Dept of Commerce $ for "Job Creation"

Another goodie from the new Sage Idaho newsletter - do we have a Dept of Commerce contact engaged with WIRED? It's only for towns under 10,000 people.

GRANT FUNDS FOR JOB CREATION (again, courtesy of Sage Idaho)
The Idaho Department of Commerce has a grant program specifically funded to help small rural communities of 10,000 or less attract living wage jobs and thus sustain the viability of their community. This money comes through Idaho’s Rural Community Block Grant program to build public infrastructure that supports economic expansion and job creation. Even if your community is not incorporated, your home county could apply on your behalf. Contact the Idaho Department of Commerce for more information.

Eligible Applicants - Cities under 10,000 in population are eligible. Cities contiguous to large cities are not eligible to apply. Counties may apply for countywide projects or on behalf of unincorporated communities. Counties cannot apply for projects that benefit cities over 10,000 in population. Special purpose districts are not eligible, although they may be involved in the execution of a project by mutual agreement. An Indian tribe may be considered as an applicant or may be a partner in a project by mutual agreement.

Eligible Activities - Activities considered eligible include: extension of streets, water and sewer lines, and/or utilities to a site for a new business or industrial park; acquisition or construction of buildings for lease or purchase by a company; and provision of telecommunications, power, gas, and rail upgrades necessary for business expansions. These funds may also be used as match for other federal programs such as the Idaho Community Development Block Grant Program as well as grants or loans from the Economic Development Administration and USDA-Rural Development. City halls and schools are not eligible.

Grant Size - Grant limits are $50,000 to $500,000. A total of $2.2 million is available annually for this grant program.

Local Match - Local match is required, but there is no set amount.

Evaluation Criteria - Applications will be evaluated on the impact to distressed areas. Other evaluation factors include the number and quality of jobs created by the project, long-term economic impact, community support, and project financing and readiness. Distress factors include high unemployment, low per capita income and sudden distress such as a mill closure.