American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA)

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Request for Proposals
Click HERE to review a list of Requests for Proposals

Recovery Plan Performance Reports
Solano County ARPA Recovery Plan, July 31, 2023

Solano County Approved Projects, click HERE

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What is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)?
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law on March 11, 2021 as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319). The ARPA provides funding for direct relief in the continued response and recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Funding is being distributed through the Federal and State budget process. Both direct and indirect allocation of ARPA funds are available to local Cities and Solano County.

Direct Allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
The County received a direct federal funding allocation of $86,949,405 under the ARPA - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The use of the direct funding allocation must be in-line with eligible spending categories defined by the US Treasury.  Funding must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and fully expended by December 31, 2026.

Statutory Eligible Uses of Direct Funding
According to the U.S. Treasury Compliance and Reporting Guidance, as a recipient of an SLFRF award, organizations have substantial discretion to use the award funds in the ways that best suit the needs in the County or City – as long as such use fits into one of four broad statutory categories under ARPA as outlined per Section 603 (c)(1) of the Title VI of the Social Security Act: 

  1. To respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts
  2. To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay such as eligible workers of the recipient, or by providing grants to eligible employers that have eligible workers who performed eligible work
  3. For the provision of government services, to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such recipient due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the recipient prior to the emergency
  4. To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure

Federal Guidance / use of the COVID-19 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
(1) COVID-19 State and Local Fiscal Guidance for State, Territorial, Local and Tribal Governments
(2) COVID-19 U.S. Treasury State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Final Rule
(3) COVID-19 U.S. Treasury State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Overview of the Final Rule
(4) COVID-19 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Frequently Asked Questions
(5) COVID-19 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Fact Sheet

Process for Determining Use of State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
The Solano County Board of Supervisors received an initial overview of ARPA guidelines in May 2021 and began discussions regarding the process for allocating the direct funding. The Solano County Board of Supervisors has kept community engagement at the forefront in the guidance of SLFRF distribution including:
 
(1) Public Meetings
The ARPA planning process began with several open public discussions at regularly scheduled Board meetings during which the details of the funding were discussed at length. Every subsequent decision made regarding ARPA funding is presented at a public Board meeting with opportunity for public comment.

(2) Website
The County established this website to share important information on the ARPA funding guidelines, planning opportunities, and other information with the public on the Solano County SLFRF funds. 

(3) Public Workshops
Two public workshops, including one held in the evening to increase access for residents who would not be able to engage during the day, were held to solicit comments and feedback on ARPA SLFRF spending. Residents were able to participate in person or via phone.

(4) Community Survey
A community survey was distributed in English, Spanish and Tagalog to garner individual community member input. The survey had nearly 1,000 responses. Results of the survey can be found below.

(5) Subject Matter Workgroups
Multiple subject matter workgroups, including children and education, affordable housing, homelessness, workforce development, small business assistance, infrastructure, food security, public health, and behavioral health have been developed. Each subject matter workgroup reviewed the data provided through the previous public processes and has presented or is scheduled to present recommendations to the Board during a public meeting at which time the Board considers projects.

Reports and Resources
Click HERE to access ARPA reports and resources, including the 2021 Community Engagement Survey, US Treasury guidelines, ARPA studies, Frequently Asked Questions and Solano County allocation of ARPA funds by category.

Other Agency Request for Funding Letters
Click HERE to review a list of unsolicited letters the Solano County Board of Supervisors has received with requests for ARPA funding.