How Can My Department Justify ARPA Funds for Technology? Sign up to receive emails to hear our latest news and achievements in our monthly newsletter. Investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. Any budget shortfalls that led to the reduction of staff or projects can be covered. The Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) provide recipients with broad latitude to use funds 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 full fiscal year prior to the emergency.[1] The U.S. Department of the Treasurys (Treasury) Final Rule, effective April 1, 2022, identifies the maintenance of infrastructure (such as roads) as a government service that may be funded by CLFRF under certain circumstances. The city was the first applicant for the county's ARPA funds, submitting a $1 million grant to fund a UV wastewater disinfection system at the treatment plant. The relief funds are being distributed as follows . [6], Recipients seeking to identify the categories of projects that would be eligible to receive funding assistance should check the EPAs website for possible additional resources available in the event a project is not clearly eligible for CLFRF funds.[7]. . The ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Program is a State pathway to infuse Federal funds into Maine towns and cities to support a variety of their economic recovery priorities, such as investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure or addressing the public health impacts of COVID-19, including replacing lost public sector revenue, providing . Whats the Difference Between CARES and ARPA? Towns that have received ARPA funds must complete a yearly report on the use of ARPA funds. American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. To complete the submission for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds, you will need to provide the following information on behalf of your organization: Though there is no application deadline as of the publication of this article, funding requests for those who have completed applications are already being fulfilled. If that project has benefit to the public, it may be eligible to come back into play with ARPA funding. Update: On January 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the Final Rule, which governs the eligible uses of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ("SLFRF") under the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA").The Final Rule makes several key changes to the Interim Final Rule, including expanding the eligible uses of CSLFRF and easing the administrative burden for some . Whatareyour pandemic-related pain points, and how have those affected your ability to operate? To analyze whether a project is necessary, the Final Rule notes that: Treasury considers an investment in infrastructure to be necessary if it is (1) responsive to an identified need to achieve or maintain an adequate minimum level of service, which for some eligible project categories may include a reasonable projection of increased need, whether due to population growth or otherwise and (2) a cost-effective means for meeting that need, taking into account available alternatives DWSRF and CWSRF eligible projects continue to be presumed to be necessary investments under the final rule, with the exception of projects for the rehabilitation of dams and reservoirs. In the final rule, Treasury is maintaining the approach under the interim final rule that general infrastructure projects, including roads, streets, and surface transportation infrastructure, would generally not be eligible, unless the project responded to a specific pandemic public health need or a specific negative economic impact. See Treas. The economic relief package of$1.9 trillionbecamelaw on March 11, 2021. There are three areas where Complete Streets and trail projects may align with ARPA funding criteria: public health, addressing economic impacts, and infrastructure. [7] Environmental Protection Agency, Drinking Water State Revolving fund, https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf (last visited Apr. 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). Clemons said he expects the commission to take up a road plan based on the additional funding well ahead of the upcoming spring paving . WGI supports its associates with meaningful opportunities for growth, strong benefits and perks, while we work collaboratively with clients and co-consultants to shape and improve communities. , whereyourdepartment reaches out to the group overseeing funds. WGI is a silver partner in the Complete Streets Coalition (a project within Smart Growth America), a group of researchers, advocates, and practitioners advancing best practices for designing multi-modal streets. Treasury issued rules in May to guide how states and localities can use the money. This money - known as "ARPA funds" - supports a huge number of initiatives and is available to many businesses, institutions and departments. Restrictions on the uses of these funds include: Funding must be obligated by the end of calendar year 2024 and expended by the end of calendar year 2026. If technology can support outreach, applications, placement, or other relevant services, it is likely valid for ARPA funding. Norcross, GA 30092, 2021 East 5th St Successful project applications will identify how the project addresses the identified need or impact. The $1.9 trillion ARPA federal relief package, signed into law on March 11, includes $360 billion for State and Local Government Fiscal Recovery Funds. Cary, NC 27518, 5710 W. Hausman Rd 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. Were refreshing our brand to reflect the energy, inspiration, and excitement that we feel when we come to work every day. Suite 340 Funding 'About Me' Signed into law in March 2021, the trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is distributing more than $360 billion in infrastructure related funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments, part of which can be used for "government services," particularly of interest to state and local governments preparing for infrastructure projects (). Heres a breakdown of CARES act funding, important resources for local governments, and examples of how cities and counties are using CARES to serve citizens with software and technology. It includes benefits directly to individuals, such as recovery rebates . 349 municipalities in Massachusetts are currently members of the MMA. From the earliest stages of transitioning toremote governmentto the present distribution of vaccines and easing of lockdowns, local government leaders and staff stepped up to the platein novelways to serve their residents. For more information and helpful resources on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, . Event Recap: 2021 FES | ACEC-FL Annual Conference, Event Recap: Key Takeaways from the 2019 American Planning Association Conference, A Call to Action for Better Processes in Land Planning, Funding elementary and secondary school emergency relief. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March 2021, provides $350 billion in relief to states and local governments to combat the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the money for federal matching funds The Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) provide recipients with broad latitude to use funds 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 full fiscal year prior to the emergency.. For over a year now, local government has played a critical role in helping communities through the pandemic. 30, 2021). . PORTSMOUTH The Town Council on Nov. 22 approved a public safety capital funding plan which would use the largest chunk remaining of Portsmouth's $5.1 million American Rescue Plan Act funds to buy or rehabilitate apparatus for the fire department. Any purchases made for otherwise qualified items before March 3, 2021, are not eligible for reimbursement. WGIs Lisa Nisenson highlights some ways that Complete Street and trail projects may potentially qualify for funding. It's no mystery Highway 42 has a lot of traffic, which is why TXDOT is widening the road. Reg. The Final Rule states recipients may use [CSLFRF] funds for road repairs and upgrades that interact directly with an eligible stormwater infrastructure project.[5] Paving could also be eligible under water and sewer infrastructure as a subsurface drainage measure. The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued an interim final rule on permissible uses of $350 billion in state and local aid included in the recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Along with thefunding guidelines, allocation methodologies and amountsfor cities, counties, territories, and states were released on May 10, 2021. Along with allocations of funds by government entity, the eight-page fact sheet clarifies uses of funding. Section 9801 of the ARP Act increased the CCDF mandatory and matching appropriation to $3.55 billion. See how a business process management tool built for government can drive efficiency quickly without long-term costs >>, 3. Learn more about the CARES Act and its regulations around technology purchases >>, ARPA funding guidelines for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, Coronavirus State and Local Government Fiscal Recovery Fund FAQ, On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury releaseddetails on, how local government can use ARPA funding. For example, the legislation requires each jurisdictions executive to certify that the funds will be used for eligible purposes. Most DOT grant programs involve sharing project costs. That said, the interim rule does note eligibility for certain infrastructure maintenance projects considered a government service (maintenance or pay-go funded building of infrastructure including roads) and green streets. In General - A recipient may only use funds to cover costs incurred during the period beginning March 3, 2021, and ending December 31, 2024, for one or more of the purposes enumerated in sections 602(c)(1) and 603(c)(1) of the Social Security Act, as applicable, including those enumerated in section 35.6 of this subpart, subject to the restrictions set forth in sections 602(c)(2) and 603(c . Save time, stay compliant and reduce risk while easily managing the ever-growing number of requests for public records with our FOIA management solution. 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. FURTHER CLARIFICATION: It should be noted that additional information may be provided when Treasury issues new Frequently Asked Questions ("FAQs") specific to the Final Rule. Cities and towns can now use up to $10 million of ARP funds towards general government services under a new "standard allowance" for revenue replacement. If you have a question you would like answered, please contact Jacob Ewing According to the U.S. Treasury, the objectives of this funding are to: The CARES actwas the first round of coronavirus economic relief payments, signed into law in March2020. In addition to the revenue loss category, road work would be eligible as required by stormwater system infrastructure projects. Throughout these challenging times,Coronavirus highlightedurgent gaps in local governments ability to work and serve digitally. Youve been searching for a place like WGI. ARPA funding eligibility will rest on clearly articulated needs and/or negative impacts of COVID. Provision of premium pay to eligible workers Miami, FL 33172, 455 East Eisenhower Parkway Suite 300 :Omnichannel communication is critical for getting prevention and vaccine information to diverse communities. , or ARPA, was designed to turn the tides on the pandemic via a substantial infusion of resources. Connect the dots between your technology needs and your project. If you are considering new programs and positions, determine how to sustain these programs once the APRA funds have been expended. $45.5 billion of the $65 billion will be allocated to metropolitan cities utilizing a modified CDBG formula, and the remaining amount for jurisdictions that are non-entitlement CDBG, will be allocated according to population. Importantly, the Treasury allows recovery fund recipients to presume that any reduction of revenue during this time resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, while you cannot reprogram between the designated pots of funding, there is great flexibility in the use of the funding distributed under ATG and Law Enforcement due to the terms Tribal Government Services and Other Related Expenses. Lets say, for example,that your city uses ARPA funds to set up a loan or grant program for local businesses. Once a shortfall has been identified, municipalities have broad latitude to use ARPA funding to support government services, up to the amount of lost revenue. The latest guidance clarifies that road repairs connected to eligible water and sewer infrastructure improvements can be included. West Palm Beach, FL 33411, 1232 Winter Garden Vineland Road How Can Michigan Townships Use the American Rescue Plan Act Funds? STREAMLINE is an accelerator platform for public sector agencies that need to build custom solutions to meet their needs. Pre-project development expenses for eligible water and sewer projects are also allowed, and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds may be used to support energy or electrification infrastructure that would be used to deliver clean power to water treatment plants and wastewater systems on a pro-rata basis. Though the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to trend downward in the U.S., the CDC still reports. Of Vermont's $1.25 billion share, over $200 million (about $300 per Vermonter) was allocated to A recipient funding street paving in response to a specific pandemic public health need or a specific negative economic impact should (1) describe the harm or need to be addressed; (2) explain why a capital expenditure is appropriate to address the harm or need; and (3) compare the proposed capital expenditure against alternative capital expenditures that could be made., However, under the provision of government services, the Final Rule specifically lists maintenance. Charlotte, NC 28277, 2001 Butterfield Rd Some references are explicit, while others require connecting the dots between Complete Streets benefits and COVID recovery. Fort Myers, FL 33966, 3499 NW 97th Boulevard 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]. Hiring law enforcement officials, even above pre-pandemic levels, or paying overtime where the funds are directly focused on advancing community policing strategies in those communities experiencing an increase in gun violence associated with the pandemic American Rescue Plan Act Funding. It's a must-read if you want to understand how to use ARPA funds. These tools can accelerate aid to community members in the greatest need, and even increase the number of people able to be served through optimization. She has been a new mobility and smart city consultant, researcher on smart mobility, and urban planning start-up founder. Finance officers play a critical role in advising elected leaders on the prudent spending of moneys received under ARPA. 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 . Recipients may also use funding to build internal capacity to successfully implement economic relief programs, with investments in data analysis, targeted outreach and technology infrastructure. According to. Did your local government have a technology project postponed or cancelled because of pandemic-related budgetary concerns? Analysis of this expected trend begins with the last full fiscal year prior to the public health emergency and projects forward at either (a) the recipients averageannual revenue growth over the three full fiscal years prior to the public health emergency or (b) 4.1%, the national average state and local revenue growth rate from 2015-18 (the latest available data)., - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Fact Sheet, Page 6. According to the Final Rule, government services include, but are not limited to: The ARP also specifically authorizes expenditures of monies through the CLFRF to make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.[3] The ARP also authorizes use of CLFRF funds to respond to the negative economic impacts[4] of the COVID-19 pandemic. If your city hasnt begun planning for autonomous vehicles, its not too late but the time for urgency is fast approaching. 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