ARPA Public Hearing February 13, 2023

Agenda posted January 31, 2023 9:04 AM

2023 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-     Public Hearing

Monday February 13, 2023

5:30 p.m.

Holyoke Council on Aging-   291 Pine Street, Holyoke

The public is invited to join Mayor Joshua Garcia, representatives of HRIA and other City Officials to:

• Hear about the status of ARPA-funded projects funded with an opportunity to ask questions.

• Learn about the results of the Community Survey, Business Survey and other community outreach efforts to guide the next awards.

• Share ideas and thoughts on what is needed for COVID-19 recovery in Holyoke.

• Discuss ARPA funding values and priorities for Holyoke. How should the next investments be made?

Refreshments, Spanish translation services and a children’s activity space will be available.

Additional language and accessibility available upon request at least seven days prior to the public hearing.

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The United States Treasury Department awarded $29,894,310.00 to the City of Holyoke in two tranches to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address economic fallout, and provide a basis for a strong and equitable recovery.  Funds may be used in five key areas: support public health recovery and services; address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency; replace lost public sector revenue; provide premium pay for essential workers; and make investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.  Funds must be used to address the negative economic impacts of COVID-19, aid households negatively economically impacted by COVID-19 and primarily in Qualified Census Tracts (QCT’s).   An additional $3.85 million was allocated to the City of Holyoke by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (in lieu of County governments) on behalf of the US Treasury. Like other CLFRF payments, this represents the first of two tranches with the first (50 percent) distributed now and the second (50 percent) distributed not less than 12 months after the first payment is made.   More information available at www.holyoke.org.

This public hearing is being held in conjunction with the FY2023 HUD Annual Plan Development schedule. A brief overview of the FY2023 HUD Annual Plan will also be provided.