[7] In addition, Treasury encourages municipalities to consider the guidance issued in the Statement Regarding Compliance with the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Interim Final Rule and Final Rule.[8]. Finance officers will play a critical role in highlighting the need to use ARPA funds prudently with an eye towards long-term financial stability and sustainable operating performance. How do the benefits apply to the communities or needs highlighted in the Act? In the recent FAQ the Treasury Department announced, for the first time, that funds used under the "Revenue Loss" category are not subject to 2 C.F.R. If technology can support outreach, applications, placement, or other relevant services, it is likely valid for ARPA funding. All of the county's ARPA funds must be allocated by 2025, and spent by 2026. ARPA FUNDING: HOW CAN MICHIGAN TOWNSHIPS USE THE FUNDS? Care should be taken to avoid creating new programs or add-ons to existing programs that require an ongoing financial commitment. Investment in critical infrastructure is particularly well suited use of ARPA funds because it is a non-recurring expenditure that can be targeted to strategically important long- term assets that provide benefits over many years. If you are considering new programs and positions, determine how to sustain these programs once the APRA funds have been expended. Revenue replacement The Treasury Department did, however, prohibit premium pay for employees who were allowed to telework during the public health emergency. Dallas, TX 75231, 1600 Broadway Lisa is a respected urban designer known for combining timeless community design and innovation with focus on fast-tracking advanced planning techniques and emerging technologies. Lets say, for example,that your city uses ARPA funds to set up a loan or grant program for local businesses. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRF-Final-Rule.pdf, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319/text#HAECAA3A95C4E4FFAB6AA46CE5F9CB2B5. [3] American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 9901, Pub. State and local governments cannot use the funds towards pensions or to offset revenue resulting from a tax cut enacted since March 3, 2021. If the clean energy provider provides power to other entities, only the proportionate share used by the water treatment plant or wastewater system would be an eligible use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Save time, stay compliant and reduce risk while easily managing the ever-growing number of requests for public records with our FOIA management solution. Reg. For more resources on ARPA for local government, we recommend the National League of Cities', The CARES Act and Technology: A Guide for Local Government, How Local Government Should Engage With Gen Z, By Mark Funkhouser, Constituent Relationship Management (CRM), Overview of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. This can include services like. On January 6, the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) released the Final Rule and an Overview of the Final Rule document for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), a portion of the $362 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) signed into law . Check with your local finance entity or fund administrator for priorities or additionalrules. The American Rescue Plan Act specifically calls for its funds to be used to support the public health and economic impacts of these communities. In general, categories of ineligible expenditures include: Judge Lina Hidalgo called it "kicking the can down the road." Despite the misgivings and criticism, the commission unanimously approved the spending. Save time, stay compliant and reduce risk while easily, What Can ARPA Funds be Used For: A Guide for Local Government, , which meanscommunity members still need support. For over a year now, local government has played a critical role in helping communities through the pandemic. This post offers insights on guidance to date of publication; new guidance may change or refine project eligibility, so be sure to. But to do that, they need property. Distribution of the first round of American Rescue Plan Act payments to cities, counties, municipalities, and states is already underway. ARPA provided approximately $350 billion of new funding to tribal governments, states, territories, and local governments, $14 billion of which was estimated to be received by Pennsylvania and its municipalities. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, . Connect the dots between your technology needs and your project. If your city hasnt begun planning for autonomous vehicles, its not too late but the time for urgency is fast approaching. , requiring a short amount of paperwork that explains your project and its relevant costs. However, she said Caldwell told her that the Roads Division budget can take care of that purchase without ARPA funds. However, care should be taken to assess any on-going operating costs that may be associated with the project. Technology, from, constituent relationship management platforms. ARPA provided $350 billion in state and local aid under what's known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program. Signed into law on March 11, 2021,The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021(ARPA) provides $350 billion in additional funding for state and local governments. The interim rule notes that general infrastructure projects typically would not be included unless the project responds to a specific pandemic public health need or a specific negative economic impact. ARPA Scanning and Partnering Efforts. Successful project applications will identify how the project addresses the identified need or impact. Funds can be used for projects that fall under the following use categories, and address both current COVID-related impacts and longstanding challenges exacerbated by the pandemic: The interim rule allows for creativity in crafting locally relevant project lists and services. Adler said he agrees that the Township Hall needs to be renovated to meet the current needs. [6] Treas. Showingyou already have a plan in place helps! Please see our July 20, 2021 blog post for additional details. Reg. Presentations, awards, networking, and more! In other Northeast Ohio cities, ARP . 31 CFR 35 at 14, available at: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRF-Final-Rule.pdf. Though the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to trend downward in the U.S., the CDC still reportsover 15,000 caseseach week (as ofJune 4, 2021). "While we can weather it for this year and use ARPA funds, that's at the cost of not doing something else with those ARPA funds", said County Administrator David Berry. Did your local government have a technology project postponed or cancelled because of pandemic-related budgetary concerns? We look forward to meeting you soon. To determine whether a use falls under this category, the rule states that township officials should consider whether and how the use . The updated rules allow local governments to use up to $10 million in ARPA funds for "revenue loss" and funds can be used on capital expenditures that support an eligible COVID-19-related . Mark Funkhouser, former Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, shares his thoughts on the What Citizens Want research by contrasting "vending-machine engagement" vs. "barn-raising engagement" in today's local government. As local government agencies contemplate how to best use this funding, its important to bring any organizational needs to the forefront for consideration. In addition, the Treasury guidance allows for spending on cybersecurity aimed at protecting water and sewer infrastructure; projects promoting climate change resilience (for instance, reducing energy consumption on water and sewer facilities); and lead water line service replacement. You can also access these questions within this. Anticipated Project Benefits:Demonstrate who benefits from these activitiesand the benefits expected. In the area of infrastructure, the ARPA focused on water, sewer and broadband projects. Of course, check with your governments financial or ARPA entity for any of their guidelines or recommendations first! Jurisdictions must submit this request even if they have applied for other programs in the past. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if additional guidelines are implemented. The growth adjustment is the greater of either a 5.2% standard growth rate, or the recipient's average annual revenue growth in the last full three fiscal years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.. Actual revenue is the total revenue collected over the 12 months immediately preceding the calculation date. Whats the Difference Between CARES and ARPA? TheAmerican Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, was designed to turn the tides on the pandemic via a substantial infusion of resources. Rock Solid Technologies helps governments optimize process management through Microsoft-based software solutions. Revenue replacement for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, relative to revenues collected in the most recent fiscal year prior to the emergency. Its already laid out--just fill in the blanks with your project information! Technology certainly supports your city or countys pandemic recovery and creates sustainable, equitable government processes for the future. Statementof Need:How has the pandemic affected your department? Browse our collection of helpful resources on citizen engagement and government software solutions curated by our team of industry experts. Towns that have received ARPA funds must complete a yearly report on the use of ARPA funds. ARPA funding eligibility will rest on clearly articulated needs and/or negative impacts of COVID. The U.S. Department of the Treasury continues to release answers to new frequently asked questions regarding the expenditure of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act. The ARPA expressly includes infrastructure if it is necessary and in water, sewer, or broadband, suggesting that the statute contemplates only those types of infrastructure.[5]. ARPA funding may be used for projects that address current COVID impacts and longstanding challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. The park itself features space for outdoor recreation, including playfields, fishing, boating, pedal . Local governments have until December 31, 2024 to allocate their ARPA funds. Funding pension accounts, paying off outstanding debt, or making deposits to reserve accounts or rainy day funds. Government officials have not yet released final details on reporting requirements; however, your team should include colleagues from financial departments who will be responsible for accounting, audits and reporting. Ultimately, this section of the fact sheet suggests that any technology that can help your government support pandemic recovery may be eligible for ARPA funds. There are specific ineligible uses of ARPA funds. Support Coronavirus public health expenditures, including mitigation efforts, medical expenses, and behavioral healthcare, Address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19, including rebuilding public sector capacity, Serve the hardest-hit communities and families by addressing health, educational, economic, and other disparities, Provide premium pay for essential workers in industries including medical, sanitation, transportation, childcare, education, and more, Replace lost public sector revenue to avoid cuts to government services, Make necessary infrastructure investments in water, sewer, or broadband, Funding may not directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenue due to a change in law, Funding may not be deposited into a pension fund. Any budget shortfalls that led to the reduction of staff or projects can be covered. A fund management platform can automate reporting for ARPA allocations, including timesheets, spend tracking, and more. Responses must be related and reasonably proportional to the extent and type of harm experienced. The ARPA expressly includes infrastructure if it is 'necessary' and in water, sewer, or broadband, suggesting that the statute contemplates only those types of infrastructure. Matching or "cost sharing" means that a portion of the project's cost is not paid by Federal funds. Were refreshing our brand to reflect the energy, inspiration, and excitement that we feel when we come to work every day. Initial federal ARPA funding to the states and their political subdivisions was estimated to begin as early as May. And, according to Bodacious Bar-B-Q owner Billy Ray Suggs, they . Funds can be used for projects that fall under the following use categories, and address both current COVID-related impacts and longstanding challenges exacerbated by the pandemic: . The City has adopted a plan to use ARPA funds to address critical community issues, support an equitable recovery, and continue to provide . For counties, the $65 billion will be allocated based on the countys population. . Commissioners said in early January that they couldn't commit to awarding any money to municipalities until they learned whether or not ARPA funds could be used on roads and bridges. 200.317 to 200.327. Regarding premium pay for essential workers, the term essential worker is broad, and not limited to municipal employees. Whatareyour pandemic-related pain points, and how have those affected your ability to operate? The money can used for water, sewer, and broadband improvements, to offset lost revenue from the Coronavirus pandemic, and more. Here are some key ways metropolitan cities and NEUs are allocating their SLFRF dollars for infrastructure projects: Public Space: Williamsburg, Virginia allocated $900,000 of the city's ARPA funds to enhance a playground at Waller Mill Park. Clemons said he expects the commission to take up a road plan based on the additional funding well ahead of the upcoming spring paving . Local government processes could range from: Your technology project is more likely to be funded if you present a coherentplan. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.The intent of the legislation is to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the . This post highlights specific passages and references that support use of ARPA funding for trails and Complete Street projects. 48% of all car trips are less than three miles in length, with about twenty percent being shorter than one mile (source: Heavy traffic and lack of separated paths or trails were the most frequently identified barriers to bicycling more (source: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation are the single largest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S., accounting for about 29% of total GHG emissions (source: In a typical community, 20- 40% of residents cannot, should not, or prefer not to drive for most trips, and so benefit from multimodal planning that responds to those demands (source: In areas where over 20 percent of households are below the federal poverty line, the pedestrian death rate is more than 80 percent higher than the U.S. average (source: Funds are being released in two stages for states, cities and counties: half of the funds were made available in May 2021, with the second half to be released in May 2022. Across the country, the pandemic has impacted low-income andvulnerable communitieswith disproportionate severity. We urge the House, Senate, and governor to join many other states in using ARPA funds for repairs of roads and bridges, and take a bold step to finally reverse decades of underinvestment in some . , or ARPA, was designed to turn the tides on the pandemic via a substantial infusion of resources. or pay-go funded building of roads as a government service and therefore eligible under revenue loss up to the extent of reduction in revenue. 5. Of Vermont's $1.25 billion share, over $200 million (about $300 per Vermonter) was allocated to Numerous DOT funding opportunities provide flexibility in cost sharing requirements for rural, Tribal, and disadvantaged communities. The Department of Treasury has provided guidance that ARPA funds may be used to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. The ARPA funding has similarities with the $32 million in CARES Act money the county received in July 2020. And . Please click here for GFOAs analysis of ARPA. Suite 101 Our rapidly changing communities face incredible pressures and challenges ranging from the environmental to the technological and beyond. "Projects may include, but are not limited to green roofs, bioretention . You can also access these questions within this freeARPA proposal project plan word doc template. Access to internet became an important conversation in the equitable access of education, healthcare, and government services. Most DOT grant programs involve sharing project costs. The ARPA funds will arrive in two installments. Suite 1750 To offer swift guidance on the use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF), the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) published the . COVID-19 expenditures or negative economic impacts of COVID-19, including assistance to small businesses, households, and hard-hit industries, and economic recovery. And once a shortfall in revenue is identified, recipients will have broad latitude to use this funding to support government services, up to this amount of lost revenue.A method for computing reduction of revenue is provided: Recipients will compute the extent of their reduction in revenue bycomparing their actual revenue to an alternative representing what could have been expected to occur in the absence of the pandemic. Importantly, the Treasury allows recovery fund recipients to presume that any reduction of revenue during this time resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its a must-read if you want to understand how to use ARPA funds. 30, 2021). It is possible there are many beneficiaries of ARPA funding within your community, such as schools, transportation agencies and local economic development authorities. Rebuilding Public Sector Capacity to Support Economic Recovery, Recipients may also use this funding to build their internal capacity to successfully implement economic relief programs, with investments in, - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, Lets say, for example,that your city uses ARPA funds to set up a loan or grant program for local businesses. Using the money for federal matching funds Project Description:What are you doing, andhow would a tech solution enable your org to address these pain points? Suite 400 Application assistance is available from the PoliceGrantsHelp team and L3Harris. GFOA American Rescue Plan Act Guiding Principles. L. No. As entities assemble ideas for using ARPA funds for Complete Streets and trails, the following points are important: . It was a response to the COVID-19 . Most of the county officials interviewed expressed frustration that the ARPA funds can't be used, under current guidelines, for normal county expenses, such as maintaining roads, replacing . Suite 1600 ARPA Funds & The Broadband Planning Network. Fiscal Recovery Funds provide flexibility for governments to meet local . The Treasury recently clarified that not every household or business being connected as part of an eligible broadband project needs to be un-served or underserved if the project is a more holistic approach including a wider area. Heres a breakdown of what local government needs to know about the ARPA, and what ARPA funds can be used for. That money can't be used for roads, but still qualifies for spending on special mitigation projects related to public health. Throughout these challenging times,Coronavirus highlightedurgent gaps in local governments ability to work and serve digitally. 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