In the Know! Nevada’s Broadband Activity

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At Least $100 Million Through Internet for All Programs Coming to Nevada

Nevada joined all 50 states, U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the Internet for All Initiative, which aims to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.

The Silver State will initially receive $100 million from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Once the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) completes its Broadband Data Collection project, the federal government will allocate the remaining $37.2 billion to each state based on the percentage of unserved rural areas.

BEAD receives funding from the $65 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act spending package (IIJA), together with the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, and the Digital Equity Act programs.

Some Middle Mile program funds will be available to local governments and the private sector. WNDD will continue to engage with the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) for updates on how WNDD member agencies can access these funds.

Internet for All Initiative

 

How the Nevada Speed Test’s Data Can Help Your Grant Proposal

While funds from the BEAD Program will rely on the FCC’s broadband access map, the data gathered through the Nevada Speed Test can be used to apply for other funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, municipal bonds or other programs.

There’s only one catch—we need more participants to take the test and improve the data about our community’s high-speed internet access.

Take the test at: NevadaSpeedTest.org! Every location on the map brings us closer to ensuring that every home and business in western Nevada has access to affordable, adequate, and reliable high-speed internet.

Encourage Members in Your Community to Take the Test Today!

Take the Nevada Speed Test Today!

 

WNDD: Here to Assist Your Community

• Write grant applications for state, federal and other funding.

• Assist grant administrators and internet service providers in verifying the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.

• Check if broadband deployments and related grant programs are meeting expectations.

• Identify areas of broadband need and produce design and cost estimates for projects covering fiber, fixed wireless and hybrid options.

• Contribute to more detailed broadband design studies by GEO Partners at the county and city level (future studies).

Is Your Community Stuck in the Middle?

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The Middle Mile Grant Program Providing $1 Billion in Funding

It’s no secret that reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the economic development and well-being of all residents in the WNDD region. Unfortunately, many communities are still unserved or underserved with broadband connectivity.

Enter the WNDD Nevada Speed Test. Launched in early November 2021, the Speed Test began gathering vital information from participating member communities. The map continues to be developed as each resident takes the Speed Test, and participants are encouraged to take the test more than once to refine data. Simply, the test assesses the region’s broadband needs and identifies possible projects for future funding.

Check Out Speed Test Results For Your Community

Middle Mile Program Funding

While most of the funding from the original National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) programs from the Infrastructure Bill (IUA), will pass through the State, the Middle Mile Program WILL be accessible to local governments, and private and non-profit sectors.

The Middle Mile Grant Program will provide up to $1 billion in funding for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure. The purpose of the grant program is to extend middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the internet backbone.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2022

Middle Mile Program

WNDD: Here to Assist Your Community

• Write grant applications for state, federal and other funding.

• Assist grant administrators and internet service providers in verifying the impact of their programs and intended targets in real time without relying on out-of-date historical maps.

• Check if broadband deployments and related grant programs are meeting expectations.

• Identify areas of broadband need and produce design and cost estimates for projects covering fiber, fixed wireless and hybrid options.

• Contribute to more detailed broadband design studies by GEO Partners at the county and city level (future studies).

Five for Friday: July 22, 2022

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Curated by the Western Nevada Development District

Welcome to Five for Friday, your source for upcoming funding opportunities, grants and webinars that can support economic development in Western Nevada.

We hope you find this edition helpful and informative as you work to make our region a great place to live and do business.

Grant Opportunities & More

Applications Due Soon! Bureau of Reclamation – WaterSMART Grants

This Notice of Financing Opportunity (NOFO) for Water and Energy Efficiency Grants provides for projects that result in verifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability advantages. These programs conserve and use water more efficiently, enhance renewable energy production, minimize conflict risk in places at high risk of future water conflict, and achieve other benefits that contribute to sustainability.

Application Deadline: July 28, 2022

Bureau of Reclamation

WaterSMART Grant


Upcoming Webinar: Training and Technical Assistance for Small, Rural, and Tribal Wastewater Improvements

Learn more about the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) $18 million investment to create a pipeline of technical assistance providers to support rural, small, and tribal governments. Leaders with the EPA Office of Wastewater Management will provide training to aid in the application process during this free webinar.

Webinar: July 27, 2022, Noon till 1 pm PT
Application Deadline: August 22, 2022

More Information

Webinar Registration


Don’t Miss Out! Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants

The EPA will fund $12 million to eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training programs that recruit, train, and retain a local, skilled workforce by prioritizing unemployed and underemployed residents to obtain the skills and credentials needed for pathways into full-time employment in the environmental field.

Application Deadline: August 2, 2022

Brownfields Job Training Grants


Webinar: Using Census Bureau Data for Grant Writing

Census Bureau data can provide key indicators and data points that are useful to include in a grant proposal. During the webinar, participants will learn how to successfully navigate census.gov to capture information needed to support grant writing. It will cover key Census Bureau products, data tools and applications that can create a demographic profile of a community.

Webinar: August 9, 2022, 11 am till Noon PT

Grant Writing Webinar Registration


Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $4 million in cooperative agreement funds to qualified organizations to support planning, technical assistance, and training for placemaking initiatives in rural communities. Under the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC), the money can be used by qualified organizations to promote the development of transportation, housing, and recreational facilities as well as plans for improving internet connection in rural areas.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2022

Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge


Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in grant research, writing and management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

 

In the Know: News About Our Regional Economy

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Seven Stories About Economic Development Impacting Our Region

Western Nevada is a vibrant and ever-growing community with new businesses and industries moving into the area. Here are seven stories about economic development impacting our region.

New Electronics Facility in Washoe County Expected To Generate $7.8 Million in Tax Revenue

VSE, LLC plans to open an 84,000-square-foot electronics research, design, and assembly center in Washoe County. VSE is an established electronic and mechanical design and engineering company serving small to multi-billion-dollar corporations in semiconductor, medical device, green-tech, and automotive innovation. It will receive more than $318,000 in tax abatements and must create 70 jobs in its first two years at $29.64 per hour. In five years, 140 jobs are predicted. The company will invest $2.2 million in its first two years and create $7.8 million in net new tax revenues over 10 years.

Read More

Panasonic – TMCC Partnering on Training Center

Truckee Meadows Community College will open a training center in Reno to help Panasonic Energy North America fill 400 $32-per-hour jobs. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development will contribute $1.6 million (GOED). More than $1 million in training equipment will equip the new PENA building in Reno, increasing access to training in advanced manufacturing, production systems, automation, and robotics for anyone seeking a living wage career track or upskilling for advancement.

Read More

Post Investing in Nevada Cereal Plant Upgrades

Post Holdings, Inc. will invest up to $110 million to expand its cereal production capacity at its facility in Sparks, Nevada. The expansion is expected to create approximately 30 to 40 new jobs.

Read More

Northern Nevada Getting $32 Million in Federal Funds

A variety of projects focused on law enforcement, wastewater treatment, airport improvements, highway infrastructure and economic revitalization will receive $32.25 million in funding from the federal government. The list includes $4.37 million for Fallon’s wastewater treatment plant, $4 million for the Coleman Road Connector in Churchill County, $3.59 million for Reno Tahoe airport terminal road improvements, $2 million for rural nursing expansion projects at Western Nevada College, $1.1 million for Appion Way intersection improvements in Carson City, and $1.38 million to upgrade Kahle Drive in Douglas County’s drainage, sewer, water lines, and sidewalks.

Read More

Unemployment Rate falls as Nevada Adds Jobs

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports the statewide unemployment rate is now 4.9% and employment is up 96,300 since May 2021. Reno area unemployment is 2.7% and the area has added some 800 jobs since April. Carson City isn’t far behind Reno at 3% jobless. Douglas County was at 3.1%, 673 in a labor pool of 21,441. Total employment in the state is now 1.45 million.

Read More

New Report Provides Economic Roadmap for Nevada and Its Regions

Brookings Mountain West and The Lincy Institute released a 131-page report offering an evaluation of Nevada’s economy over the past decade. It also suggests how policy and business leaders can rally around a new, focused agenda to address long-standing economic, educational, and social deficits and set the state up for a robust, sustainable recovery.

Read More

Reports Chart Good Month for Nevada Casinos, Tourism in May

The Nevada Gaming Control Board said that casinos statewide won $1.3 billion in May, the fourth-highest all-time and the 15th month in a row topping the $1 billion mark.

Read More

Catalyze Change and Take Action: Tahoe Economic Summit

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2022 Envision Tahoe

Save the Date: September 7, 2022

The annual Tahoe Economic Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of the regional economy while supporting community, quality of life and the environment.

The conference will explore economic diversification and recovery. Attendees will collaborate with area experts to build a resiliency strategy to benefit and support Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities.

Government leaders, local residents, business owners, young professionals, start-up companies, developers, investors, and entrepreneurs are all encouraged to attend.

When:
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
9:00 AM to 5:00 pm PT

Where:
Granlibakken Tahoe
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145

Get Your Tickets Today: Tahoe Economic Summit

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities and More! – July 8, 2022

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Collected by the Western Nevada Development District

Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this edition focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, infrastructure and broadband.

Grant Opportunities & More

Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs)

The QUEST DWG initiative supports employment equity and resilience as the nation prioritizes economic and employment recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful applicants will propose projects that include partnership development, community outreach, business engagement, and comprehensive career and training services, and that also may include disaster relief employment.

Application Deadline: August 4, 2022

QUEST DWG Grant

Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems

The OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant will fund improvements to U.S. public health systems infrastructure to help ensure they are ready to respond to emergencies and meet the evolving and complex needs of their communities. Supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act, this program will provide cross-cutting support to public health agencies for critical infrastructure needs related to workforce, foundational capabilities, and modernizing public health data systems.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2022

Public Health Infrastructure Grant

Leading Engineering for America’s Prosperity, Health, and Infrastructure – LEAP HI

The LEAP HI initiative encourages engineering researchers to improve America’s prosperity, health, and infrastructure. LEAP HI sponsors $1-$2 million collaborative research projects for five years. LEAP HI submissions must highlight a fundamental research challenge with significant social impact, especially on economic competitiveness, quality of life, public health, or vital infrastructure.

Letter of Intent Deadline: July 15, 2022
Proposal Deadline Window: August 15 thru September 15, 2022

LEAP HI Program

Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grants – Capital Projects

The purpose of the program is to strengthen the institutional base of the humanities by enabling infrastructure development and capacity building. Awards of federal matching funds aim to help institutions secure long-term support for their core activities and expand efforts to preserve and create access to outstanding humanities materials.

Optional Draft Deadline: August 17, 2022
Application Deadline: September 27, 2022

Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grants

Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program

With $1 billion in funding, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program will reduce the cost of bringing high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities. This program supports the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure to connect major networks to local networks and ensure reliable high-speed internet service for even the most remote communities.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2022

Middle Mile Broadband Program

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.

For more information about membership, visit WNDD.org

WNDD Board Approves Updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

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Updated CEDS Will Guide Efforts to Advance, Diversify and Strengthen the Regional Economy

The Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) board of directors approved the 2022 update to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), ensuring that the region has a roadmap to progress and prosperity.

“As we strive to enhance the economy of Western Nevada, this new report will serve as a guide,” said Naomi Duerr, WNDD President and City of Reno Council Member. “By adopting this comprehensive, results-driven approach, we will continue attracting and retaining residents and businesses, increasing employment opportunities, and investing in our communities.”

The CEDS is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages the region’s community leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders. Together, they work toward creating a long-term economic development strategy to welcome new businesses, industries, and workforce to the region and promote a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable economy.

“To achieve economic progress, it is necessary to work together,” said Christine Brandon, WNDD Executive Director. “This update will guide our activities at WNDD and our collaborative efforts with regional partners.”

The CEDS is updated annually and revisited, revised, and rewritten every five years. The 2020-2025 CEDs was recognized by CEDS Central and the National Association of Development Organizations as taking the document to the next level by incorporating resiliency planning. The 2022 update includes the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan (ERRP), created by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Action Teams formed to prioritize efforts and projects from the ERRP.

The 2022 CEDS update refreshes the data in the 2020-2025 report. It enables WNDD to continue as a designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA).

As a designated EDA Development District, and with the established CEDS regional plan, WNDD and its members are positioned to leverage competitiveness when applying for EDA grant programs and other federal funding. This regional planning document also gives the WNDD organizations an edge when applying for funding and grants from foundations and state agencies.

The CEDS update maintains the region’s Economic Development District designation, the associated planning funds, and regionwide eligibility for federal funding to accomplish projects identified within the plan.

“There must be an investment in our region to bring in capital and create jobs as our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brandon said. “Funding for Western Nevada’s economic development will directly affect many of the state’s most rural and distressed areas.”

CEDS Update 2022