Federal Assistance
Through September 30, 2004, the federal agencies most frequently involved in assisting communities reported they had collectively provided about $1.9 billion in assistance in response to the previous rounds (1988, 1991, 1993, and 1995) of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Interagency coordination has also facilitated the civilian reuse of former military installations to benefit the public through Federal agency-sponsored public benefit conveyances. For more information, see Federal Sponsoring Agencies and Public Benefit Conveyances.
The following programs are available to assist communities with the alleviation of socioeconomic effects that may result from military base closures and realignments. Under Executive Order 12788, as amended, assistance for communities impacted by Defense program changes is coordinated across the Federal Government through the Economic Adjustment Committee (EAC). The Department of Defense's Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) staffs the EAC and its Director is the EAC's Executive Director. Communities are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the following resources, including accessing program information through the provided internet links. OEA staff is available at (703) 604-6020 to address any questions you may have concerning the EAC, federal assistance available to affected communities, or specific local needs that may exist.
Please note that while OEA attempts to provide current information, these programs and their availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact the appropriate agency for the most up-to-date information on current programs.
Community & Economic Development ResourcesThis section contains information and resources on community and economic development and physical centers that can be visited to aid individuals and businesses impacted by Defense program changes. The phone numbers and Web sites provide information on how to find these centers.
Military Base RedevelopmentThe Office of Economic AdjustmentU.S. Department of Defense To assist communities impacted by Defense program changes, the Office of Economic Adjustment manages and directs the Defense Economic Adjustment Program, and coordinates the involvement of other Federal Agencies. The program identifies and evaluates alternative courses of action and resource requirements, and assists in preparing an adjustment strategy or action plan to help communities help themselves. CFDA Information
Local Redevelopment AuthoritiesThe Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) statute states that the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) is responsible for preparing the redevelopment plan or for directing its implementation. The LRA also is the single community point of contact for all matters relating to the closure or realignment. See more information about and resources for LRAs. Responding to Change: Communities and BRACU.S. Department of Defense Responding to Change: Communities and BRAC is an electronic magazine (PDF format), that provides information on community adjustment activities related to both closing and expanding military installations. This publication gives practical, hands-on advice for local and State officials. Workforce Investment System Support of BRAC and Base Reuse Case StudiesU.S. Department of Labor Training and Employment Guidance Letter 02-05 (TEGL 02-05) provides guidance on appropriate and encouraged activities for several Government Agencies and delineates the responsibilities of Federal, State, and local entities in supporting the BRAC initiative. Numerous Departments at each level are encouraged to work with BRAC-impacted communities to implement a solutions-based approach for economic development. The TEGL also includes five short case studies of economic and workforce development responses to prior BRAC events and highlights tips for base reuse planning. It can be accessed at the site listed above. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) National Emergency GrantsU.S. Department of Labor National Emergency Grants (NEGs) are awarded to States and local Workforce Investment Boards in response to applications for funds. These funds are used to address major economic dislocations, such as plant or business closures, mass layoffs, or closures and realignments of military installations. See available guidance and information regarding NEGs. For BRAC 2005, the Department of Labor awarded $59.9 million in NEGs to help States, the District of Columbia, and Guam initiate early workforce planning assistance to communities potentially impacted by BRAC 2005. Information about these BRAC NEGs is available through a Department of Labor press release and guidance documents. CFDA InformationEducational ConveyanceU.S. Department of Education The Secretary of Education has the legislative authority to sell and convey Federal real property to States, their political subdivisions, colleges, universities, public and private non-profit school systems, and other education organizations. As described at the site above, this “educational conveyance” is for public benefit and allows discounts up to 100 percent off the current fair market value of the available property. See additional information. Impact Aid ProgramU.S. Department of Education The mission of the Impact Aid Program is to provide funding to local educational agencies that are financially burdened by Federal activities and to provide technical assistance and support services to staff and other interested parties. See additional information about the program. CFDA InformationMilitary Airport ProgramU.S. Department of Transportation The Military Airport Program (MAP) places special emphasis on developing appropriate former military (closed under BRAC) and existing joint-use military airports. It allows funding of certain capital improvements that are not allowed under the main Airport Improvement Program (see below), such as surface parking lots, fuel farms, hangars, terminals, utility systems, access roads, and cargo buildings. See additional information on MAP. Airport Improvement ProgramU.S. Department of Transportation The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides grants to public agencies for planning and developing public use airports that are in the National Plan for Integrated Airports System (NPIAS). See a description of and guidelines pertaining to the AIP. CFDA InformationNew Market Tax CreditsU.S. Department of the Treasury New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) attract private-sector capital investment into urban and rural low income areas to help finance community development projects, stimulate economic growth and create jobs. They permit individual and corporate taxpayers to receive a credit against Federal income taxes for making qualified equity investments in specific community development entities. See more information on NMTC. Technical Assistance GrantsU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Community groups near BRAC installations that are on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Priorities List (NPL), or proposed to be listed, may be eligible for Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs). A qualified community group may receive an initial grant up to $50,000 for hiring independent technical advisors to help the community understand and interpret technical information about the investigation and cleanup of hazardous waste on the BRAC NPL site. See more information about EPA's TAG program. CFDA InformationTurning Bases into Great Places: New Life for Closed Military CommunitiesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency This new guidebook showcases environmentally-friendly redevelopment models that local reuse authorities and community members may want to consider throughout the base reuse planning and redevelopment process. The messages contained in the guidebook will help a community facing base closure develop a reuse plan that creates vibrant neighborhoods, brings amenities to residents and the surrounding neighborhoods, provides a balanced mix of jobs and housing, and capitalizes on historic, cultural, and natural assets. The practices described in the guidebook reflect smart growth principles, and the case studies/examples provided illustrate where some of these principles have been applied. See further details. Guidebook on Military Base Reuse and Homeless AssistanceU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development This guidebook, updated in 2006, is a very important source of information for Local Redevelopment Authorities (LRAs) charged with transitioning closed military bases from military to civilian use. The LRA is required to submit a BRAC application, consisting of a redevelopment plan, a homeless assistance submission, and the summary of public comments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Military Department. This guidebook outlines statutory and regulatory requirements, provides a detailed discussion of HUD’s review process, and contains case studies of model base reuse plans. The guidebook is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/homeless/programs/brac/guide/index.cfm. Community DevelopmentAn Environmental ScanU.S. Department of Labor “An Environmental Scan” is the workforce information source to assist employment, economic development, education, workforce investment planning, and decision making. It provides a useful compendium of sources of labor market information, workforce information, and Web-based systems that provide improved access to this kind of information. An Environmental Scan can be accessed at www.doleta.gov/programs/pdf/environmental-scan-report-final.pdf. Conducting a Community AuditU.S. Department of Labor This website offers Workforce Investment Boards a “how to” approach to conducting a strategic economic analysis of a local/regional labor market, including building a stakeholder partnership. Although the guide was not developed for BRAC events, much of the information and many of the approaches are relevant. The guide includes how to find data, how to analyze both the supply and demand sides of a labor market, and how to conduct sector and cluster analysis. Community Service Block GrantU.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/index.html provides information about the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program. CSBG provides States, U.S. territories, and recognized Indian Tribes with funds for services to ameliorate the causes and conditions of poverty. Eligible activities include: municipal infrastructure projects; acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities; clearance and demolition; housing rehabilitation; public service activities such as employment, crime prevention, childcare, health, and education; and economic development. CFDA InformationCommunity Development Finance Institutions ProgramU.S. Department of the Treasury CDFI Fund - U.S. Treasury provides an overview of the Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI) program. This program provides financial assistance to certified CDFIs that demonstrate the ability to leverage non-Federal dollars to support comprehensive business plans that impact underserved markets. The CDFI program also helps existing and emerging CDFIs build their capacity to serve their communities. CFDA InformationRegional Public Liaison (Regional Ombudsman)U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The Regional Public Liaison (RPL) serves an ombudsman function for Superfund cleanups. This website provides additional information about the ombudsman function and contact information for the RPLs. The RPL is responsible for resolving concerns and for providing guidance to regional personnel and to stakeholders, including the community. Communities with concerns about Superfund BRAC site cleanup activities may contact the established RPL if they feel their concerns are not adequately addressed through normal channels. Technical Outreach Services for CommunitiesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency This site provides information about the Technical Outreach Services for Communities (TOSC) program. The TOSC program helps citizens better understand hazardous contamination issues in or near their communities. This is accomplished by providing free, independent, non-advocate, technical assistance about contaminated sites. Smart Growth Technical Assistance OpportunitiesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency Communities interested in employing smart growth practices and policies throughout base reuse planning/redevelopment, or for growth planning of their BRAC installations, may be eligible for various technical assistance opportunities offered through EPA's Development, Community and Environment Division. Specific opportunities for smart growth assistance vary from year to year. Reference this site for programs currently available. Community Development Block Grants (Entitlement)U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Begun in 1974, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is one of the oldest programs in HUD. This program provides Federal funds to help entitled metropolitan cities and urban counties meet their housing and community development needs. The CDBG program supports neighborhood revitalization; economic development; and improved community facilities and services, such as water, sewer, streets, and neighborhood centers. No less than 70 percent of the funding must be used to assist low and moderate income persons. The program provides annual grants on a formula basis based on population size (hence the term “entitlement communities”) to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities. This site provides additional information about the CDBG program. CFDA InformationCommunity Development Block Grants (Non-Entitlement) for States and Small CitiesU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development This program provides Federal funds to help States and units of local governments not in entitled areas meet their housing and community development needs, primarily for low to moderate income persons. These funds are first provided to States, which in turn make them available to smaller communities. This program supports a wide range of community activities directed towards neighborhood revitalization; economic development; and improved community facilities and services, such as water, sewer, streets, and neighborhood centers. Funds may also be used to meet other community needs that present a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community. No less than 70 percent of the funding must be used to assist low and moderate income persons. This site provides additional information about the State Administered CDBG program. CFDA InformationCommunity Development Block Grants (Section 108 Loan Guarantee)U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 108 is the loan guarantee provision of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Section 108 provides communities with a source of financing for economic development, housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and large-scale physical development projects. This makes it one of the most potent and important public investment tools that HUD offers to local governments. It allows them to transform a small portion of their CDBG funds into Federally guaranteed loans large enough to pursue physical and economic revitalization projects that can renew entire neighborhoods. Such public investment is often needed to inspire private economic activity, providing the initial resources or simply the confidence that private firms and individuals may need to invest in distressed areas. Section 108 loans are not risk-free, however; local governments borrowing funds guaranteed by Section 108 must pledge their current and future CDBG allocations to cover the loan amount as security for the loan. This site provides additional information about the CDBG Section 108 Loan Guarantee program. CFDA InformationRural Housing and Economic DevelopmentU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development This program provides for capacity building at the State and local level for rural housing and economic development and to support innovative housing and economic development activities in rural areas. Eligible applicants are local rural non-profits, community development corporations, Federally recognized Indian Tribes, State housing finance agencies, and State community and/or economic development agencies. To learn more about the Rural Housing and Economic Development program, please visit this site. CFDA Information
Federal Lands to ParksU.S. Department of the Interior The Federal Lands to Parks Program helps State and local governments acquire surplus Federal real property for Public Park and recreation use. The National Park Service reviews and approves the community's application and conveys the deed. Properties are transferred at up to no cost for Public Park and recreation use in perpetuity. Properties may be used for active recreation such as athletic fields and community centers or for passive recreation such as hiking, bird watching, outdoor education, and access to scenic or waterfront areas. CFDA InformationHistoric Surplus Property ProgramU.S. Department of the Interior The Historic Surplus Property Program allows State, county, and local governments to obtain pre-selected, surplus Federal properties at no cost if the property is listed in, or eligible for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places. Historic properties transferred under this program may be used for public facilities, such as museums and government offices; properties can also be leased to not-for-profit organizations and to developers who may be eligible to take advantage of Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives. CFDA InformationFederal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives ProgramU.S. Department of the Interior The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector rehabilitation of historic buildings and is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective community revitalization programs. It generates jobs and creates low and moderate income housing in historic buildings. CFDA InformationNative American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act GrantsU.S. Department of the Interior Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) grants are awarded to Indian Tribes, Native Alaskan villages and corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and museums for financial assistance in carrying out projects associated with returning certain Native American cultural items to lineal descendants, culturally affiliated Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. CFDA InformationSave America’s TreasuresU.S. Department of the Interior Federal Save America's Treasures (SAT) grants fund organizations and agencies that conserve significant cultural treasures. These grants are reserved for those treasures that illustrate, interpret, and are associated with the great events, ideas, and individuals that contributed to the United States’ history and culture. CFDA InformationMaritimeU.S. Department of the Interior The Maritime Heritage Grants Program is a national, competitive matching grants program that provides funds for maritime heritage education and preservation projects. It is designed to reach broad audiences and enhance public awareness and appreciation for the maritime heritage of the United States. AmeriCorpsNonprofit Organization This site offers information on a network of national programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. For BRAC-impacted communities, AmeriCorps could offer a source of volunteer support. To learn more about AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.org or call the toll free number 1-800-942-2677 or 1-800-833-3722 (TTY). Small Business DevelopmentSmall Business Development CentersU.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program and provides management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses through a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations. CFDA InformationSmall Business Training NetworkU.S. Small Business Administration The Small Business Training Network, sponsored by the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, is a virtual campus housing free training courses, workshops, and knowledge resources. This network is designed to assist entrepreneurs and other students of enterprise. The above Web site provides a direct link to the network. Office of Business and Community InitiativesU.S. Small Business Administration The Office of Business and Community Initiatives co-sponsors private sector partners who provide small business owners with information, education, and training that is cost-effective, high quality, and reflective of trends in small business development. Small Businesses: Workforce Consortia Provide Needed ServicesU.S. General Accounting Office This site provides lessons from the practices of four workforce development consortia serving the needs of small businesses. Economic Development ResourcesEconomic Development AdministrationU.S. Department of Commerce The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Web site provides information on grants for infrastructure development, local capacity building, and business development. EDA helps economically distressed communities alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment. Economic Development ProgramsU.S. Department of Commerce Communities economically impacted by major base closures or realignments may be eligible for funding under the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Planning, Technical Assistance, and Public Works programs. These grants provide substantial funds for a range of services including: infrastructure development, technology initiatives, revolving loan funds, and other economic development strategies. CFDA Information
USDA Service Centers /Rural Development CentersU.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Centers achieve their mission by helping rural individuals, communities, and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs by offering grants, loans, and loan guarantees. USDA Rural Development‘s main programs are as follows: Single Family Housing Programs, Multi-Family Housing Programs, Community Facility Programs, Water and Waste Programs, Utility Programs, and Business Programs. Rural Development has 47 State offices, 467 local offices, and 198 area offices. Contact information can be found at the Web site above. CFDA Information
Skills Partnership Self-Assessment ToolU.S. Department of Labor Skills Partnership Self-Assessment Rating Sheet helps practitioners examine their local and regional area’s current capacity and ability to establish and operate regional skills partnerships, sector-based initiatives, and related activities that contribute to a demand-driven workforce system. The evaluation factors were originally identified in the course of Public Policy Associates, Inc.’s national evaluation of 50 U.S. Department of Labor demonstration projects that focused on skills shortages. This worksheet may be helpful to local communities working to develop strategic partnerships to address a BRAC event. Local Service CentersOne-Stop Career CentersU.S. Department of Labor One-Stop Career Centers are resources for job seekers and employers. They offer a wide array of employment, training, and education services. There are approximately 3,400 One-Stop Career Centers located throughout the United States. Center contact information can be found at the Web site or by calling the toll free phone number 1-877-US2-JOBS (TTY: 1-877-899-5627). Family Support/Service CentersU.S. Department of Defense Family Support/Service Centers are a comprehensive support network designed to enhance the lives of soldiers (active, Reserve, and Guard), their families, civilian employees, military retirees, and other eligible participants. These centers, which are located all over the world and in different branches of the military, vary in the kind of services offered. USDA Service Centers /Rural Development CentersU.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Centers help businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs. Centers are located in almost every state. Rural Development has 47 State offices, 467 local offices, and 198 area offices. Center contact information can be found at the Web site above. Small Business Development CentersU. S. Small Business Administration Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide individuals and small businesses with a wide variety of information and services, including counseling, training, and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. SBDCs target their efforts to veterans, among other groups. Lead SBDCs are in every State, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands — with a network of more than 1,100 service locations. Center contact information can be found at the Web site or by calling the toll free phone number 1-800-8-ASK-SBA or 1-202-205-7333 (TTY). CFDA InformationVocational Rehabilitation State OfficesU.S. Department of Education and State Agencies State vocational rehabilitation offices provide a wealth of resources related to employment options for people with disabilities and generally provide services at a network of locations throughout each State. Veteran Affairs FacilitiesVeterans Administration Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) facilities assist veterans with preparing for, finding, and keeping suitable employment. There are 1,155 VA facilities in the United States. More information about vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled veterans is available at the Web site or by calling the toll-free telephone number 1-800-827-1000. Social SecuritySocial Security Administration The Social Security Administration provides a wealth of information about Social Security benefits, a monthly income support that may be available to individuals upon retirement. Service centers are located in every State. Local office addresses and contact information can be found at this Web site. Minority Business Development AgencyU.S. Department of Commerce The Minority Business Development Agency funds Business Development Centers around the country to assist with starting-up, expanding, and developing minority-owned firms and providing individualized management and technical assistance to minority entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Centers are located in the Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and San Francisco regional areas, totaling about 39 centers. Addresses and contact information can be found at the Web site or by calling 202-482-6022. Community Health CentersU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Centers offer access to comprehensive primary and preventative health care and focus primarily on low income and underserved individuals. Community centers are located in every State. Contact information for health centers in local areas and related general information can be found at the Web site above. |