This page highlights Texas agencies and other entities that are planning stimulus-related projects and programs and does not purport to represent every dollar that will be allocated to the state of Texas. This page will be updated to reflect new projects and funding opportunities as information becomes available.
Transportation: $1.2 billion+
The Texas Department of Transportation expects to spend more than $2.6 billion in new transportation projects for the state. $1.2 billion of that money is from ARRA funding for 29 construction projects across the state.
Another $74 million will be spent for 22 transportation-related enhancement projects, again using primarily ARRA money. The state also has plans for aviation, mass transit and other infrastructure projects, although specific funding has not yet been allocated for them.
What this means for Texas employers: Construction contractors and other building companies can expect to see many opportunities for work in the coming months. Employers that supply the materials used in infrastructure construction and repair will also benefit, as will skilled and unskilled laborers, urban planning companies, surveyors and engineers, among others.
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Environmental Protection: Total amount of environmental funds not available.
The ARRA provides funding for a number of different environment projects in Texas, including those to clean up hazardous waste sites, protect air and water quality and ensure against natural disasters such as floods. The work will include the construction of new infrastructure, the remediation of polluted land and water, and the creation of “green” jobs.
The Texas Water Development Board oversees the construction of infrastructure to manage water and sewer projects in the state. The totals for each category of project are as follows:
- $180.9 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF)
- $160.7 million for the Drinking Water
Other environmental projects are implemented by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality:
- $TBD million for leaking underground storage tank reclamation and cleanup.
- $1.7 million for diesel emission reduction programs. This money has been allocated to Texas by formula. Another $210 million is available nationwide and will be allocated through a competitive grant process.
Additional funds for environmental work may be granted to Texas on a discretionary basis or will be spent directly by the federal agencies for Texas environmental projects.
What this means for Texas employers: There will likely be a number of opportunities for employers to subcontract for work on environmental projects, whether funding comes directly from the federal EPA or is filtered through Texas agencies. For example, there are opportunities for work on projects that crossover between the federal EPA and DOE, such as programs to weatherize homes and supply more energy-efficient appliances. There will be construction work, the need for engineers and surveyors, field technicians, environmental scientists and researchers. The scope of occupations that stand to benefit from the work is broad.
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Energy:
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) oversees two major energy programs using ARRA funds: the State Energy Program and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. These programs are designed to develop and support renewable energy programs, improve energy efficiency and reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses. Specifically, money allocated to Texas includes:
$218 million for the State Energy Program, which is designed to increase investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy for households. Activities that may be funded with this money include loan programs, grants, technical assistance, training, education, project implementation, support, field validation of commercially-available energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
$208 million for the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program for projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. This money will be allocated to counties, cities, tribal governments and the governor’s Energy Office. Additional money may be available on a discretionary basis.
$TBD for the Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program and the Energy Star Program to provide incentives to replace old appliances with energy efficient ENERGY STAR® Products.
The state’s weatherization program is administered out of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. $326 million in Recovery Act funds have been allocated to Texas for its weatherization program. The money will be provided to local agencies to fund home repairs to low-income families to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Employers who are interested in providing weatherization services should contact their local weatherization sub-recipient agency. Find a list of all such agencies.
Go to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office for more information about these programs. It is expected that funds will be available by July 1, 2009. All money must be designated to a specific project by September 30, 2010.
Additionally, several grant opportunities are already available throughout the U.S. Department of Energy (see Monster's Department of Energy page).
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Education: $6.2 billion
Preliminary numbers from the Texas Education Agency show the stimulus package will provide over $6.2 billion in additional funding for several existing operations and programs:
- $1.2 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies for low-income populations and special education programs
- $59 million for Educational Technology State Grants
- $945 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States
- $24 million for IDEA Part B Preschool Grants to States
Texas is also eligible to apply for up to $3.9 billion under the new State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. This money is designed to prevent reductions in critical education and other services. State governors must apply for these funds and allocate 81.8 percent of them for education and may direct the remainder, 18.8 percent, toward other government services, which can include education.
What this means for Texas employers: Educational employment opportunities include those for educators, educational consultants, computer programmers and other IT professionals, suppliers of education materials and equipment, construction workers, and others. Employers should review the state’s overview of educational programs to be funded with ARRA funds.
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Existing Projects (with links to bid information):
Texas has created several charts listing all available grant and contract opportunities, both state and Federal, for Arts, Business and Economic Development, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing, Natural Resources and Energy, Public Safety and Criminal Justice, Science and Research, Transportation and Work Force. The listed projects include competitive grants, formula grants and some loan programs. The site lists the project administrator, the nature of the project, the eligible entities, the type of funding and application deadlines.
Business and Economic Development
There are currently 20 projects listed. Projects include public works, neighborhood stabilization, community development, rural community development, and small business development.
Education
There are currently 21 projects listed. Projects include education technology, head start programs, Americorps, educating children with disabilities, and school lunch programs.
Health and Human Services
There are currently 21 projects listed. Projects include electronic health records and health information technology, health center services, equipment and IT, work force, immunizations, and research.
Housing
There are currently 11 projects listed. Projects include community development, public housing, homelessness prevention, lead hazard reduction and rental assistance.
Natural Resources and Energy
There are currently 30 projects listed. Projects include alternative fuel vehicles, advanced battery development, clean water projects, diesel emissions, Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, energy efficiency, energy research, floodplain research, fossil energy development, environmental clean-up, water reclamation, watershed operations and weatherization.
Public Safety and Criminal Justice
There are currently 11 projects listed. Projects include law enforcement training, COPS, disaster assistance, victim's compensation and violence against women.
Science and Research
There are currently five projects listed. Projects include space exploration, coastal and marine habitat education, and research.
Transportation
There are currently seven projects listed. Projects include highway, bridge, transit, rail and port projects.
Contract Opportunities
In addition to federal projects, there may be opportunities to contract with the State of Texas:
For more information, visit the Texas Recovery website.