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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for Federal Funding

A man is excited to have received a gift card

Safely Using Incentives in Public Engagement Activities

February 8, 2023  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Gift of Public Funds ,  Inclusive Communities ,  Federal Funding

Can gift cards be given as an incentive for completing a local government survey? Can stipends be provided to volunteers participating in local government projects or advisory boards? With proper procedures in place, incentives can be a way to boost community participation.

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Funding for Broadband Expansion

Funding for Broadband Expansion

December 21, 2022  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Telecommunications ,  Federal Funding

Is your local government looking to expand broadband access to un- or underserved communities? Fortunately, there are existing state and federal grant programs to tap for help as well as exciting new federal funding opportunities.

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Local Governments Prepare for Broadband Expansion

Local Governments Prepare for Broadband Expansion

December 19, 2022  by  Leah LaCivita
Category:  Telecommunications ,  Federal Funding

With potential new sources of funding to support the expansion of reliable broadband services, local governments across Washington are busy building partnerships, identifying un- and underserved areas, and planning equitable deployment strategies to reach all communities.

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Historic Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Open to Local Governments

Historic Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Open to Local Governments

February 14, 2022  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  Public Works Finance ,  Federal Funding

Building a Better America invests $400 billion over five years to support major transportation and infrastructure projects nationwide. Local governments are eligible for funding, including for several competitive grant programs, and should begin the planning process now. 

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Treasury Releases Final Rule on American Rescue Plan Fiscal Recovery Funds

Treasury Releases Final Rule on American Rescue Plan Fiscal Recovery Funds

January 24, 2022  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

Local governments seeking guidance on how to use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) now have an answer in the recently released Final Rule from the ​U.S. Department of Treasury.

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Treasury Issues Guidance for Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

Treasury Issues Guidance for Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

May 13, 2021  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

This blog post reviews the May 2021 interim guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding how Local Fiscal Recovery Funds may be spent under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), including allowed uses, replacing lost revenues, and reporting requirements.

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American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments

American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments

March 17, 2021  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

The American Rescue Plan Act ("ARP" or "ARPA") provides significant new funds for local governments, as well as an optional expansion of FFCRA leave. While we don't yet know all the logistics, this blog post provides a preliminary overview.

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New Federal Funding for Rent and Utility Assistance

New Federal Funding for Rent and Utility Assistance

March 1, 2021  by  Eric Lowell
Category:  COVID-19 ,  Federal Funding

This blog provides an overview of new funding available through the Coronavirus Response Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) to help with rent and utility assistance for any households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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