ARPA Projects Update

A R P A R O A D A N D S T O R M W A T E R I N F R A S T R U C T U R E P R O J E C T S

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress and signed into law by the president allocated $65.1 billion in direct aid to counties for costs associated with the ongoing response and recovery from the pandemic to lay the groundwork for a strong, equitable recovery.

El Paso County was allocated a total of $139.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The first allocation of $69.9 million was received in May 2021, and a second equal allocation is expected in May 2022. The federal government outlined specific allowable uses for ARPA funding. The funds can be used to support the ongoing response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic and address its negative economic impact, supplement government revenue to the extent of loss to provide public services, invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, and premium pay for essential workers.

The ARPA Final Rule was released earlier this year and provided greater flexibility by allowing counties to take an irrevocable one-time $10 million assumed lost revenue allowance. This $10 million could be used for any regular government service. The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners unanimously supported investing the entire $10 million in road infrastructure. The $10 million will be used for graveling, pothole repair, and pavement resurfacing throughout the county.

The $10 million ARPA allocation for roads is in addition to the additional $14 million allocated by commissioners during the regular 2022 budget session. The $14 million will be used for reconstruction, overlay, and pavement preparation projects. Additionally, $15 million in ARPA funding was also allocated to stormwater projects, including ditch improvements, drainage basin studies, and drainage improvements.

For more information about how El Paso County is investing ARPA funding into the community, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/arpa.