Rural Community Block Grants
The mission of the Rural Community Block Grant program is to provide funds to distressed rural areas for building public infrastructure in support of economic expansion and job creation. The Legislature has appropriated $2.2 million to implement the Governor’s Rural Task Force recommendations to create this program.
Eligible Applicants
Cities with a population generally less than ten thousand (10,000) or for projects that have a measurable rural benefit and the sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a large city.
Counties may apply for countywide projects that have a measurable rural benefit and the sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a large city.
Indian Tribes may apply if the project site is located on reservation land and within a community of less than 10,000 or the project has a measurable rural benefit and the sole beneficiary of the project cannot be a larger city.
The three eligible applicants may sub-grant Rural Community Block Grant funds to an eligible and Department of Commerce approved sub-recipient.
Eligible Activities
Activities considered eligible include extension of streets, water and sewer lines, and/or utilities to a site for a new business or industrial park; acquisition or construction of buildings for lease or purchase by a company; and provision of telecommunications, power, gas, and rail upgrades necessary for business expansions. City halls and schools are not eligible.
Grant Size - Grant limits are $50,000 to $500,000; $400,000 dollars is available annually for this grant program.
Local Match - Local match is required, but there is no set amount.
Evaluation Criteria - Applications will be evaluated on the impact to distressed areas. Other evaluation factors include the number and quality of jobs created by the project, long-term economic impact, community support, and project financing and readiness.
Additional Information - For additional information check the Idaho Department of Commerce Web site or contact Dennis Porter at (208) 334-2650 ext 2145.
RCBG Handbook