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Bremerton obligates $1.3 million in ARPA to Bremerton Housing Authority for hybrid shelter
Summary
The council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement committing $1,300,000 in ARPA funds and $200,000 in REET to the Bremerton Housing Authority for a hybrid homeless shelter; funds must be obligated by year‑end and can be used for eligible costs through 2026.
BREMERTON — Bremerton City Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement (ILA) on Dec. 18 to obligate $1,300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds and $200,000 in real‑estate excise tax to support a hybrid homeless shelter project operated by the Bremerton Housing Authority (BHA).
Financial Services Director Mike Reilly told council staff had identified unobligated but budgeted ARPA funds from the 2024 budget year; the ILA will obligate those funds so the city meets federal timing requirements and can reimburse eligible shelter costs. Reilly said the agreement runs through the end of 2026 to ensure the city can expend the funds on eligible activities.
Councilor Coughlin moved the ILA and emphasized the need to obligate funds before year‑end to keep the project moving. Jill Stanton (BHA) said staff are keeping site details confidential while they firm up plans and are pursuing pallet‑shelter pricing as 1 element of a hybrid model. Reilly clarified that a site location is not required to obligate funds; once BHA incurs eligible expenses (site purchase, pallet houses, design, operations), BHA may request reimbursement under the ILA.
Councilors praised the housing task force and expressed support for moving funds to shelter operations. A roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval.
The ILA gives the city authority to reimburse BHA for eligible expenses through the agreement term; BHA and city staff said additional project details (site selection and operational plans) will be provided as they are finalized in 2025.
