This is probably the most frequent question that is asked of local CPCs, and of us here at the Coalition too: “Is our project eligible for CPA funding?” As you undoubtedly know, this isn't always the easiest question to answer!
The answer can be found buried in Section 5(b)(2) of the CPA legislation, the paragraph that describes the types of projects that qualify for CPA funding. But if you've ever read that paragraph, you know that it is difficult to follow. The Department of Revenue (DOR) turned that paragraph into a simple chart that we keep up on our bulletin board, and it's the first place we start when examining a project's eligibility.
The first step in determining a project's eligibility is to decide which of the “CPA allowable use verbs” you can use to describe the project. For example, if you're faced with a historic preservation application, the project must be one that will acquire, create, preserve, rehabilitate or restore a historic resource. If you can't come up with a reasonable justification for the project using one of these verbs, it probably doesn't qualify for CPA funding.
The DOR chart lists the verbs that describe the allowable uses in each of the four CPA categories. We have also created a shorter version of the chart here at the Coalition. Download either one and put it on your bulletin board, and then make it your first stop as you evaluate CPA applications. It's a good exercise to place each CPA project in the appropriate section of the chart before recommending it to your city council or town meeting.
click here CPAAllowableSpendingPurposesChart.pdf
click here Coalition “Determining Project Eligibility” chart
click here Section 5(b)(2) of the CPA Legislation – Allowable spending purposes
