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City Re-allocates ARPA Funds for Community Recovery and Support
What is ARPA?
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed by US Congress and signed into law by President Biden in spring of 2021. The bill was and was designed to assist the country’s recovery from economic and health impacts caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. $350 billion in funding was given to states and local governments. Much of this funding is now available to be spent on key projects in cities and towns across America, including the City of Snohomish.
How much was distributed to the City?
The City of Snohomish received $2.8 million, providing an unprecedented opportunity; this a chance for the City to offer critical assistance to members of our community. These funds allow the City to invest in key priorities such as infrastructure, housing, health, transportation, parks, and more. ARPA funds are also allocated to reimburse certain revenue losses, provide premium pay for essential workers, and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. These funds have the ability to make a tremendous impact on addressing the needs, services and amenities that make a city a healthy, welcoming place to live.
How is the City using the funds?
The Snohomish City Council and City staff have identified six areas to distribute ARPA funds to best address the needs of our community:
Household Support: Grants are available to households earning less than 60% of the Snohomish average yearly median income (in 2022 for a 1 person household, 60% AMI is $54,360) to be used for rent/mortgage expenses, utility bills, food, medical bills, childcare, internet access, and other household expenses. Eligible individuals or families may receive up to $2,500 for expenses incurred per calendar year.
Business and Non-Profit Support: This work may include economic development, coaching and technical support for nonprofits and the overall business community; financial support to businesses and nonprofits experiencing impacts due to the COVID19 pandemic; and improving resiliency and continuity of operations within the Snohomish business and nonprofit community.
Public Safety Program Support: This work includes police support, public safety infrastructure and equipment needs, and expenses necessary to complete the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Service Line Inventory Survey and will require public outreach with water utility customers to assess lead service lines in the City’s water distribution system.
Community Resource Navigation and Support: This program is a collaboration between the City of Snohomish and Snohomish School District as required by the Behavioral Health Partnership Program with Snohomish County. Funds will be set aside for pass-through grants for nonprofit organizations and agencies providing applicable services to City residents.
City Expenditures Support: This focus area includes investments in cybersecurity equipment and software, hybrid meeting equipment and software, infrastructure backup equipment, data backup equipment and software, laptops and related supplies, and emergency preparedness and continuity of operation needs.
City Infrastructure Support: City capital projects, such as the First Street and Historic Downtown Utility and Street Master Plan (water, sewer, sidewalks, trees, garbage, outdoor seating, and parking), Water and Sewer Line Replacement Capital Projects, and Broadband Access
The City of Snohomish has until December 31, 2024, to finalize funding decisions and until December 31, 2026 to spend the funds. Any funds not assigned by the end of 2024, as well as any funds not spent by the end of 2026, will be returned to the Department of the Treasury.
Federal Funds Available to Help with Household Bills
The City of Snohomish is offering ARPA Household Support Grants to qualifying residents to help meet needs associated with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $2,500 grants are available to help defray expenses such as rent, childcare, utilities, medical bills, car repair bills, or other household expenses per calendar year. Residents must meet the following two criteria to be eligible: 1. Must live within the Snohomish city limits (go to the City’s property map to see if you are a resident) and 2. Earn no more than 60% of the Snohomish median income (in 2022 for a one-person household, 60% AMI is $54,360)
