The Department of Research and Development has received a Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) Phase I award from the Economic Development Administration to prepare for the Phase II application process that can potentially bring up to $100,000,000.00 to build Hawaiʻi Island's Agricultural Cluster.

The purpose of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge is to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is the largest economic development initiative from the U.S. Department of Commerce in decades. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is one of many EDA programs aimed at building strong regional economies and supporting community-led economic development. Under the American Rescue Plan, EDA was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks. Phase 1 of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge invited coalitions to apply for funding to implement a collection of three to eight distinct-but-related projects in their region. Projects need to be in coordination with industry and community partners and aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry sector. EDA received 529 applications from regions in all 50 states and five territories, and the 60 finalists represent regions that formed extraordinary coalitions, demonstrated regional needs, and presented bold proposals to grow their target industry clusters. Ranging from rural communities and coastal towns to major metros, the finalists make up a diverse cross-section of the United States. In Phase 2, finalists will compete for significant implementation assistance. EDA will award 20-30 coalitions each up to $100 million. These awards will assist communities in executing ambitious plans to supercharge and bring new jobs to their regional economies across a variety of strategic growth sectors and boost U.S. competitiveness around the globe. The deadline for Phase 2 applications is March 15, 2022.

County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development - Agriculture and Food Systems Programs