DFA to host public hearing for grid enhancement grant funding

• Posted Date: 05/09/2023
• Office: All DFA
• News:

  View Slide Presentation from Public Hearing

  View Video of the Public Hearing

  Notice of Public Hearing

  The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will hold a public hearing on May 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM via videoconference.

  The videoconference may be accessed at the following link: https://arkansas-gov.zoom.us/j/87043376263. Although registration is not required, those that plan to attend are encouraged to email confirmation to  infrastructure@dfa.arkansas.gov.

  This public hearing is regarding the State of Arkansas’ application for formula funds through the Grid Enhancement Grant Program through funding provided by Section 40101(d) of the infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid Formula Grant Program. The Department of Energy (DOE) will provide $2.5 billion in formula grants through the Grid Enhancement Grant Program to states and tribes. Arkansas is expected to receive $5.16 million for FY2022 and $5.14 million for FY2023.  Funding for the FY2024-FY2026 are anticipated but funding levels have not been announced by DOE.  This program seeks to strengthen and modernize America’s power grid against wildfires, extreme weather, and other natural disasters. Funding will be provided to carry out activities supplemental to existing hardening efforts and reduce the risk of power lines causing a wildfire; or reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events.

  DFA is managing the Grid Enhancement Grant application process and once the formula funds are received, subgrantees will be able to apply for funds through DFA.  DFA will utilize an inter-departmental advisory committee to provide support.  DFA has established objectives and metrics for this program.  These will be utilized by DFA, with support of the advisory committee, to evaluate eligible projects.  These objectives and metrics incorporated into the draft program narrative are based on DOE guidance and applicable requirements of the program to provide subawards which maximize benefits to Arkansas residents. Feedback from the public on the program and the draft program narrative available on the DFA website (https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/Arkansas_DFA_ProgramNarrativeFINAL.pdf) during the open comment period will help DFA align the objectives of this program to best serve Arkansas residents.

  Written comments concerning DFAs use of the Grid Enhancement funds may be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, 1509 W 7th Street Little Rock, AR 72201, or by email to the State Infrastructure Coordinator at infrastructure@dfa.arkansas.gov. Public comments will be received until May 19, 2023 at 5:00 PM; any comments received after 5:00 PM May 19, 2023 will not be accepted.