Local and county governments in the Centralina region have a timely opportunity to strengthen recovery and resilience after recent natural disasters. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has released its FY25 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), making $1.45 billion available nationwide for communities impacted by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and other disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024.
What This Grant Offers
The Disaster Supplemental Program goes beyond rebuilding what was lost; it’s about transforming economies for the future. Communities can pursue projects that address:
- Critical infrastructure upgrades, including water and sewer systems, transportation improvements and broadband expansion
- Workforce development, such as training centers, job readiness programs or specialized equipment for high-demand industries
- Business recovery and growth, through revolving loan funds or initiatives that attract private investment
- Pre-development planning and capacity building, from staffing roles like Disaster Recovery Coordinators to preparing environmental and engineering reports
EDA can fund up to 80% of project costs, with match requirements met through cash or in-kind contributions. Applicants can pursue one of three pathways:
- Readiness: planning and preparation activities
- Implementation: construction and direct recovery projects
- Industry Transformation: coordinated, large-scale projects that accelerate growth in key industries
Why It Matters for Centralina
Although the Centralina region experienced only residual impacts from the Helene disaster, those effects underscore the urgency of investing in resilient infrastructure, adaptive workforce systems and long-term economic recovery strategies. By leveraging this federal program, communities in our region can compete nationally for investments that align with regional recovery and growth priorities.
Eligible Locations
Project eligibility is tied to FEMA disaster declarations from 2023–2024. Centralina qualifies through the Helene disaster, opening the door for counties, municipalities and nonprofit partners to pursue this funding.
FEMA disaster declarations in 2023–2024 determine eligibility for the EDA Disaster Supplemental Grant. The Centralina region qualifies through the Helene disaster, giving our communities access to this unique funding opportunity.
Next Steps for Communities
This is a competitive, first-come funding opportunity with resources available until expended. Local leaders and organizations are encouraged to:
- Review the NOFO and determine project eligibility
- Identify projects that align with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
- Engage with Centralina’s Economic Development District for technical support and guidance during the application process
For more information and application resources, visit the EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program.
About the Grant
- $1.45 billion in funding is available nationwide
- Projects must be located in or primarily benefit a FEMA-declared disaster area
- The Centralina region qualifies due to the Helene disaster
- EDA can fund up to 80% of project costs
- Three flexible grant pathways, Readiness, Implementation and Industry Transformation, meet communities wherever they are in their recovery journey
