News

Great news for rural communities! The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a $20 million grant program to promote high-speed internet in rural areas (population less than 20,000).

KLJ Engineering (KLJ) is proud to announce that Denae Johnson recently earned her Certified Structured Professional Facilitator certification. Johnson is a government relations specialist with more than 15 years of experience focusing on project success and developing positive partnerships. She is a solid communicator with a deep commitment to public interest.

Everything you need to know about applying for a Kansas Back to Business Broadband Grant in five simple steps.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently introduced the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) in an effort to expand digital equity to underserved communities across the nation. The $20.4 billion fund is intended to extend broadband services to both household and business users over the next 10 years.

South Dakota Department of Transportation announces the availability of 2021 Transportation Alternatives (TA) funds. This program includes Safe Routes to School, Scenic Byways, and Recreational Trails projects and activities that were previously eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), encompassing a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, Safe Routes to Schools projects, community improvements such as historical preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity.

United States Congress has implemented multiple phases of a stimulus package to alleviate the economic burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Infrastructure funding is included in this package and must be used by the end of 2020. Currently, funding is available to cover state, federal, and Tribal government mass transit, airport, passenger rail, and municipal infrastructure as well as loans for states and municipalities.

The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs is soliciting proposals from Indian Tribes for grant funding to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies for deployment or expansion of high-speed internet (broadband) transmitted, variously, through digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite, and broadband over power lines (BPL).

The Department of Transportation has appropriated $1 billion to be awarded for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will have significant local or regional impact (formerly known as TIGER). Special consideration will be given to projects that emphasize improved access to reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for communities in rural areas, such as projects that improve infrastructure condition, address public health and safety, promote regional connectivity, or facilitate economic growth or competitiveness.

The Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of grants through the Buses and Bus Facilities Program. Grants may be utilized to assist in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting applications for Brownfield assessment grants and Brownfield cleanup grants.

The Federal Railroad Administration announces the availability of funding to assist in funding capital projects to repair, replace, or rehabilitate qualified railroad assets to reduce the state of good repair backlog and improve intercity passenger rail performance.

The Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) announces the availability of FMA funds to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Federal Railroad Administration announces the availability of funding to leverage private, state and local investments to support safety enhancements and general improvements to infrastructure for both intercity passenger and freight railroads.

Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation announces funding availability in the WaterSMART grant program. Funds may be utilized for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the production of hydropower, mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk for future water conflict, enable farmers to make additional on-farm improvements in the future, and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States.

The Delivering Local Assistance (DLA) Program was created in 2019 to support communities impacted by natural resource development. The program focuses funds toward needed investments in facilities and other community infrastructure priorities across Montana.