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Update on American Rescue Plan projects spending through 2024 Q3 and recommendation for approval of Memorandums of Understanding to obligate remaining funds
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Submitted by:
John Ruggini
Department:
Finance Department
A. Issue
In 2021 the Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that included funds for state and local governments to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. On March 15, 2022 the Common Council approved the allocation of $24,663,875 in funds that the City received. Funds must be obligated by 12/31/24 and spent by 12/31/26.
Obligating funds does not mean more funds are being provided. It simply means that the funds are officially committed for that purpose and with only a few exceptions, cannot be reassigned.
B. Background/Options
Wauwatosa received a total of $24,663,875 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds which are intended to support the efforts of local governments in their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The City implemented a robust public engagement process that included internal stakeholder engagement and extensive external engagement with community meetings, interviews, and online feedback opportunities. The Common Council allocated $24,663,875 in ARPA funds among seven program areas including:
* COVID response
* General Government/Administration
* Equity
* Infrastructure
* Mental Health
* Parks
* Small Business Support & Development
For more information on the funded projects, please see
The City is required to file quarterly reports with the Department of Treasury on the status of its spending of ARPA funds. As of September 31, 2024, 44% of the funds had been spent and an additional 20% were encumbered as depicted in the graph below.
As of 9/30/24 $8.9 million in funding remains to be obligated by the end of this year. Since then, the City issued a contract for the Westside Pump Station for $4,394,790. That and along with smaller obligations reduces ...
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