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FormB-52 <br /> 7l18/91 <br /> DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE <br /> REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> DEPARTMENT: Research and Development DATE: November 15, 2021 <br /> Sarah Freeman, Food Systems <br /> STAFF CONTACT: Specialist PHONE: 961-8582 <br /> A. REQUEST: <br /> This is a request to accept the$500,000.00 Phase 1 grant award from the FY 2021 Economic Development <br /> Administration {EDA}American Rescue Plan Act Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The Challenge is <br /> designed to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to recover economically from the coronavirus <br /> pandemic and to build up local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. These funds will <br /> be used to provide technical assistance to develop and support eight projects, by coalition, members to grow <br /> in a regional cluster. <br /> Request to waive the Finance Committee and the 5-day holdover period due to the short time period to <br /> distribute the funds to the coalition members to prepare for Phase 2 proposal. Request a bill for an <br /> ordinance to appropriate funds to an account. <br /> B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): <br /> Only a small fraction of locally grown agricultural products are sold in mainstream retailers in Hawaii. All of <br /> the projects detailed in the attached narrative are designed to provide the necessary certifications for <br /> training, facilities, value-added processing, and distribution to allow locally produced food to be sold at all <br /> retailers, grocers, and clubs across our island state. We believe these investments, interventions, and greatly <br /> expanded markets, will help accelerate workforce development, wage growth, overall economic growth, and <br /> industry innovations, while collectively scaling meaningful growth and opportunities for all stakeholders. <br /> See the attached narrative. <br /> SIGNED: <br /> DATE <br /> Department Head <br />