Potential applicants who did not submit initial proposals for the $30 million available through Chattanooga’s portion of the American Rescue Plan may still apply for funding – although Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly says many projects will not receive it.
The mayor last month accepted the recommended framework the Equitable Recovery Commission developed and issued a formal notice of funding opportunity for the money.
The city received more than 200 initial funding requests for more than $265 million against the available $30 million. Those requests may now be converted into formal applications for funding by following the framework issued in the notice of funding opportunity.
The framework the Equitable Recovery Commission developed aims to catalyze the economic growth of the Black community.
To help spur economic growth in Chattanooga’s neighborhoods, the commission recommended funding projects which fall into the following four areas:
Ensure accessible housing for all Chattanoogans
Build a path to early learning and provide quality child care
Close the gaps in public health and public safety
Build a competitive regional economy
The Equitable Recovery Commission last week recommended $9.8 million for affordable housing, $6.2 million toward early learning, $6.9 million for public health and safety and $7 million to build a competitive regional economy in local Black and brown communities.
Kelly increased the portion of funding allocated to affordable housing to $13 million and allocated $5 million to early learning, $6 million to public health and safety and another $6 million to build a competitive regional economy in local Black and brown communities.
The notice of funding opportunity, which is available at Recovery.Chattanooga.gov, includes detailed criteria for applicants who wish to pursue a formal application. For instance, recipients who are selected for funding will be required to submit both financial and programmatic reports that comply with U.S. Treasury regulations, including listing budgeted versus actual expenses.
A virtual applicant information session held May 3 is available to view at Recovery.Chattanooga.gov. An additional in-person applicant information session for technical assistance is scheduled for May 9 at 5 p.m. at the Edney Innovation Center.
The final date to submit applications is set for June 3 at 5 p.m. Notices of intent to award will be released in early July.
The ARP spending plan is contingent on City Council approval.
Source: Office of the mayor