Nevada Office of Federal Assistance: grant-readiness and IIJA timing critical for rail projects
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Summary
Akia Sanders, director of Nevada’s Office of Federal Assistance, urged early interagency coordination, grant-readiness and strengthened match strategies — noting the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) final phase runs through Sept. 30, 2026 and that the state's $1 million rolling match program is undersized for large projects.
Akia Sanders, director of the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance, told the working group the state offers a suite of grant-discovery tools, intergovernmental review and technical assistance intended to make projects more competitive for discretionary federal funding.
Sanders described three tools: a federal grant-finder, Nevada ePRO for state opportunities, and a public Airtable that tracks private and foundation funding. She said the office now participates in intergovernmental review as the state single point of contact and provides compliance and grant‑readiness assistance, including help with SAMS.gov and financial systems.
On funding, Sanders said Nevada’s statutory grant-match program is $1 million per year on a rolling basis and that staff can serve as pass-through for smaller agencies, but the program is underfunded relative to the match needs of large rail or high‑capacity transit projects. She encouraged early engagement with her office, alignment with state and regional plans, and clear match strategies to improve competitiveness for FRA and FTA discretionary programs.
Sanders emphasized timing: IIJA-era discretionary funds must be obligated soon (she cited IIJA’s final phase through Sept. 30, 2026), so project readiness and clear nonfederal match are critical to win awards.
Committee members asked about advance notice of funding opportunities; Sanders said her office monitors federal partners, distributes newsletters and can provide direct notifications and hands-on support to applicants who engage early.
