AGENDA DATE: 8/18/2021
TITLE:
Title
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Provide an update on ARPA SLFRF
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Birch, Allshouse, L., Bowman, Gardner
PRESENTER (S): Nelsie Birch, Kimberly Gardner
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2021, The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion relief bill was signed into law. It provides $350 billion to state and local governments for the purposes of supporting public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as providing a way for states and local governments to start the process of economic recovery.
On March 29, 2021, the Board approved the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) initial implementation framework which described the use of the first tranche of funding as follows: ~$4 million for human services and economic vitality, ~$3 million to support the Broadband office, ~$3 million for workforce stabilization and financial foundation initiatives. At the time of the approval of the original framework for the use of ARPA SLFRF funding, staff was still awaiting guidance from the United States Treasury department.
On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Treasury released the Interim Final Guidance. The public comment period closed July 16 and final guidance has not been released yet.
On May 11, 2021, the United States Treasury provided an allocation of $21.2 million in federal ARPA SLFRF monies to the County of Albemarle to be deposited in two tranches. The first tranche of funding, $10.6 million was received on May 21, 2021. The second tranche of funding is expected to be received in May 2022.
On June 16, 2021, the Board approved an update to the County’s ARPA SLFRF implementation framework which left $4 million for FY22 Economic Vitality (Human Services and Economic Development), immediate needs and $3 million for broadband funding, unchanged. The remainder of the funding for workforce stabilization and financial foundation was approved to move into the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23) through FY 27 budget cycle.
On July 7, 2021, the Board appropriated $21.2 million in ARPA SLFRF.
On August 4, 2021, the Board approved including a portion of ARPA SLFRF funding into the FY 23 Agency Budget Review Team (ABRT) agency funding process.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Since the June 16, 2021 Board meeting, staff has moved quickly to implement the Board’s approved funding framework. Staff created an ARPA SLFRF review process and met with County departments to identify projects related to the immediate needs surrounding human services, economic development and broadband. The Department of Finance & Budget is currently working to review and approve projects that meet the funding goals of the Board and community.
During the Board’s August 18 discussion, staff will provide an overall update on ARPA and include highlights of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s funding opportunities available for housing-related projects. Staff will provide an update on the immediate need programs (supporting human services and economic development) which are in review, planned or implemented phases. Lastly, staff will recommend the Board’s approval for an increase to broadband funding through the Albemarle Broadband Authority (ABBA), originally approved on March 29. The additional funding supports the budget identified through ABBA and the new Broadband Accessibility & Affordability Office to achieve universal broadband in the County.
BUDGET IMPACT: $3 million in ARPA SLFRF was appropriated to ABBA on July 7, 2021. If this recommendation is approved, staff will bring to the Board an appropriation for an additional $1.5 million in ARPA SLFRF funding at the September 1, 2021 Board meeting. This would bring the total FY 22 broadband ARPA SLFRF funding to $4.5 million.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board receive staff’s ARPA SLFRF update and approve additional ARPA SLFRF funding for broadband.
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