Q: I represent a county government. Can Texas Community Development Program (TCDP) CD Fund money be used for paving improvements?

A: This is a question we get quite often. Actually, the answer is yes and no. Paving improvement is an activity that is stautorily eligible under Title I of the Housing and Commumnity Development Act. The problem is not whether the activity is eligible, but whether it is fundable. Under the current competitive system used for TCDP, applicants requesting grants to address basic human needs such as water, sewer, and housing activities are generally scored higher than paving. One possible reason is that many water and sewer activities are requested by applicants to address regulatory mandates under threat of enforcement action. The State (ORCA) could consider a separate scoring system for county applicants, since counties do not ordinarily operate water and sewer systems. That fact notwithstanding, rural water systems have learned that counties can sponsor TCDP projects to help them, so it is likely such groups would oppose a separate scoring system for counties that would tilt in favor of paving projects....Gary Traylor.

Q: How can I submit a question?

A: Use the QUICK SEND FORM in the Contact Us section of our website. We'll try and post an answer quickly.

Q: What is the maximum grant award possible under the Texas Capital Fund Program?

A: The minimum and maximum award amount that may be requested/awarded for a project funded under TCF infrastructure or real estate development programs, regardless of whether the application is submitted by a single applicant or jointly by two or more eligible jurisdictions is addressed here. Award amounts are directly related to the number of jobs to be created/retained and the level of matching funds in a project. Projects that will result in a significantly increased level of jobs created/retained and a significant increase in the matching capital expenditures may be eligible for a higher award amount, commonly referred to as jumbo awards. TCF monies are not specifically reserved for projects that could receive the increased maximum award amount, however, total jumbo awards may not exceed $2,000,000 in total awards during the program year. Additionally, no more than $1,000,000 in jumbo awards will be approved in any one round. The maximum amount for a jumbo award is $1,000,000 and the minimum award amount is $750,100. The maximum amount for a regular award is $750,000 and the minimum award amount is $50,000. Award amounts from $750,100 to $1,000,000 are referred to as “jumbo” awards. These require a significantly higher job creation/retention commitment and capital investment/match. Only two jumbo awards are permitted each year and no more than one jumbo award may be made in either of the first two application rounds. For jumbo projects the cost per job can not be more than $10,000 per job, and match must be at least 4 to 1, rahter than 1 to 1 for regular award amounts.

Q: Are Grant Writer Fees reimburseable under the US Fire Administration Assistance For Firefighters Grant Program?

A: Grant Writer Fees: YES...fees for grant writers may be included as a pre-award or pre-application expenditure (as provided in section 152.7(b) of the Final Rule). But fees payable on a contingency basis are not an eligible expense that can be charged to the grant. For grant writers’ fees to be eligible as a pre-award expenditure, the fees must be specifically identified and listed in the application and the fees must have been paid prior to any contact with grants management staff or award, i.e., paid within 30 days of the end of the application period. Applicants may be required to provide documentation to support these pre-award expenditures. The hiring of a grant writer or use of any other third parties in the preparation of the application does not eliminate the applicant’s responsibilities for assuring that the information contained in the application is true and correct.