This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved their fiscal year (FY) 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill by a vote of 27 to 3.  The bill provides level funding of $250 million for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).  Within the allocation, $213 million is identified for Economic Development Assistance programs (level with FY2015) with level funding for planning grants ($30 million) and a $1 million increase for public works (up to $100 million).  The Senate bill includes a $13 million increase (up to $48 million) for economic adjustment assistance over the FY2015 enacted level.  Within economic adjustment assistance funds, the Senate bill instructs EDA to allocate $2 million for innovative energy efficiency grants; $3 million for grants to states within the Appalachian Regional Commission; and $3 million for grants to the Delta Regional Authority.  The Senate bill includes no funding for the administration’s POWER + initiative to assist communities impacted by changes to the coal industry.  The timeline for Senate floor consideration of the bill is unclear.  Click here to view a funding table that shows EDA funding recommendations from the administration, House, and Senate as well as the FY2015 enacted levels.