FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs

The Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs Notice of Funding Opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration. The agency is responsible for promoting economic growth and resilience in communities across the United States, particularly those experiencing economic distress. Through this funding opportunity, EDA provides grants and cooperative agreements to support a wide range of economic development activities, including infrastructure construction, workforce development, planning, and technical assistance. The program is rooted in the Public Works and Economic Development Act and is designed to empower communities to implement regionally driven strategies that stimulate long-term economic prosperity. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support locally driven projects that advance economic development priorities such as infrastructure modernization, workforce development, innovation, manufacturing, and economic resilience. EDA emphasizes a bottom-up approach, encouraging applicants to align proposed projects with regional strategies, including a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or an equivalent plan. Projects may include construction of public infrastructure, expansion of business incubators, workforce training initiatives, disaster recovery planning, or capitalization of revolving loan funds. Both construction and non-construction activities are eligible, provided they directly contribute to economic growth and job creation. Funding under this program varies significantly depending on project type. Public Works projects typically range from approximately 600000 to 5000000, while Economic Adjustment Assistance projects range from approximately 150000 to 2500000. Awards for specialized initiatives such as coal, nuclear, or biomass community assistance may vary further. The period of performance depends on the project scope, generally ranging from 12 to 24 months for non-construction projects and up to 48 months for construction projects. All projects are expected to be completed within five years. Cost sharing is required in most cases, with a baseline federal contribution of up to 60 percent, though higher rates may be allowed in economically distressed regions or special circumstances. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad but limited to organizational entities. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations working with local governments, economic development organizations, and public-private partnerships. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to receive funding directly. Applicants must also demonstrate that their project region meets economic distress criteria, such as high unemployment, low per capita income, or special economic disruption. Additionally, all projects must align with at least one of EDA’s investment priorities and be consistent with a regional economic development strategy. Applications are submitted electronically through the Economic Development Grants Experience system. Required components include federal forms such as SF-424 and ED-900, a budget narrative, matching fund documentation, and supporting materials depending on project type. Additional documentation may include environmental compliance information, organizational documentation, and proof of cost share commitments. EDA reviews applications on a rolling basis, conducting a competitiveness review followed by a more detailed investment review process that evaluates feasibility, economic impact, stakeholder support, and alignment with strategic priorities. There are no fixed deadlines for submission, as applications are accepted continuously until funds are exhausted or the notice is replaced. EDA reviews complete applications as they are received and communicates outcomes following internal review processes. Successful applicants receive a formal Notice of Award and must comply with federal administrative and reporting requirements. The program is ongoing and subject to updates, making it a recurring opportunity for eligible entities seeking federal support for economic development initiatives.

Align project with regional CEDS; demonstrate strong matching funds; emphasize job creation and private investment; show stakeholder engagement and readiness