LMR June 2023 FINAL

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.
Accessing Federal
and State Grants
There are any number of programs out there providing federal
(ARPA) or state funding for sewer, water, natural gas, and other
local services. The question is often: how do we at the local level
access those programs when we do not have the needed match?
One answer is the LCDA (Louisiana Community Development
Authority). Our firm has participated in financings through the
LCDA for: Sewer and water grants (DOA Water Sector Program)
- Issue debt by a municipality to match the state grant with
the payments coming from a “lawfully available funds pledge”
from the municipality. The LCDA is the only entity in this state
with such authority, and it is very helpful to local governments
in terms of repayment funds.
NOTE : We are also working with two other municipalities who are issuing
debt to provide their match for the water sector program grants.
Hurricane financings - Issue debt in advance of FEMA reimbursements.
Allows locals to start the construction process in
advance of FEMA payments. We have participated in dozens of
these financings post the 2020 and ’21 devastating hurricane
seasons, including several for parish school boards.
GOMESA financings - Issue debt to finance coastal restoration
projects with the repayment stream coming from federal oil and
gas payments. We’ve participated in 15 financings for coastal
parishes on this subject; and, although not a match per se, shows
the ability to use the LCDA’s powers to access federal funds for
repayment of the
debt.
So, if you find yourself
in need of a
funding source to
match federal or
state funds, please
call Ty Carlos, LCDA
Executive Director,
at (225) 924-6150.
By L. Gordon
King
Government
Consultants, Inc.
Government Consulting Inc, can be reached
by emailing mharvey@gc-la.net
GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.
Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing
L. Gordon King
Deatriz Riggins
Nnamdi Thompson
Shaun B. Toups
James R. Ryan
Jamie Holloway
Benjamin Bankston
(Consulting & Municipal Advisory Firm)
OVERVIEW
Modern day government has become a large financial
enterprise, handling millions of dollars and facing
service and revenue pressures. The governing
authority and Administrator(s) face complex financial
decisions ranging from the impact of property and
sales taxes to the financing of capital improvements.
As government finance has become more complex,
the need for financial advice to base decisions upon
has. The services of an expert Municipal Advisor are
being used by more and more governmental units.
A Municipal Advisor (or “MA”) serves as a
consultant advising the governing authority on
matters relating to the following:
• Financial feasibility of projects;
• Total cost analysis of financing alternatives;
• Review of capital improvement financing
programs;
• Advice on the structuring and marketing of debt
securities.
The MA is an integral member of the governing
authority’s management team, providing
independent advice and analysis to assist in financial
decision-making.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FINANCE ANALYSIS
• Analyzing available alternatives in relation to
cost to the governing authority and providing
financial guidance and recommendations;
• Analyzing from a cost/benefit standpoint the
use of incentives (free land, subsidy of bond
issues, utility improvements) to attract
industry;
• Providing a detailed upfront and long-term
financial analysis of costs to the governing
authority versus benefits of the specific
project; and
• Serving as an economic development finance
resource for the Governing Authority.
6767 Perkins Rd., Suite #250
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 344-2098 (Phone)
gcla@gc-la.net (Email)
We Have The Experience!
LMR | JUNE 2023 Page 29