The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Under ARPA, approximately $130 billion was allocated to Local Fiscal Recovery. Approximately $45 billion of that allocation will be distributed to municipalities. The city of Sterling Heights' ARPA allocation is $19.8 million received over a two-year period. The funds must be obligated by the end of calendar year 2024 and spent by the end of calendar year 2026. ARPA funds can be used in four broad categories: (a) In response to the public health emergency or its negative impacts; (b) For premium pay for essential workers; (c) For government services to the extent of lost revenue; and, (d) For investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. There are two prohibited uses: (a) ARPA funds cannot be used for contributions to any pension fund; or, (b) To pay down debt.
The ARPA Action Plan was approved by City Council on April 19, 2022 and includes the proposed projects to be funded. Please click on the picture to the right for a summary and current status of each project.