Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Update Allocations to Projects Funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
body
Submitted By: Sabrina McLeod, Grant & Strategic Initiatives Project Manager
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021 and allocates direct aid to local governments, including municipalities. Staff will provide updated recommended project allocations for the Council for specific projects as well as a brief update on all funded projects.
Presentation Information: A 15-minute presentation will be provided by Sabrina McLeod.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the updated funding allocations as presented and allocate any funds from projects under budget to the Culvert and Swale Improvements project.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the updated funding allocations as outlined and allocate any funds from projects under budget to the Culvert and Swale Improvements project.
2. Move that the Council provide staff direction.
Background: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The $1.9 trillion package is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. Treasury also released guidelines detailing how funds can be used to respond to acute pandemic-response needs, fill revenue shortfalls among state and local governments, and support the communities and populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The City of Port St. Lucie received funding direct from the Treasury Department and was allocated $24,739,425. The State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds were disbursed in two funding cycles. The first cycle is 50% of the total funding and directly provided to the recipients no later than 60 days after enactment, or before May 10, 2021. The City of Port St. Lucie received $12.369 million on June 14, 2021. The second cycle will be the remainder of the funds and directly provided, no earlier than 12 months after receipt of the first payment. Under the SLFRF, funds must be used for costs incurred on or after March 3, 2021. Further, costs must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026. In August 2023, US Treasury released the 2023 Interim Final Rule that implements new eligible uses that allow recipients to use program funds for emergency relief from natural disasters, community development, and surface transportation projects. Title I projects must obligate funds by December 31, 2024 and expend funds by September 30, 2026. Staff will provide a presentation that outlines updated recommendations for the City’s allocation.
Issues/Analysis: A broad overview of overall ARPA allocations by priority area, and additional revisions, are included.
Financial Information: Funding has been accessed through the U.S. Treasury. The City of Port St. Lucie has received a total allocation of $24,739,425.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. American Rescue Plan PowerPoint Presentation
2. Revised Projects List
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A