After reviewing survey responses, the Iowa Energy Office is moving forward with energy efficiency as the focus for the EECBG program. It was the top interest area with 60% of respondents giving it a one or two ranking among six topic areas. Pending federal review of our submitted strategy, we anticipate a Community Fund of $1.2 million dollars to open in October 2023 on IowaGrants.gov. Federal requirements including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Build America Buy America, Justice40 Initiative, 2 CFR 200 and Davis-Bacon Act apply to awardees. More information will be released once federal approval of Iowa’s EECBG application is obtained, likely in September. 
 
Iowa EECBG Community Fund will competitively fund selected local government energy efficiency projects in cities and counties not eligible for Formula EECBG allocations. Energy efficiency projects could include building energy assessment and energy efficiency upgrades, replacement of stoplights and streetlights with high-efficiency bulbs, and more activities outlined in Blueprint 2A. Projects benefiting disadvantaged communities will be prioritized. There will be no required local cost share although cost share will be a consideration in application scoring. Award sizes are currently planned to be between $50,000 and $300,000. Local governments are encouraged to begin identifying and planning projects.  
 
Please reach out to Jeff Geerts or Abbie Christophersen at the Iowa Economic Development Authority for additional information.