Audit reveals $9.5 billion in unallocated ARPA funds

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the progress and future plans regarding the allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Over the past three years, the committee has worked diligently to manage a total of $135.2 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which have been allocated to 81 projects across various sectors, including public health, infrastructure, and economic support.

The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that all funds are obligated by the end of the year to avoid returning any unspent money to the U.S. Treasury. An audit of the funded projects has been completed, revealing that while many projects are on track, some have not progressed as expected. For instance, a COVID call center project has been completed with a remaining balance of $182,000, which will need to be reallocated.

Officials noted that approximately $9.56 million is expected to be available for reallocation due to various projects either being completed or not proceeding as planned. In response, the committee solicited new project proposals from department heads, receiving 23 requests totaling $26.2 million. After a thorough assessment based on criteria such as impact, readiness, and sustainability, ten projects have been recommended for funding.

The next ARPA committee meeting will feature a detailed presentation on the outcomes of the funded projects and the proposed new initiatives, highlighting the ongoing commitment to effectively utilize federal funds for community benefit.