Funding Database: Public Works and Economic Adjustment

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs

The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) programs to support the federal economic development agenda while providing funding for local and regional stakeholders seeking assistance following federally declared disasters. The PWEAA program is designed to facilitate the timely and effective delivery of federal funds to support long-term community economic recovery planning, redevelopment and resilience.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, higher education, public and private nonprofits, district planning organizations and federally recognized tribes.

Eligible Projects

EDA supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur economic growth and resiliency. All projects eligible for funding must be located within a recently designated, federally declared disaster zone. Projects should be based on an EDA-accepted Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), (See State and Local Plans for links to CEDS in NC) with the intent to foster economic growth and build resilience to withstand future disasters and the impacts of climate change. 

Funding focus is subject to change with each Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO). Examples of relevant projects include resilience planning, supply chain analysis, construction projects to increase the redundancy of water and sewer systems to meet industry needs, water and sewer system improvements, and pump replacements and line upgrades to provide more consistent flows to support current and future industry and business needs.

Funding Amount

Funding awards are determined based on project need and funding availability. Typical awards range from approximately $500,000 to $2 million.

Match Requirements

Generally, EDA grants require a 50% match.

Application Schedule

There is no set schedule for applications because this funding is administered only following federal disaster declarations. EDA accepts applications on a rolling basis. Find the current NOFOs on the EDA Funding Opportunities page.

Application Process

As of April 2023, applications are no longer accepted through grants.gov. Instead, applicants should apply through the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE). EDA provides an economic development representative who is available and willing to assist applicants in understanding and developing their application to EDA.

Application Assistance

Contact your economic development representative for assistance with the funding process. North Carolina’s representative is Hillary Sherman.

Funding Source

The US Department of Commerce provides this funding through congressional appropriations.