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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The American Rescue Plan Act is sending millions of dollars to Lake County to help communities that continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1.9 trillion economic stimulus legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March.
On Wednesday, Congressman Mike Thompson, whose Fifth Congressional District includes half of Lake County, including Lakeport, was in town to present ceremonial checks to city and county officials.
Lake County’s total allocation under the act, also known as ARPA, is $12,506,226, said Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein.
“The Board of Supervisors and county leaders are very grateful to Congressman Thompson for his strong advocacy on behalf of our county, and very much appreciate the congressman and his staff making a point to present our ceremonial check in person, yesterday,” Rothstein said Thursday.
The city of Lakeport will receive $1.2 million, said City Manager Kevin Ingram.
Ingram said the city hasn’t gotten any of the money yet.
“As a nonentitlement community we will be receiving our money in two tranches,” said Ingram.
“Tranche” is the term the federal government has used for the allocations.
He said the first installment should be allocated to the city by the end of this month.
Ingram said that on Thursday the city submitted its paperwork to the state to receive the allocations.
The city of Clearlake, which is in Congressman John Garamendi’s Third District, will receive an allocation of $3,652,191, said City Manager Alan Flora.
“It sounds like we will get the first 50% of the money in early July and the remaining 50% next June,” Flora said.
Flora didn’t report what the city plans to do with the funds.
As for Lakeport, Ingram said they are waiting for the final rules from the U.S. Treasury on how the money can be used. Those rules are expected to be issued on Aug. 15.
He said a plan will be brought to the Lakeport City Council for public input and approval in September.
Referencing comments made by County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson and Auditor-Controller/County Clerk Cathy Saderlund at the county’s Wednesday budget hearings, Rothstein said the planning process is underway for the county’s ARPA spending plan, and a plan is expected to be finalized soon.
Saderlund also reported Wednesday that the county has received its first installment of the ARPA funds, with the second installment of more than $6 million expected in May of 2022.
“Our full complement of federal and state representatives have been important and invaluable partners, as we have navigated challenges and new demands brought by the pandemic,” Rothstein said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at elarson@lakeconews.com. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.