NARCOG urges Decatur to pursue EDA disaster supplemental grants for infrastructure

Robbie Cantrell, executive director of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG), told the Decatur City Council at its Sept. 2 work session that the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s fiscal 2025 disaster supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity is a rolling grant program that could support critical infrastructure projects in declared disaster areas.

Cantrell said the EDA program makes about $1.45 billion available nationwide and that implementation grants for construction projects typically range from $2 million to $20 million. “This federal funding is available on a rolling basis or until all funds have been obligated,” Cantrell said.

The EDA’s fiscal 2025 disaster supplemental NOFO offers three funding pathways; Cantrell focused on the implementation path, which he said supports standalone construction and non‑construction projects that advance recovery and growth. He said proposed projects must align…