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Oregon's Share
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Article Content
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| Introduction |
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has the potential to provide more than $3.9 billion in economic assistance to Oregon, in important areas such as health care, education, energy efficiency and infrastructure. The information below is intended to give readers an overview of the funding opportunities available in specific issue areas and helpful links to find more information.
In an effort to provide the most up-to-date information to readers, we've provided a comprehensive list of federal and state Web sites below.
For general information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
Recovery.gov
Federal Agency Recovery Page Listing
Grants.gov
White House Recovery Web Site
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| Health and Human Services |
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As more Oregonians are seeking assistance as a result of the recession, the federal recovery package is helping Oregon meet that growing demand in human services. The state is expecting over $1 billion in funding to help meet the human services need. Highlights of the health and human services funding opportunities include:
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$838 million for medical assistance for Oregonians through the Medicaid program.
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Increase in food stamp benefits of more than 13 percent.
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A 65 percent subsidy for COBRA premiums for unemployed workers up to nine months after job loss.
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$150 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program to purchase commodities for food banks to refill emptying shelves.
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$2 billion for the Child Care Development Block Grant to help low-income working families.
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$19 billion to accelerate adoption of Health Information Technology (HIT) systems.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Overview
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Recovery Web Site
U.S. Health Information Technology Web Site
Oregon Department of Human Services
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| Energy |
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The Recovery Act not only helps jumpstart our economy and creates or saves thousands of jobs in Oregon, it also puts a down payment on addressing the needs of our country so we can thrive in the future. In an effort to help create a new energy infrastructure for the nation, Oregon will be using the federal recovery dollars to make lasting impacts on our economy and our environment. Some examples of funding opportunities related to energy include:
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Oregon will be receiving $42 million for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on public facilities across the state.
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There is over $4 billion available nationally for competitive smart grid proposals which lay the foundation for lasting impacts on our energy infrastructure.
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Various competitive grant opportunities for electric vehicle opportunities, and renewable energy research.
U.S. Department of Energy Overview
U.S. Department of Energy Recovery Web Site
Oregon Department of Energy
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| Broadband |
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The Recovery Act authorizes $7.2 billion in funding to expand broadband access capabilities throughout the country, with special consideration for rural and other unserved and underserved areas. The funding will also help enhance broadband capacity at public computer centers and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. Applications for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) were due August 14, 2009 (August 20, 2009, for those "pending" as of the earlier date). The Governor's Office will have an opportunity to review and provide prioritization input on BTOP applications that progress to a "step two" review process. The state of Oregon, through its Public Utility Commission, will also be competing for nationally competitive broadband "mapping" grants though the State Broadband Data and Development Program. More information on all broadband programs are available at:
U.S. Department of Commerce Overview
U.S. Department of Commerce Recovery Web Site
Broadband USA
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| Bonding, Tax Incentives and Tax Credits |
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In addition to the funding programs addressed above, the Recovery Act provides for a number of other investment incentives, including:
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Investment tax credits for solar thermal, geothermal and small wind property
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Advanced energy investment credits
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Certain grants in lieu of credits
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Certain other expansions of business and personal tax credits
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Increase and expansion of bond limitation related to a number of programs, including energy conservation bonds, etc.
The recovery team continues to work with a variety of partners, including state agencies, the Office of the State Treasurer, the municipal bond professional community, and others to research and flesh out these additional opportunities. For more information on these programs, visit:
U.S. Department of Treasury Overview
U.S. Department of Treasury Recovery Web Site
Recovery Act Bond Information
Recovery Act Tax Credit Information
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| Tribal Information |
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The Recovery Act has appropriated billions of dollars for programs that, while not specific to tribes, are available to tribes on a competitive basis or pursuant to normal application procedures. Tribal funding opportunities are available across the issue areas described above and for more information about specific tribal opportunities, visit these sites:
Tribal Resources
Tribal News
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