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IFC told Nevada has obligated all ARPA state recovery funds; BEAD broadband pause won’t halt ARPA middle‑mile work
Summary
Legislative staff and the Governor’s Finance Office reported the state obligated 100% of the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds and will spend remaining funds by Dec. 31, 2026. State broadband officials said Commerce’s pause and re‑competition of BEAD awards does not affect ARPA-funded middle‑mile projects, though it delayed BEAD planning.
The Interim Finance Committee heard that Nevada has obligated all Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds and that agencies continue reconciling actual FY2025 expenditures.
Legislative Fiscal Analysis Division analyst Bridal Leiser told members the state met the December 31, 2024 obligation deadline and that remaining funds must be spent by December 31, 2026. The committee packet included a running table of projects, obligations, and a zero unobligated balance. Tiffany Greenmeier, director of the Governor’s Finance Office, confirmed roughly $1.85 billion (67.6%) had been expended through FY2024 and that the remaining funds are shown as obligated; final de‑obligations for FY2025 will be available after mid‑September closings.
Why it matters: the committee must reconcile agency requests and project reimbursements before the federal deadline so the state does not forfeit ARPA funds. Greenmeier and ARPA staff described a high volume of reimbursement requests — more than 225 requests in the prior 30 days — often with extensive supporting documents that require review before payment.
On broadband, Brian Mitchell of the Governor’s Office explained that the BEAD (Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment) program process at the U.S. Department of Commerce was paused and the approved BEAD plans were rescinded nationwide in a June policy notice that required a 90‑day “best and final” round. Mitchell said the Commerce pause did not rescind grants to Nevada but required the state to re‑run subgrantee selection and submit a revised proposal by September 4; Commerce has committed to complete awards to states by the end of calendar year 2025. Mitchell emphasized the state’s ARPA middle‑mile work is separate from BEAD and can be used by BEAD subgrantees once BEAD last‑mile awards are made.
Committee members sought assurances that ARPA‑funded middle‑mile infrastructure will be useful without BEAD last‑mile awards; Mitchell compared broadband to roads, saying middle‑mile is the “highway” that enables last‑mile connections and is essential regardless of BEAD timing. He also said BEAD administrative requirements were reduced in the new guidance, which may speed subgrantee delivery.
Agencies will return as reconciliations continue; the committee asked for updates on high‑priority projects and on the progress of reimbursement reviews before year‑end closeout.
