Collins, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Make Federal Grant Process Easier for Small Local Governments

Washington, D.C.—Small local governments face difficulties when applying for, and managing, federal grants in comparison to larger ones.  To make it easier for local governments with fewer than 50,000 people to apply for, receive, and manage grants, U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined a group of 10 Senators in introducing the Simplifying Grants Act.

“Rural communities need federal funding to support projects that enhance the wellbeing of residents and improve the delivery of municipal services,” said Senator Collins.  “Too often, however, small towns are shut out of federal grants because they lack the resources to navigate onerous and byzantine agency rules. Our legislation would streamline the grant application process to help give smaller communities a level playing field to access federal investments.”

The Simplifying Grants Act would require that agencies simplify the often complex, time consuming, and expensive grant process for all current and future federal grant opportunities.

In addition to Senator Collins, the bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).