The Barnstable County Commissioners held their regular meeting on November 26, 2024, focusing on the review of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subrecipient application process and the presentation of two housing tranche grant agreements. The meeting featured a remote presentation by Pierre Erika, who provided an overview of the ARPA funding process and the progress made in allocating the funds.

Erika began by highlighting that Barnstable County was awarded approximately $4 million in ARPA federal funds in the summer of 2021. Since then, the county has been working diligently to determine how to allocate these funds effectively. He emphasized the importance of the ARPA advisory committee, which was formed to guide the decision-making process. This committee, composed of local leaders and experts, spent several months developing criteria and recommendations for funding projects that would benefit the region.

The presentation included a detailed explanation of the application process for both municipal and non-municipal applicants. Municipal entities received direct appropriations, while non-municipal applicants, particularly in the affordable housing sector, underwent a competitive application process. Erika noted that the county collaborated with four other counties to streamline the review of applications, ensuring compliance with ARPA legislation.

Erika reported that the county had completed the letter of intent process for small and medium-sized grants and was now reviewing the final two projects for approval in the housing tranche. He outlined the three areas of emphasis for funding: homelessness and medical respite projects, affordable housing efforts, and workforce housing. To date, the county has approved funding for 11 affordable housing projects, with the aim of providing critical gap funding to facilitate their completion.

The meeting concluded with Erika expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of all involved in the ARPA process, as the county moves closer to finalizing the remaining housing tranche projects. The commissioners will continue to deliberate on these proposals in upcoming sessions, with the goal of enhancing housing solutions in the region.