City officials discussed how North Augusta can prepare to receive its portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funds at the North Augusta City Council study session Monday, July 12.
“We set up a separate bank account within city finances to receive ARPA funds,” said Jim Clifford, city administrator. “That will be an ability for the city council and citizens to have an accountability track of where that money goes and what those expenditures are.”
MORE: North Augusta City Council Study Session Sheds Light on City’s Future
Originally, it was anticipated the city would receive $8.9 million, but Clifford said it now looks like it will be getting $11 million.
Clifford said the city cannot spend the money on roads and bridges infrastructure, but the funds can be used for water, utilities, storm water and broadband projects.
He said the funds can also be used for revenue replacement.
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“For example, they will compare what your pre-coronavirus year was in hospitality or accommodation tax, see what it looked like in the following year from coronavirus, see that you took a hit, and you can use ARPA funding to pay the difference,” Clifford said.
Clifford said officials do not anticipate receiving the funds until the end of this year or early next year.
Council will vote on the plan at the next regular meeting on July 19.
The administrator also provided an update on the construction of fire station one. He said part of the concrete pouring is completed and they are waiting on a piece of equipment to do the remaining part. Clifford remains confident the new station will be ready by summer 2022.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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