The City of Lancaster has begun an engagement process regarding $39.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding with the launch of a project on the Engage Lancaster website. The public can learn more about ARPA funds and give feedback on what is most important to them at http://www.engage.cityoflancasterpa.com/en/projects/american-rescue-plan.
The first phase of community feedback through Engage Lancaster will remain open through Saturday, Oct. 30. Throughout this phase, city staff will do outreach at existing events like block parties, neighborhood group meetings, and First Friday, alongside traditional and digital engagement. A full list of events will be available on Engage Lancaster.
The mayor's administration, along with city council, will prioritize investments based on research, public input, and ranking criteria. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback online and attend council meetings to share input in person.
Based on initial guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, ARPA funds can be used in a few main ways: responding to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts, replacing lost municipal revenue, and water and sewer infrastructure and broadband investments. Funds need to be committed by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. Funding decisions will not be made all at once.
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