USDOE CEDS IMPLEMENTATION GRANT

USDOE CEDS Implementation Grant

Introduction

The Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) has been awarded a $15 million grant to support the implementation of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in Baker and Union counties. This funding, through US Department of Energy, has the potential to enhance the region’s economic resilience and improve the lives of its residents.

The grant is part of the USDOE Transmission Siting & Economic Development Program which provides funds to state, local, or Tribal governmental entities for activities that promote economic development and mitigate impacts in communities that may be affected by the construction and operation of a covered transmission project, in this case the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line in Baker and Union counties.  

Background

NEOEDD was awarded the grant in 2024, but in January 2025 was notified that grant terms and conditions were subject to ‘definitization’. Funds were originally approved for NEOEDD to conduct a community engagement process and set up a subgrant program with a committee of community representatives making shared decisions on grant awards. Those grant-funded activities are no longer allowed. In June of 2026, NEOEDD received notice that the grant could go forward, but that a new method of selecting activities to receive funding would be required.

Under the new administration’s direction, NEOEDD has until December to identify proposed subawards for public and non-profit entities. In January 2027, NEOEDD will submit proposed subaward agreements to USDOE and political appointees will review them and have the final say on which are approved or denied.

Grant funding will be used to address key economic priorities identified in our CEDS: workforce development, housing, business development, and infrastructure.

Plan for Subgranting

NEOEDD plans to retain a portion of the grant funding to implement projects consistent with the CEDS and make subawards to governmental and nonprofit organizations.Preliminary information on potential projects will be collected through the form at the bottom of this page through September 27th.

Focus group meetings by CEDS focus areas were held via Zoom in September to share information and gather input from partners. Recordings of the meetings follow:

Proposed Funding Tiers

Construction or Acquisition

  • Workforce $300,000 – $2,500,000/project
  • Housing $1,000,000 -$5,000,000 million/project
  • Business Development $300,000 – $1,000,000/project
  • Infrastructure $1,000,000 -$5,000,000 million/project

Non-Construction (planning, feasibility, technical assistance, consultants, programs, etc.)

  • All Sectors – $100,000 – $750,000/project

Anticipated Timeline

  • October – NEOEDD invites potential subrecipients to submit Subrecipient Information Form and follow-up – review of subaward requirements, etc. with potential subrecipients
  • November – Refinement of potential subawards
  • December – NEOEDD board approval of proposed subawards
  • 2027 approval or rejection of proposed subawards by USDOE/political appointees
  • 2027 execution of approved subawards & start of subrecipient activities
  • September 30, 2031 deadline to complete all NEOEDD and subrecipient activities, including final reimbursements and reporting

Proposed Subrecipient Criteria & Requirements

  • Public and nonprofit entities
  • Formal approval by board, council or commission by end of October 2026. Board Approval Sample Language 9 24 2026
  • Non-federal cash match secured and available (6% of project costs)
  • NEPA completed. All projects will complete the NEPA Checklist and those qualifying for a categorical exclusion will complete the Categorical Exclusion Determination Form
  • Must be able to cash flow project costs until reimbursed
  • Activities must be completed no later than September 30, 2031 including final reimbursements and reporting
  • Single audit or program audit required if spending over $1,000,000 in federal funds in a single year (demonstrated successful completion of single or program audit prioritized)
  • Construction projects subject to Davis Bacon wage rates and Build America, Buy America Act
  • Comply with federal grants standard terms; demonstrated federal grant administration prioritized
  • Comply with 2 CFR 200
  • Comply with subaward terms, conditions and reporting requirements (not yet “definitized”); demonstrated successful subaward experience prioritized

Additional Information

NEOEDD conducted an information session on zoom on August 14. To watch the video recording, follow this link and use the passcode: #tFz38gR

You can view the slides for the informational session here: 8-10-26 NEOEDD USDOE Info Session Slides.

We’re developing an FAQ document which will be updated as we receive more information from USDOE. The current document was created August 31 2026. FAQs 8 31 2026

The opportunity to submit preliminary information expired at 11:59 p.m. on September 27, 2026.

Project Submission Form: Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties

Please use this form to submit projects for potential inclusion in the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Once projects are included, you can use the CEDS to demonstrate that your project has been listed in a regional plan. Projects should have a positive impact on economic or community development.

To be included in the CEDS, projects must have a public or non-profit sponsor. Private projects should not be submitted and will not be included in the CEDS.

You may submit multiple projects by returning to this page. The space for providing answers will expand. 

The NEOEDD board will consider new project additions at their quarterly meetings.