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Update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds Obligations and Discussion Regarding Reallocation of Previously Obligated Funds
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County received a total of $37,666,688.00 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds over two installments, one in 2021 and the next in 2022. Funds were required to be obligated by December 31, 2024. The County obligated all funds by the required date. Treasury rules allow for obligated funds to be reallocated to previously obligated projects; however, funds are not allowed to be obligated to new projects.
Staff is seeking Board direction on how to proceed with expenditure and re-obligation of $3,182,971.00 in ARPA funds. All funds must be expended by December 31, 2026.
Recommendations include:
Utilities Projects
Re-Obligation of Unused Utilities Projects Funds to Killian $277,775.00
Disaster Relief
Eastside Elementary Hardening (Shelter) $1,227,670.00
12.5% FEMA Match (Helene/Milton) $608,000.00
Citizen Tipping Fees Waiver (Helene/Milton) $800,000.00
Waterways Modular Building $100,000.00
Disaster Management Software $100,000.00
Misc. Disaster Relief Pending Further FEMA Review $69,526.00
Total $3,182,971.00
There is an estimated total of $277,775.00 in funds previously obligated to the US 41 and Telecom Drive utilities projects, available for re-obligation. ARPA funds in the amount of $5,663.524.00 were obligated to the Killian Water Treatment Plant project; total project costs are $6,169,439.00. Re-obligation of the US 41 and Telecom project funds to Killian Water Treatment Plan would bring the total amount obligated to $5,941,299.00.
The BOCC previously obligated $250,000.00 for construction costs to Community Food Bank. That project is no longer proceeding, making the $250,000.00 available for re-obligation. Additionally, there are $2,655,196.00 of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds obligated for the purpose of disaster relief that have not been expended.
The cafeteria at Eastside Elementary is being hardened so that it can serve as a shelter during a state of emergency. The recommended $1,227,670.00 would reimburse the Hernando County School District for costs associated with the hardening of the cafeteria.
The County has submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) a request for reimbursement of $16,475,967.55 in expenditures for expenses associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The estimated total local match for Hurricanes Helene and Milton is currently $608,000.00. The match is required and the $608,000.00 would fully fund the County’s estimated match.
In response to Hurricane’s Helene and Milton, Hernando County Landfill temporarily waived tipping fees for citizens which resulted in an estimated revenue loss of $800,000.00. This request would reimburse Landfill for the lost revenue.
There is an estimated $100,000.00 in costs for the purchase and installation of a Waterways modular building and an additional estimated $100,000.00 in costs for disaster management software. The remaining funds are proposed to remain under disaster recovery obligations for any unanticipated costs associated with disaster preparedness or response to FEMA not funding previously incurred disaster-related expenses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
NA
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board provide direction on which options to fund.