Last Monday, the Las Cruces City Council was briefed on using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a stimulus bill aimed at offsetting the economic hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. The session detailed the utilization and impact of approximately $24.8 million received by the city, as reported by the City's Director of Finance, Leeann DeMouche. According to the City of Las Cruces, the funds must meet obligations by December 31, while expenditure is allowed until the end of the following year.
By June 30, DeMouche pointed out that Las Cruces had already used or earmarked 82 percent of the ARPA money. With a remaining balance of close to $4.4 million still to be assigned, the city aims to direct these resources toward furthering recovery efforts. As stated in the city's financial update, significant sums have been dedicated to infrastructure improvements, including a $2.2 million project for Casa Linda Acres, which is expected to break ground in November.
The ARPA funding has been distributed across several key areas, with allocations including $2 million for public health and safety, which is 81 percent spent or obligated, and nearly $1 million for the tourism agency, Visit Las Cruces, at 89 percent usage. Additionally, the city ensured full allocation of premium pay warrants totaling $958,500 to the deserved. Notably, only 34 percent of the allocated $3.5 million for water and sewer initiatives has been used, indicating potential upcoming projects, while capital improvements have seen a near-complete obligation at 97 percent.
Furthermore, more than $9.5 million of ARPA funding was entrusted to local non-profits, bolstering the city's communal healing in the aftershock of the pandemic, most having utilized their full share. Detailed breakdowns and records of ARPA expenditures are accessible to the public via the city's official website. In reflection of the nationwide scope of the recovery, ARPA, signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, represents a federal commitment of $1.9 trillion to mend the torn fabric of the country's economy.
Looking ahead, the Las Cruces City Council schedules its next regular session for September 16, promising continued transparency over the allocation and use of ARPA funds. Meetings are openly broadcasted for citizens on the City's YouTube channel, as the Council perseveres to navigate the landscape of post-pandemic restoration with such federal assistance as their financial compass.
