Norwalk finalizes plans for $28 million stimulus
NORWALK – The Norwalk City Council on Tuesday approved a $28 million American Rescue Plan Act allocation plan with the city’s goal of “providing high quality customer service to the community as a priority.”
On March 10, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Act will provide a $1.9 trillion stimulus to the United States economy, with Norwalk receiving $28 million in two equal installments of $14 million.
The first allocation was already received this year and the second will be received in May 2022.
On July 26, Norwalk officials presented preliminary recommendations to the City Council’s fiscal ad-hoc committee. The committee adjusted the list of recommendations for funding allocation to prioritize infrastructure and other capital investments that would maximize long-term benefits to the community.
Then on Aug. 3, city staff presented the amended draft recommendations to the City Council for feedback. The City Council recommended the removal of any potential redundancies with other programs already available to the community.
The U.S. Department of Treasury broke funding requirements into seven categories. Given these constraints, city staff evaluated all viable options for funding with input from professional associations including the Unites States Conference of Mayors, International City Management Association, and League of California Cities.
The city’s allocation plan aims to ensure that businesses thrive, everyone has access to basic needs, that the recovery lifts everyone and that the city makes long-term investments for its future.
Some of the funding recommendations include community health and crime reduction programs, small business and nonprofit assistance, promotion of healthier living environments, affordable housing funding, and funding for stormwater infrastructure, among other things.
“The ARPA funds will not only help us enhance our economic recovery and economic revitalization efforts, they will enable us to deliver enhanced services to improve public safety, infrastructure, technology and recreational programs,” said Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez. “We look forward to making these improvements a reality and building the foundation for a thriving, healthy community.”
Funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024 and expended by Dec. 31, 2026.
Residents interested in obtaining more information about the allocation plan can email publicaffairs@norwalkca.gov or call (562) 929-5319.