The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created new Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support state and local governments

The city of Washougal is seeking input from residents on the best use of $4.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created new Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support state and local governments. Funding was allocated to communities based on population size. Learn more about ARPA with this fact sheet.

Cities can use ARPA funds to:

• Support public health expenditures;
• Address the negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency;
• Replace lost public sector revenue;
• Provide premium pay for essential workers; and
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

City officials assessed community needs, sought guidance from department leaders, and identified areas that would make a long-lasting impact on Washougal. The Council’s Public Works Committee prioritized five projects after reviewing this information.

The 5 projects are:

1. 32nd Street Underpass Complete Design and Permitting
2. 32nd Street Safety Improvements & Treatments – Q to Addy Street
3. Washougal Civic Recreation Complex
4. Schmid Family Park
5. Biosolids Handling Facility/Anoxic Selector/Lagoon Decommission

To solicit public input, the city has created a website that details the 5 projects up for funding consideration from its $4.5 million ARPA allocation. A survey at the end that asks residents to rank each project in order of priority. Results will inform which projects receive funding, which may be distributed across multiple projects or concentrated to one area.

The site can be accessed at https://cityofwashougal.us/ARPA.

Information provided by city of Washougal.