability and quicker repair of outages and improved power quality For a non technical introduction to Smart Grid see The Smart Grid An Introduction For information on job creation and types of jobs see The U S Smart Grid Revision EMA s Perspectives for Job Creatio Green Infrastructure Resources Program Funding Comments Highway and bridge projects public transportation projects and passenger and freight rail projects The Transportation Secretary has created a team at the DOT to coordinate the Department s role in implementation of the Recovery Act The team known Supplemental 1 5 billion Disc retionary Grants Competitive grants to state for a National Surface and local governments Eligible public transit uses include investments Tran ion or transit agencies in projects participating in New Starts and Small as the Transportation Investment ane ortatio Starts programs that will expedite completion Generating Economic Recovery TIGER System Individual grants must be of projects and entry into revenue service team is composed of officials from Department of Tra
67. s or 2 require additional assistance to complete an education program or secure and hold employment Also eligible are youth who fall into one of the following categories school dropout homeless runaway foster child pregnant or a parent or offender 23 Resources Comments Program Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Purpose Provide disadvantaged youth with the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education and training opportunities opportunities for meaningful work and service to their communities and opportunities to develop employment and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among youth in low income communities Statute Title I D of WIA CFDA 17 274 Funding 50 million Competitive grants Public or private nonprofit agency or organization including a consortium of such agencies or organizations including any relevant public or private nonprofit entity that provides education or employment training and can meet the required elements of the grant Funds available for obligation immediately and remain available until June 30 2010 Eligible uses include broad range of employment and training activities counseling services and related activities youth development activities supportive services and need based stipends mentoring and provision
68. s ambitiously progressive on multiple fronts including energy conservation greenhouse gas reduction high quality job creation and integrated training and support services that connect lower income people to jobs Chicago Climate Action Plan The Chicago Climate Action Plan CCAP outlines five strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change in the areas of energy efficient buildings clean and renewable energy sources improved transportation options reduced waste and industrial pollution and adaptation The CCAP makes it a priority to reach the most underprivileged populations in the city ensuring that ambitious green strategies also provide pathways out of poverty to those in need The CCAP includes the goals of retrofitting 40 percent of commercial and industrial building stock comprising 9 000 commercial and institutional retrofits and 200 industrial retrofits and retrofitting 50 percent of residential buildings comprising 400 000 residential dwelling units at 65 000 units per year to achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy use If the recovery dollars that Chicago receives are spent in ways consistent with the priority strategies and goals of the CCAP the Windy City could be a true model of a green and inclusive city For more information see w chicagoclimateaction org 2 Demand a transparent and accountable public process to shape how resources are spent Because the
69. s and union busting resources for pre apprenticeship and non traditional employment programs that provide pathways into jobs and careers for African Americans women and other populations that are underrepresented in building trades occupations and accountability measures to determine that public dollars are used to benefit the public in the broadest sense There is also some existing law and guidance that local and state leaders can utilize as advocacy levers O President Obama recently issued an Order that repeals a previously enacted Executive Order banning Project Labor Agreements PLAs and encouraging not mandating agencies to use PLAs in federal construction projects of 25 million or more Advocates should push for PLAs that include commitments to hiring targets with complementary training resources for engaging youth and adults in disadvantaged communities O There is local hiring language in SAFETEA LU the most recent authorizing legislation for the nation s surface transportation policy that directs the U S Department of Transportation to allow communities to create their own agreements around local and minority hiring States are permitted also under SAFETEA LU to use up to half of one percent of their surface transportation and bridge funds not to exceed ten million dollars per fiscal year to develop and administer highway construction training 11 4 Expand and develop regional partnerships that
70. shed Rehabilitation Program Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service USDA Water and Environmental Programs Water and Related Resources Department of Energy Environmental Management Program Defense and Non Defense Environmental Cleanup Management of Lands and Resources Construction and Wildland Fire Management Department of the Interior U S Fish and Wildlife Services Department of the Interior National Park Service Hazardous Substance Superfund Remediation Program Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Brownfields Training Research and Technical Assistance Grants and Cooperative Agreements International Boundary and Water Commission Water Quantity Program State Fiscal Stabilization Funding to be used primarily to restore state education budget shortfalls but it can also be used for other purposes State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Il Recommendations for Equitable Implementation hat are the strategic pressure points targets and levers that advocates can use to influence how Recovery Act funds are spent and for whom Are they at the local state or federal level What are the best ways to capitalize on their use Here are six recommendations for shaping an equitable and green recovery in response to the questions above Text boxes in this section lift up promising models and resources 1 Push to insert equity into the implementation plans being
71. sociation Construction construction and 15 million Job Corps and other related partnerships and Wildland Fire for hazardous fuels reduction 2 Construction reconstruction decommissioning and with Federal State local tribal or non repair of roads bridges trails property and facilities profit groups that serve young adults Management and for energy efficient retrofits of existing facilities Department of the Interior 3 Hazardous fuels reduction Bureau of Land Management 47 Program C Resource Management and Construction U S Fish and Wildlife Department of the Interior Purpose Conserve protect and enhance fish wildlife and plants and their habitats Statute Cc National Park Service Construction Operations and Historic Preservation Department of the Interior Funding 280 million 165 million for resources management and 115 million for construction 589 million for construction 146 million for operations 15 million for historic preservation fund match requirement waived 1 Deferred maintenance construction and capital improvement projects on national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries and for high priority habitat restoration projects 2 Construction reconstruction and repair of roads bridges property and facilities and for energy efficient retrofits of existing facilities Construction repair and restoration of roads cons
72. ss transit impact low income areas and create quality jobs Also work to get formal state level process for public input on project selection and transparency for project funding and reporting O Pressure Point U S Department of Transportation as well as state DOTs MPOs and transit agencies Highway Investment Funding O Advocacy Hook While the majority of the Surface Transportation Program STP is currently used for highways approximately 41 million 3 percent of 50 percent of STP allocation can be used for transportation enhancement activities This fund also prioritizes projects in economically distressed communities Transportation enhancement activities include bike and pedestrian facilities landscaping and workforce development Push to maximize the resources that go to transportation enhancements which are greener investments Pressure Point State Departments of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organizations Transit Capital Assistance O Advocacy Hook The Federal Transit Administration FTA formula grant known as 5307 Transit Capital Assistance recognizes preventive maintenance as an eligible expense This translates into a source for operating funds but each Metropolitan Planning Organization has a different restriction on the allowable percentage that can be used Advocate for maximizing the dollars going into preventative maintenance given the dramatic shortfall for transit operations in
73. stance Will the expansion of the program be used to connect the short term training necessary for residential weatherization to a career pathway that leads to higher level often union jobs in the more skill intensive commercial building retrofit industry Will the dramatic increase of funds for the program be used to increase the quality and pay of the jobs within the residential weatherization industry 13 and to induce the participation of contractors who pay family sustaining wages and benefits Strong advocacy at the federal level will be needed to maximize the long term benefits of this program s expansion And regardless of how DoE answers at the local level public officials community action agencies building trades unions and community groups should work collaboratively to address these same questions in implementation Ill Advocacy Hooks and Pressure Points here are program specific hooks and pressure points that advocates practitioners and policymakers can use to ensure that low income communities are at the center of state and local recovery and reinvestment initiatives The list that follows is not exhaustive Rather it offers examples for local and state leaders to consider as they develop specific organizing and implementation efforts Education and Training Workforce Investment Act All Programs O Advocacy Hook Use statewide activities funds to develop sectoral partnerships as many innovative
74. synopsis must link to the full announcement on the agency website 5 Read the Agency s Recovery Program Plan by May 1 2009 federal agencies must have one in place for each program named in the Recovery Act 19 Education and Training Program X Workforce Investment Act WIA Adult Program Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Purpose Improve the quality of the workforce and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation s economy by providing workforce investment activities that increase the employment retention and earnings of participants and increase occupational skill attainment by the participants Statute Title I B of the Workforce Investment Act WIA Regulations 20 CFR Parts 660 to 663 CFDA 17 258 Funding 500 million Formula grants to states See Appendix C for estimated state allocations States must allocate 8576 of funds to Local Workforce Investment Boards LWIBs Remaining 15 is reserved for administration and statewide activities Responsibility for determining use of WIA funds in each state is split between the state s Workforce Investment Board and local WIBs Funds available for obligation immediately and remain available until June 30 2010 States will likely need to submit an amendment to their WIA state plans to obtain funds Adult 18 and older employment and training activities under the Workforce Investm
75. t overall levels of benefits to protect public safety and to conduct studies on ways to improve the use of water and related natural resources CFDA 15 504 an irrigation district or municipality At least 60 million must be used for rural water projects and expended primarily on water intake and treatment facilities 10 million must be used for a bureau wide inspection of canal programs in urbanized areas 50 million may be used for programs projects and activities authorized by Central Utah Completion Act 50 million may be used for programs projects and activities authorized by California Bay Delta Restoration Act an irrigation district or municipality 46 authorized rural water projects and more than 600 million in authorized water reuse and recycling projects Resources Program Fundin g g Comments C3 Department of Energy 5 127 billion for Defense Nuclear waste cleanup E Environmental Cleanup Environmental 483 million for Non defense Management Environmental Clean Program Defense and Non Defense Environmental Cleanup Management of 320 million 125 million 1 Maintenance rehabilitation and restoration Projects must use where practicable the for lands and resources of facilities property trails and lands and for Public Lands Corps Youth Conservation Lands and Resources management 180 million for remediation of abandoned mines and wells Corps Student Conservation As
76. ten fall prey to implementing programs in silos with minimal coordination and alignment that could maximize effectiveness and avoid duplication The Recovery Act s requirements that funds be spent quickly combined with the amount of money that has to be spent present a clear danger that the existing tendency toward silos will become exponentially increased as a function of speed and scale It will be particularly important to put in place mechanisms that ensure the linkage between programs that create jobs and those that train people for jobs At the state level this means that agencies and offices that may not have a history of working together think state departments for energy environmental protection and labor will need to change course immediately A number of governors have anticipated this challenge by creating offices or commissions to coordinate the use of Recovery Act funds These entities will only be useful if they actively solicit input and expertise from a range of stakeholders particularly those that understand the specific economic recovery needs of low income communities Moreover state commissions will not be sufficient to ensure strategic alignment of resources at the regional level where the lion s share of job creation will occur For this reason local leaders will need to push for coordinated implementation mechanisms at the community level as well 6 Work to shape the rules regulations and gu
77. the economic and ecological imperative of passing transformative climate and energy legislation Smart implementation of the Recovery Act can build the foundation of an inclusive green economy and lay the groundwork for the long term policy changes necessary to create a more equitable sustainable and greener America IV Overview of Green Recovery Programs his section of the User s Guide provides a summary in grid format of many of the major programs and funding streams that can be utilized to build green economies and communities and help lower income people and communities of color access quality green jobs We cast a wide net in our analysis of programs and appropriations to make this User s Guide useful to a wide array of local and state leaders working to shape implementation of the Recovery Act We included programs that can be used to create or save green jobs e g energy efficiency programs help green our communities e g parks environmental remediation or reduce greenhouse gas emissions e g public transit In determining what programs to include we erred on the side of inclusion generally including any program that can be used for at least one of these purposes even if it is not the only or primary purpose of the program Each row in the grid describes a program or in Some cases an appropriations account that may include multiple programs organized into five broad functional categories 17 Cate
78. thways out of poverty The Recovery Act A Bird s Eye View summarizes the Recovery Act emphasizing information local and state leaders focused on building an inclusive green economy should be aware of as implementation unfolds Recommendations for Equitable Implementation offers ideas to help local and state leaders develop strategies to influence how dollars are spent to maximize an equitable and green recovery Advocacy Hooks and Pressure Points complements the recommendations section by identifying program specific hooks and What This Guide is Not pressure points that advocates practitioners and policymakers can use to ensure that low income communities are at the center of state and local recovery and reinvestment initiatives Overview of Green Recovery Programs offers an in depth grid summarizing a range of programs and funding streams that can be utilized to foster inclusive and green communities and help lower income people and communities of color access quality green jobs It also offers website links to additional resources that local and state leaders can utilize to shape implementation efforts This User s Guide is not an exhaustive survey of all the funding provisions in the Recovery Act that can be used for renewable energy energy efficiency environmental protection or other green infrastructure It analyzes many of the programs funded through appropriations that can be utilized to create large numb
79. tion of more than 100 000 people Appendix C WIA and Weatherization Assistance Programs Preliminary Estimates of Allocations WIA Dislocated Worker Weatherization Assistance Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana lowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York 5 155 000 1 696 000 7 693 000 5 124 000 80 927 000 4 841 000 4 429 000 1 247 000 1 559 000 19 644 000 13 252 000 1 247 000 1 247 000 26 051 000 9 488 000 1 571 000 2 729 000 8 275 000 8 791 000 1 826 000 4 959 000 10 175 000 31 169 000 7 022 000 7 851 000 10 588 000 1 247 000 1 247 000 3 426 000 1 247 000 9 481 000 2 687 000 31 834 000 11 765 000 3 976 000 18 011 000 12 187 000 188 507 000 11 995 000 11 146 000 2 948 000 4 010 000 43 306 000 31 678 000 2 948 000 2 948 000 62 832 000 23 917 000 5 224 000 7 194 000 17 889 000 20 214 000 4 337 000 11 703 000 25 089 000 74 696 000 17 969 000 18 876 000 25 657 000 2 948 000 2 974 000 7 647 000 2 948 000 21 045 000 6 299 000 72 249 000 56 10 635 000 2 859 000 14 028 000 6 060 000 178 870 000 11 660 000 1 3L 997 401010 1 644 000 3 057 000 64 930 000 35 307 000 1 742 000 2 283 000 55 242 000 21 130 000 4 212 00
80. truction of facilities including energy efficient retrofits of existing facilities equipment replacement preservation and repair of historical resources within the National Park System cleanup of abandoned mine sites on park lands and other critical infrastructure projects Operations deferred maintenance of facilities and trails and for other critical repair and rehabilitation projects Historic Preservation Fund historic preservation projects at historically black colleges and universities 48 Resources Comments Projects must use where practicable the Public Lands Corps Youth Conservation Corps Student Conservation Association Job Corps and other related partnerships with federal state local tribal or non profit groups that serve young adults List of National Fish Hatcheries List of Fish and Wildlife onservation field office Website of National Wildlife Refuge System which includes 550 refuges and 37 wetland management districts Projects must use where practicable the Public Lands Corps Youth Conservation Corps Student Conservation Association Job Corps and other related partnerships with Federal State local tribal or non profit groups that serve young adults PS Budget Website 600 million Hazardous Substance Superfund Remediation Program Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste Purpose Reduce and eliminate threats to human health and the environme
81. ve them purpose of the program receiving 2 general information on funding in some cases funding is how funds will be allocated if applicable and available 3 who is eligible to apply provided for a narrower purpose Statute A citation to the section or for the funding sections of the United States Code that 4 date funding is available until if authorize and govern the program different from September 30 2010 the date section 1603 of the act Regulations A citation to the makes all funds available unless section or sections of the Code of Federal Regulations that apply to the program or funding expressly provided otherwise and any other notable information related to the timing of funding CFDA Number The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance a federal government publication available at www cfda gov is a basic reference guide to federal funding available to states and local governments non profit and other entities and individuals If a program has a CFDA number you can go to the guide for further information about it 18 Department Agency Codes and Abbreviations To assist users to quickly find programs by federal department or agency we use the following green tabs and abbreviations in the grid go Department of Agriculture Department of Transportation CNCS Corporation for National Department of Education and Community Service Environmental Protection Agency General Services Admin
82. with their water wastewater and solid waste problems 45 Resources Comments Department of Agriculture must use where practicable the Public Lands Corps Youth Conservation Corps Student Conservation Association Job Corps and other related partnerships with federal state local tribal or non profit groups that serve young adults Resources Comments For Title XVI projects see this manual Funding likely to go primarily to projects already authorized by the Bureau of Reclamation for funding Program Funding Capital improvement projects under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Reclamation including projects to provide clean reliable drinking water to rural areas and for water reuse and recycling projects to ensure adequate water supply to western localities impacted by drought c3 Water and Related 1 billion Resources At least 126 million must be used for projects authorized under the Reuse program For these projects applicant must be a legally For Title XVI projects applicant must be a organized nonfederal entity such as legally organized nonfederal entity such as Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation currently has Purpose Development manage a backlog of more than 1 billion in ment and restoration of water and related natural resources in the 17 western states Includes funds for operating and maintaining existing facilities to obtain the greates
83. yment and high poverty areas Reserve include states outlying areas local workforce boards and non profit Department of Labor Employment and private organizations whose and Training Administration purpose is to provide targeted services to eligible beneficiaries Purpose Provide national emergency grants to Funds available for obligation reemploy dislocated workers immediately and remain in high unemployment and available until June 30 2010 high poverty areas Statute Section 173 of WIA Regulations 20 CFR Part 671 CFDA 17 260 22 Program aan WIA Youth Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Purpose To help low income youth acquire the educational and occupational skills training and support needed to achieve academic and employment success and successfully transition to careers and productive adulthood Statute Title I B of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 Subtitle B Regulations 20 CFR Part 664 CFDA 17 259 1 2 billion Formula grants to states See Appendix C for estimated state allocations Funds available for obligation immediately and remain available until June 30 2010 Youth activities including summer jobs for youth May not be used for Youth Opportunity Grants Recovery Act changes the age for an eligible youth from 14 21 to 14 24 Funds must be used to provide services to low income youth who are 1 deficient in basic literacy skill

Bringing Home the Green Recovery: A User's Guide to the 2009

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