Board of County Commissioners to Hear Agenda Item Related to American Rescue Plan Act
During its upcoming meeting on July 6, 2023, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will hear an agenda item regarding the utilization of the remaining $719,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding to replace lost revenue in order to provide government services. This agenda item shall include a presentation by staff clarifying the related United States Treasury Department final rules and guidance for the use of ARPA funds and possible direction to staff to extend the period for funding requests to be submitted to the County for consideration through August 4, 2023.
The period to submit funding requests closed on June 21, 2023. Since that time, the County has received multiple questions regarding what types of requests would qualify in accordance with federal guidelines. This item appears on the agenda to ensure the public understands the federal requirements so that those parties that are interested in submitting a funding request can effectively evaluate the applicability of the requirements to their proposal. Staff will bring forward the requests that are consistent with the federal guidelines for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at a future meeting date.
For questions, please contact Douglas County Grants Administrator Debbie Swickard at [email protected] or email [email protected].
Background
The American Rescue Plan Act was approved by President Biden in 2021 to help turn the tide of on the pandemic, address its economic fallout and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The total funding was approximately $1.9 trillion, with $350 billion to States and local governments. Of this amount, Douglas County was allocated $9.5 million as a direct recipient of federal funds. The final American Rescue Plan Act guidance was issued by the United States Treasury in January 2022, and included a provision that allows counties to use up to $10 million of ARPA funds as lost revenue for the provision of general government services up to the standard allowance amount. This modification allows for more flexibility and use for a broad range of services, programs and projects outside of typical eligible uses.
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law, and established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFRF”) program. Guidance can be found at: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds.