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EDA Announces Funding for Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership

NADO Admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:26:30 +0000

The U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) announced funding for the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership grants. Successful projects will be regional in scope and focus on manufacturing sectors that demonstrate competitive advantages in the marketplace. Applications should emphasize public-private and higher education collaboration. Approximately 20-25 grants will be awarded (about 4 per EDA region) for up to $200,000 each with total funding for the program being around $4 million. The deadline for applications is June 13, 2013. Click here to view the grant summary and application. Click here to contact your EDA state representative for additional information. Click here to view the original press release.

Sen. Merkley Sends EDA Public Works Funding Support Letter to Appropriators

NADO Admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:22:15 +0000

NADO is pleased to announce that Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) along with three of his colleagues sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee asking their support for EDA’s Public Works program. Specifically, the letter requests the committee to fund the Public Works program at $129 million for FY2014. The Administration has proposed cutting the Public Works program to $40.5 million for next year, which would represent a 49% cut from last year’s funding level. Click here to view the full letter.

Farm Bill Slated to Move This Month in Congress

NADO Admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:20:00 +0000

The U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees announced they will begin work to move a 2013 Farm Bill through their respective committees this month. Starting on May 14, the Senate committee will begin marking up their version of the Farm Bill while the House committee has set a target date of May 15 for its mark up.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) expects the Senate bill to cut $23 billion from the debt over 10 years, the same total as last year’s proposed Senate bill. House Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK) announced that their version of the Farm Bill would likely cut federal spending by $38 billion over 10 years, which is $11 billion more in cuts than last year’s proposed House bill. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be reduced by $20 billion under the House proposed bill.

On January 1, most provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill were extend until September 30 of this year as part of the overall fiscal cliff deal (H.R. 8). Click here to view NADO’s legislative fact sheet on the Farm Bill.

USDA Publishes Sustainable Rural Downtowns Case Study Series

NADO Admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:13:41 +0000

From a new senior housing development in California to a value-added production facility in Vermont, rural communities across the country are using USDA financing to implement innovative projects that revitalize their downtowns and create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods. USDA Rural Development has published a series of case studies profiling nine rural communities that leveraged USDA funds to strengthen their unique assets, build affordable housing, enhance economic competitiveness, and preserve natural resources. Many programs in USDA Rural Development’s portfolio can be used to invest in redevelopment of historic buildings, infrastructure in downtowns, and new businesses in the heart of a rural community. The projects in these case studies show how USDA funding, local leadership, and other public and private support can create thriving, environmentally and economically sustainable development in rural America. Click here to read the case studies.

Penny Pritzker Nominated as DOC Secretary

NADO Admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:36:27 +0000

On May 2, President Obama nominated Penny Pritzker to join his second-term Cabinet as the new Commerce Secretary. Pritzker will replace acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank pending her Senate confirmation. Pritzker served the Obama Administration as a member of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board which formulated and evaluated economic policy. Pending the confirmation of current nominations all but one Cabinet-level post has been filled, a replacement for Karen Mills at the Small Business Administration, who is staying in place until a successor is chosen. Click here for additional information on Pritzker from the White House.

Sen. Schumer and Sen. Gillibrand Send Letter Supporting EDA Public Works Funding to Senate Appropriators

NADO Admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:34:16 +0000

On April 25, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) sent a letter to Senate Appropriators asking their support of increased EDA Public Works funding for FY2014. The Administration’s proposed budget includes $40.5 million for EDA public works funding for next year, a significant decrease from $112 million in FY2012. The letter also supports EDA’s new Manufacturing Communities Initiative. Click here to view the letter.

NADO Treasurer Terry Bobrowski to Testify Before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

NADO Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:01:32 +0000

On Thursday, April 25 starting at 10 a.m. (EST), NADO Treasurer Terry Bobrowski, Executive Director of the East Tennessee Development District located in Alcoa, TN will testify on behalf of NADO before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit in a hearing entitled Implementing MAP-21: The State and Local Perspective.

Bobrowski will testify on the strengthen the role of rural local officials in the statewide transportation planning and investment process that established and gave federal recognition of Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) for areas outside the boundaries of Metropolitan Planning Organizations in MAP-21.

Joining Bobrowski on the witness panel are Mr. Michael Lewis, Director, Rhode Island Department of Transportation; on behalf of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), The Honorable Bruce Starr, Senator, State of Oregon; on behalf of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Mr. Peter Varga, Chief Operating Officer, Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid); on behalf of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Mr. Richard Perrin, AICP, Executive Director, Genesee Transportation Council; on behalf of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), and Mr. Edward Reiskin, Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

Click here to watch a live webcast of the hearing on April 25 at 10 a.m. (EST).

NADO Releases Presentation on President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget

NADO Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:59:37 +0000

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) has released a presentation on the President’s FY2014 budget request. The presentation includes a summary of the President’s budget as well as an in-depth look at federal programs important to regional development organizations and local governments.

NADO’s comprehensive budget report will be released to members on Monday, April 22. Click here to view the presentation. Click here to download the presentation video.

Rep. Michaud and Rep. Duncan Send EDA Support Letter to House Appropriators

NADO Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:57:36 +0000

On April 15, Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME) and Rep. John Duncan (R-TN) sent a bipartisan letter to House Appropriators asking their support of FY2012 level funding of $257.5 million for EDA in FY2014. The letter also requests full funding for the Public Works program at $111million. The letter included 62 Members of Congress as co-signers. Click here to view the final letter.

Upcoming Webinar: An Analysis of the President’s FY2014 Federal Budget (April 18)

NADO Admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:30:27 +0000

On Thursday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. (EST), NADO will hold a special webinar, An Analysis of the President’s FY2014 Federal Budget. During the webinar, NADO staff will provide an in-depth analysis of the FY2014 budget. As our nation faces unprecedented challenges and budget deficits, learn how the new budget is expected to impact regional planning and development organizations and the federal programs that support their efforts.