Agenda Item Wording:
title
American Rescue Plan Act -Appropriate funding for the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects and close out the grant.
body
Deadline for Action: 12/16/2024
Submitting Department: Finance and Technology Services
Contact Name and Phone Number: Renee Nagel, renee.nagel@visalia.city, 713-4375
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that Council appropriates the remaining ARPA projects (up to $7.7 million) in the General Fund and complete the close out process with the US Department of Treasury.
Background Discussion:
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed in March 2021. The City of Visalia received $29,364,455 million in one-time funding. The US Department of Treasury (Treasury) designated these funds to be spent by local governments to provide healthier and safer indoor and outdoor environments for residents, visitors, and employees; assist with investments in outdoor spaces and programs that promote responsible public gatherings; help pay for essential services, more secure broadband, and other critical public infrastructure; and compensate cities for relevant first responder expenses. Expenditures or obligations from these funds must be between March 3, 3021, through December 31, 2024. Funds obligated by December 31, 2024, must be expended by December 31, 2026. Any funds not obligated or expended for eligible uses by this timeline must be returned to the US Treasury Department.
In December 2021, Council approved using the ARPA funds for 34 projects that complied with the Treasury's Eligibility Categories, the GFOA Guiding Principles, and the Council's Budget Goals.
Since December 2021, City staff has been working on these projects which includes purchasing equipment, initiating new City programs, and establishing contracts to design and construct City improvements. These projects must follow federal requirements which typically takes longer than project...
Click here for full text