Can WCI help me write grants to state or federal agencies for financial
assistance with projects such as developing an industrial park or installing
or upgrading our water and/or sewer system?
WCI assists communities with writing grants to
the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) for infrastructure
projects. In cases where a community is seeking other sources
of financial assistance such as through the Minnesota Department
of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) or the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, the Community
Development Director can provide a list of credible consultants
that work in WCI's region who have grant writing experience.
What types of projects does the Economic Development
Administration (EDA) fund? Is my community eligible for EDA
funding and how do I start the process?
EDA's Public Works Program provides grants of
up to 60% of the total project cost to help distressed communities
attract new industry, encourage business expansion, generate
private sector jobs and diversify local economies. Among the
types of projects funded in the industrial and commercial areas
are water and sewer facilities; access roads to industrial
parks and business incubator facilities. Projects must be consistent
with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
An applicant may be a state, political subdivision
of a state, Indian tribe, special-purpose unit of government
or a public or private non-profit organization. In order to
determine if your organization is eligible for federal EDA
funding, the Community Development Director needs to gather
information about the project and forward it to EDA’s
Economic Development Representative for review.
What is a CEDS?
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) is a regional economic development plan compiled annually
by the Community Development Director and submitted to the
Economic Development Administration (EDA). The CEDS is prepared
to help fulfill WCI's commitment to maintain Economic Development
District (EDD) designation. This designation allows WCI to
attract Federal EDA dollars into the nine county region.
The CEDS incorporates demographic data and analysis
pertaining to WCI's region as well as economic development
projects seeking EDA funding. Projects identifying the EDA
as a potential funding source are prioritized according to
job creation, project readiness, population growth rate, unemployment
rate, per capita income and diversification. Federal and state
funding agencies often use the CEDS to assist them in their
project funding decisions.
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