Help for Alaskan Local Governments
Acceptance
DCRA Process for Distributing ARPA Funds to Cities
Currently, DCRA is preparing to distribute Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to local governments per the U.S. Treasury guidance for smaller cities, typically those with a population less than 50,000, that will receive ARPA funds throughout the state. These cities are referred to as non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs) in the guidance found here: US Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for NEUs. With the passage of the budget, the state requested a 30-day extension anticipating the distribution of funds to NEUs beginning in late July. AML anticipates future extensions being requested. Each NEU will receive their individual Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recover Fund Agreement from DCRA.
To facilitate timely distribution, DCRA has posting the following documents for NEUs to complete and return as soon as possible to DCRA.ARPA@alaska.gov:
- NEU Resolution Accepting ARPA Funds
- Appendix A: Award Terms and Conditions Agreement
- Appendix B: NEU Financial Institution Information
- Appendix C: Agreed Terms
- Appendix D: Assurances of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Appendix E: Total NEU Budget Certificate
Once you have completed all the documents required by DCRA, you should receive your first distribution of funds. The second distribution should occur 12 months later, next year. You should receive as well a unique identifier from the State, which you’ll include in what you upload to SAM.gov, along with your signed Terms and Conditions, and Title VI Civil Rights Act compliance document.
Compliance
Local government funding through ARPA comes in a variety of forms, and there are some important things to know:
- ARPA Terms and Conditions Video
- Recipient Compliance and Reporting Guidance – July 13, 2021
- All expenditures, compliance and reporting is dictated by the Act itself and Treasury’s implementation
- Local governments (and tribes) will follow guidance outlined by Treasury
- This is a useful document, as well – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds FAQ’s – June 8,2021
- Total funds come half this year and half next
- All boroughs, plus the City of Fairbanks, received their funding directly from Treasury – reporting requirements are more substantial
- All other cities have to complete a process designed by the State’s DCCED to accept their allocation – annual reporting
- See this document for more information about city allocations: NEU – FAQs – June 7, 2021
- Communities within census areas (that aren’t boroughs) will receive a separate allocation through DCCED
All local governments are prime recipients, meaning the State has no responsibilities other than to distribute funds. The State’s process includes that in order to request payment, submit the following paperwork to DCRA.ARPA@alaska.gov:
- Resolution of the city council or borough assembly, accepting the funds.
- Your city/borough’s finalized budget as of January 27, 2020.
AML and partners have developed a number of tools that will be useful for local governments:
- Sample ARPA Conflict Resolution Policy – this is necessary to comply with the Terms and Conditions
- GFOA Revenue Calculator for Local Governments – For ARPA eligible use C: Decrease in revenue
- Federal Assurance Table – June 7, 2021
- NLC COVID 19 Pandemic Response & Relief / ARPA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions – June 1, 2021
- ARPA Framework for how to approach a planning process
Reporting
Update! The first reporting deadline for NEUs will be April 30, 2022 (instead of Oct 31, 2021).
Update! – States, Territories, and Cities/Counties must submit a Project and Expenditure Report by January 31, 2022 (instead of October 31, 2021).
Recipient Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities – U.S. Department of the Treasury
SLFRF_Treasury-Portal-Recipient-Reporting-User-Guide – August 17, 2021
AML ARPA Reporting Webinar – August 19, 2021
ARPA Reporting PPT – August 19, 2021
The Alaska Municipal League (AML) is offering to support local and tribal governments in their reporting and compliance needs. Please complete the following agreement and we’ll assist in ensuring successful implementation:
AML ARPA Service Agreement – Compliance Support Option, June 8, 2021
Separate from CSLFRF allocations, the following may be of interest to local governments
- Strengthening State and Local Economies in Partnership with Nonprofits -provides substantive guidance to governments and solutions for nonprofits seeking support from the American Rescue Plan Act funds – Updated October 2021
- Guiding Principles for Identifying Programs with Integrity – August 16, 2021
- Summary of the new payroll tax credits for local governments – Prepared March 24, 2021