EDA Announces $3M Short-Term Planning Assistance Grants for Coal-Impacted Communities

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced $3 million in planning assistance to communities impacted, or which may be impacted, by contractions in the coal economy.  The funds were made available in part due to the newly established Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative, a new interagency effort to assist communities negatively impacted by changes in the coal industry and power sector. The funds are intended to help communities develop strategies that diversify their economies; create jobs in new or existing industries; attract new sources of job-creating investment; and/or, provide a range of workforce services that result in industry-recognized credentials for high-quality, in-demand jobs.  Funding will be available until the $3 million is expended or September 30, 2015. The lead applicant may be a U.S. state, local government, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organization. Read the Federal Funding Announcement…