Welcome to the Friday Update from the Federal Funding Hub!
This message shares news and resources so that our region can make the most of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other federal funding.
News from MSP Cities
Minneapolis: Minneapolis approved rolling over American Rescue Plan Act funds from 2021 to 2022 for items that were delayed or not completed during the 2021 budget year for several operating departments.
St. Paul:
The City Council authorized moving $4 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding to launch a lead pipe replacement fund.
The city accepts $3.75 million in grant funding toward hiring new SPPD officers, matched by ARPA dollars.
The city has approved $4.5 million dollars of ARPA funding for the Tourism Recovery Support Program. Applications are due by Monday, March 28, 2022, at 5 p.m.
News from MSP Counties
Washington County: The Board of Commissioners agreed to update the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to support additional internet broadband access in county communities and assist small businesses.
Dakota County: Dakota County Consortium's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP) is using American Rescue Plan dollars to create affordable housing programs and Non-Congregate Shelters.
Hennepin County: Elevate Business HC offers Hennepin County businesses no-cost business support designed to help businesses at any stage grow and thrive funding through ARPA dollars.
Minnesota News
Local Food Banks: Minnesota food shelves and meal programs are getting $4.2 millon from ARPA, and state food banks will get $4.3 million in pandemic aid funds in May.
Governor's Council on Economic Expansion: The Council will meet March 28th to understand strategies around holistic investments in current and future workers, including BIPOC entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, and how to remove systemic barriers to create a just and fair society that supports all to participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.
Minnesota House of Representatives: Economic development panel approves bill to extend broadband internet service to hard-to-reach households using ARPA funds.
National News
IIJA Grant Programs: States and localities will be able to apply for three major infrastructure grant programs totaling $2.9 billon through a simplified process using one application.
EDA grants: All EDA applicants must complete all existing applications in open workspaces by 10:59 pm CT on 3/31 to avoid losing progress on applications.
Affordable Housing: City officials are tapping American Rescue Plan Act dollars to expand affordable housing and reduce homelessness, challenges that predate Covid-19 but that were also heightened by it.
Upcoming Webinars
Community Engagement: On Thursday, March 31, from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. CT, join a live National League of Cities webinar on Investing in Community Engagement using ARPA dollars to invest in long-term recovery.
Reentry and Housing: This webinar on April 20, 2022, 11:00 pm – 12:15 p.m. CT will focus on Secretary Fudge’s guidance encouraging communities to prioritize people in reentry for the 70,000 ARP Emergency Housing Vouchers available nationwide.
Follow the Money: Join Commissioner Marion Greene from Hennepin County at a Route Fifty webinar on April 12th at 12-1 pm CT. Register here.
Resources
NACO: An analysis of Treasury Department’s Final Rule for the American Rescue Plan Act .
National League of Cities: A Local Leader’s Guide to Talking About the American Rescue Plan Act.
Please reach out with questions and ideas regarding federal funding in our region. Also let me know if you have any news or resources you’d like us to share.
Allison
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