EDA Raises Grant Limits to 100% for Urgent Public Works Projects
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting November 19, 2025, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is updating its grant rules to match new laws passed in 2024. Now, EDA can offer bigger federal grants—up to 60% base funding, with chances to boost that even higher for special cases. This change helps communities get more money for public works and economic projects, making it easier to build and grow.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher Maximum Investment Rates for Distress Levels
For projects located in regions meeting specific distress metrics, EDA’s final rule sets maximum allowable federal investment rates as follows: 80% where the 24-month unemployment rate is at least 225% of the national average or per capita income is not more than 50% of national average; 70% where the 24-month unemployment rate is at least 200% or per capita income is not more than 60%; and 60% where the 24-month unemployment rate is at least one percentage point greater than the national average or per capita income is not more than 80%. The rule is effective November 19, 2025.
Discretionary Boosts: Up to 30% and 100%
From the 60% base federal grant rate, EDA may increase the federal share by up to an additional 30% based on relative needs, and in certain circumstances may provide up to 100% federal funding. The final rule reflects these statutory permissions and is effective November 19, 2025.
Base Federal Grant Rate Raised to 60%
If a project meets the Public Works and Economic Development Act eligibility requirements, EDA’s base federal grant rate was increased from 50% to 60%. This change takes effect November 19, 2025 and applies to grants governed by 13 CFR part 301.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11800 — Removing Regulations Related to Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms
The Economic Development Administration is officially removing old rules about Trade Adjustment Assistance for firms because the program ended and no new help is available after July 2022. This change takes effect on September 30, 2028, when all related grants will be closed for good. This cleanup keeps things clear and up-to-date without changing any current benefits or obligations.
2026-10131 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Requirements for Approved Construction and Non-Construction Investments
The Economic Development Administration is updating its paperwork rules for folks who get money to build or improve public projects. They’re bringing back and tweaking checklists to make sure projects run smoothly after approval. About 3,500 recipients, like cities and organizations, will spend around 2 hours each on these forms, helping keep projects on track without extra hassle.
2026-05229 — Streamlining the Requirements for Approved Projects for Public Works and Economic Development Investments
The Economic Development Administration is making its rules simpler for public works and economic development projects by cutting out confusing and unnecessary language. This change affects anyone applying for or managing these projects and takes effect on March 17, 2026, without changing any funding rights or responsibilities. It’s all about making the process smoother and easier to understand, with no extra costs or delays.
2026-09823 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Non-Infrastructure Metrics
The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is asking for public feedback on how it collects information about non-infrastructure projects. This helps make sure the data they gather is useful and not too much work for communities and businesses. Comments are open until July 14, 2026, so anyone affected should speak up before then!
2026-05953 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Regional Economic Development Data Collection Instrument
The Department of Commerce is asking 21 regional coalitions to keep sharing info every quarter about their progress in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. This helps track how their projects boost local economies and innovation. The data collection is extended with a small time commitment, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
2026-05228 — Removing Certain Redundant Language From Regulations Governing Planning Investments and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies
The Economic Development Administration is cleaning up its rules by removing repeated language about what expenses are allowed for planning projects. This change affects organizations involved in economic development planning but won’t change what costs they can cover or how much money they get. The new, simpler rule takes effect on March 17, 2026, making things clearer and easier to follow.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20295 — Ratification of Department Action
The Department of Homeland Security officially confirmed a key rule about asylum and fear reviews, making sure everything is on solid legal ground. This affects people seeking asylum by clarifying how their cases are handled, with the ratification dating back to the original rule's approval in 2020. No new costs or deadlines are introduced, just a confident thumbs-up on existing procedures.
Next: 2025-20326 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pacific Halibut Recreational Quota Entity Program Fee Collection; Correction
The National Marine Fisheries Service fixed a small but important mistake in their July 2025 rule about fees for the Pacific Halibut Recreational Quota Program. They added a missing definition for “Charter halibut permit holder” to make the rules clear and official. This correction kicks in on January 1, 2026, so folks involved in charter halibut fishing will see the updated rules soon.