The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced on April 24 that it is offering funding to address the economic challenges faced by communities that are affected by natural disasters like Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, wildfires, and floods that took place in 2021 and 2022.

A release by the EDA said that the funding will help communities create long-term economic recovery strategies with construction and non-construction projects alike. The EDA has reportedly been supporting locally-led recovery and resiliency efforts that are made possible through the Disaster Supplemental Funding program since the early 1990s. A total of $3 billion in supplemental appropriations to the EDA was approved by Congress, which will go toward long-term economic recovery and resiliency efforts following disasters.

“Disaster recovery is a critical part of EDA’s mission to ensure all communities have the support they need to grow the strongest and most resilient economy possible and put their people back to work,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo. “We are grateful to Congress for this disaster relief supplemental funding. The President’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda underscores that no community be left behind, and this funding will help us ensure those hit hardest by disasters get the help they need.”

According to the release, the DY23 EDA Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity was published on grants.gov as well as eda.gov. Applications are accepted continuously on a rolling basis, and there is no deadline. Awards will be made in August 2023, according to the EDA. The focus is to have a strong demand for the program and encourage those who apply to work with the Economic Development Representatives to make the proposal.

Those eligible include Tribal nations, nonprofits, colleges and universities, EDD district organizations, and municipalities that are engaged in economic or infrastructure activities.