Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Program
Memorandum
The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for economic growth and success in the worldwide economy. Periodically, the EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA program.
The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) has a goal to establish a connected high-tech ecosystem with infrastructure. One of its major planned projects is to provide access to a fiber optic network throughout Ann Arbor’s downtown district.
The EDA has existing grant funds which could be applied for to establish a backbone route via the Washtenaw Avenue corridor connecting Ann Arbor’s Tech Park, downtown Ypsilanti, and the American Center for Mobility. The backbone would benefit businesses along the route and establish an infrastructure to connect and support the SmartZone as an innovation district.
The City of Ann Arbor, the City of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti Charter Township, Pittsfield Charter Township, and SPARK are being approached to be Co-applicants, with SPARK serving as the Lead Applicant and Grant Administrator. The grant application to the EDA under Funding Opportunity number PWEAA2020 will request grant funds of up to $3,000,000.00.
LDFA Board met on June 5, 2020, to review the grant application proposal. The Board has passed a resolution in support of a project connecting Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the American Center for Mobility by means of fiber-optic infrastructure, approved the submission of a grant application, and approved the use of up to $600,000.00 of its grants fund budget as a 20% match in support of the grant.
Staff
Prepared by: Matthew V. Horning, Interim CFO & Financial Services Area Administrator
Reviewed by: Betsy Blake, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for economic growth and success in the worldwide economy;
Whereas, The EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA program;
Whereas, The LDFA has a goal to establish a connected high-tech ecosystem with infrastructure;
Whereas, An integral part of this goal is the connection of the Ann Arbor downtown Tech Park with the City of Ypsilanti and the American Center for Mobility;
Whereas, The LDFA Board has passed a resolution in support of a project connecting the City of Ann Arbor, City of Ypsilanti and the American Center for Mobility with a fiber optic network, approved the submission of a grant application, and approved the use of up to $600,000.00 of its grants fund budget as a 20% match in support of the grant at its June 5, 2020 meeting;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone has authorized a match of $600,000 to construct the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Fiber and Conduit Network Backbone which will be used as a matching grant funds that are a cash match that is readily available and unencumbered;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor, the City of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti Charter Township, Pittsfield Charter Township, and SPARK will likely be Co-applicants with SPARK serving as the Lead Applicant and Grant Administrator; and
Whereas, The LDFA and Co-applicants desire to submit a grant application to the EDA under Funding Opportunity number PWEAA2020 requesting grant funds of up to $3,000,000.00;
RESOLVED, City Council supports the EDA Grant Application under Funding Opportunity number PWEAA2020 requesting grant funds of up to $3,000,000.00 on behalf of The City of Ann Arbor; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is the authorized representative on behalf of the EDA Grant, and is authorized to sign any and all documentation related to the application for the grant.