I hope you are having a safe and fun summer! It is an honor to serve as your representative in Congress.   

I have worked with my colleagues in Congress and the Biden Administration to invest directly in the future of our country. Through key legislative victories, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan Act, we have placed our country on a path to strengthen our infrastructure, invest in domestic manufacturing, and tackle the threat of climate change. These bills created over 50 new federal grant programs aimed at improving energy efficiency and climate resiliency. You can find a complete listing of federal grant opportunities at www.grants.gov.  

I also worked with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to secure new clean energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act. A summary of the tax law changes, including “elective pay” and “transferability” which allow tax exempt organizations and government entities to take advantage of these credits can be found here. More information about energy and cost-efficient upgrades to your home, property, or business can be found at the Department of Energy’s Energy Savings Hub. 

• The Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program is available for nonprofit organizations looking to install energy saving materials within their offices. Applications are due on August 3rd and additional information can be found here.  
• The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, sponsored by the Department of Commerce, supports funding for municipalities aiming to boost youth employment rates in their region. Applications are due on October 5th and additional information can be found here. 
• The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program is available to school districts and transportation contractors interested in replacing their current fleet of busses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) vehicles. Applications are due on August 22nd and additional information can be found here. 
• The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program may be of interest for rural farmers and small businesses who are looking to make energy efficient improvements to their business; whether that be for the infrastructure they own or the tools and systems they use. Applications are due September 30th and additional information can be found here. 

In the News 

• The City of Hartford was awarded a $19 million RAISE Grant from the Department of Transportation to complete its Main Street North Streetscape Improvements Project, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Along with helping to reconnect the Northeast neighborhood to Downtown Hartford, this funding will play a significant role in improving pedestrian safety, increasing access to public transit, and relieving congestion. To find out more, check out the link here. 
• The Connecticut Fire Academy will be seeing major upgrades to its training equipment and program, as the organization received a $335,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA. The Fire Academy plays a major role in training our state’s brave first responders, and this additional funding is crucial to improving the safety of both our firemen and women, along with the residents of our communities across the district. This grant adds to the over $3 million that I helped secure for First District Fire Departments over the last two years. 
• Over two years ago, my colleagues and I fought to pass the American Rescue Plan, and now, seniors will reap the rewards of this monumental legislation. The Department of Aging and Disability Services, with support from the entire Congressional Delegation, is dedicating $10 million to help municipalities upgrade their local senior centers and offer new services to residents. Details about this funding opportunity and instructions on how to apply can be found here.  
   

More information about the grants process can be found at my website: https://larson.house.gov/services/apply-federal-grant. Should you have any questions, please contact my District Office at 860-278-8888.

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress