Report Prepared by: Scott McBride, City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Report on the City Council Adopted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Strategic Investment Plan, Including Seeking Direction on Other Reinvestment Options
REPORT IN BRIEF
Report on the City Council adopted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Strategic Investment Plan, including seeking direction from the City Council on other Reinvestment options.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide staff direction on reinvestment options related to the implementation of the ARPA Strategic Investment Plan.
Body
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
BACKGROUND
In 2021, the City of Merced was allocated $27,427,882 in ARPA funding from the Federal Government. The funds were intended to provide support to State, local, and Tribal governments in responding to the impact of COVID-19 and their efforts to contain COVID-19 on their communities, residents, and businesses. Eligible uses are public health and economic impacts, premium pay, reduction in revenue, and investments in infrastructure. The Final Rule, which is a guiding document issued by the Federal Government requires the City obligate the funding by December 2024 and expend all funds by December 2026.
During the October 18, 2021, Study Session, Staff and Council reviewed the survey results and public input regarding the ARPA funding allocation. During the Study Session Council received input from the public and provided staff areas of interest for ARPA funding allocation.
During the November 1, 2021, Public Hearing, the Council received input from the community and provided a refined list of projects for staff to evaluate. Those projects included: Affordable Housing, Water - conservation & SB 244, Broadband, Applegate Zoo, Downtown - Public Spaces & Street Scape, CP-42/Sports Fields, Utility Bill Relief, Job Training, Tourism, Stimulus Payments, Expanded Youth Services, On-going Operational Needs, Kiddie Land/Non-Profit Support, and City Beautification. ...
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