What is ARRA

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, save and create millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression. With much at stake, the Act provides for unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability so that you will be able to know how, when, and where your tax dollars are being spent. Spearheaded by a new Recovery Board, this Act contains built-in measures to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending.

This Agency has been fortunate in receiving almost $ million in ARRA funding over the next 2 years. With these funds we plan on expanding employment opportunities, conduct on the job training, purchase needed supplies and equipment from local vendors, make community grants available, expand our safety net services, and improve our infrastructure to serve you better. Below is some guidance on how the ARRA funds are to be used.

AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

Guidance on use of ARRA funds

PURPOSES:

1. Immediately infuse cash into the economy to financially stabilize business, government and private sectors; increase productivity and provide an environment leading to economic growth for all;

2. Help low income people to navigate/survive the crisis with a minimum of pain and suffering.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1. ARRA Funds for are W.I.C., CDBG, Community Services Block Grant, and Weatherization Assistance Program (Department of Energy)
2. Funding is temporary, not to exceed the ARRA time limits (to be determined probably 2 years).
3. Activities are temporary and will end when funding ends (to be determined).
4. Funds cannot be hoarded, saved or banked for the future.
5. There are/will be no matching funds available.
6. Activities should immediately contribute to the accomplishment of priorities and goals. (i.e. infrastructure, partnerships, jobs)
7. Purchases and equipment acquisition will be allowed to the extent it reasonably supports a priority activity. However, such purchases should not be the major use of ARRA funds.
8. Buy American and use local vendors.
9. Separate ARRA reporting will be required (to be determined).
10. Respond quickly; have clear and achievable outcomes; ensure accountability.

PRIORITIES:

1. Jobs
   A. Immediate creation of new jobs
   B. Preservation of jobs that will otherwise be lost
2. Services ( Client eligibility is income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
   A. Emergency (Safety Net) services helping people with crisis needs (Could be barriers to getting jobs).
   B. Stabilization services allowing people to reduce debt and control expenditures (may be mortgage and rental assistance monies).

LOCAL STRATEGIES:

1. Temporarily (up to 2 years) create positions to address all reasonable service and support gaps (and crisis related response needs) in the agency. (Housing!)
2. Determine ways to support the (private non profit sector) social service infrastructure in County consistent with priorities.
   A. Outstation CAP Staff at other service organizations & sites
   B. Subcontract ARRA funds with non profit service organizations (RFP�s).