American Rescue Plan Act

The role of the American Rescue Plan Act Funds are intended to make large-scale, positive impacts in our community. These funds have often been referred to as "once in a lifetime ". 

The Town of Apex received a total of $16.7 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local governments. Of the $16.7 million dollars received by the Town of Apex, $5.2 million has been awarded from the US Treasury and $11.5 million as a beneficiary from the State of North Carolina.

Community Engagement and Project Selection 

Residents in Apex had five opportunities to share their ideas and opinions for how the Town should allocate ARPA funds, through surveys along with in-person and online listening sessions. Town departments were also asked to submit project proposals that met specific criteria for ARPA funding. Town administration then selected nine of the proposed twenty projects for recommendation to Town Council.

Town of Apex ARPA
Funding Breakdown

  • $16.7 million dollars total 
  • $5.2 million received from US Treasury 
  • $11.5 million received from NC State Budget 
  • 4 Eligible Use Categories 
  • By end of 2024 all funds must be obligated
  • By the end of 2026 all funds must be spent

Project Listing

The projects enabled through ARPA funding are in three categories: Infrastructure Development, Affordable Housing, and Nonprofit Support. The Town has allocated $11.2 million across four infrastructure projects, $4 million for two Affordable Housing projects, and $800,000 to support capital improvement projects for Non-Profits that benefit our community.

  • Downtown Improvements
  • Site Acquisition for Affordable Housing
  • Housing Transition for Displaced Communities 
  • COVID-19 / ARPA Support Staff 
  • Non-Profit Funding West Street Park and Baucom Sewer 
  • 1.5 MG Elevated Water Storage Tank 
  • Sunset Hills Pump Station

Timeline 

In accordance with the ARPA timeline, all ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026. In addition, the Town is required to make annual reports to the US Treasury by April 30th of each year beginning in 2022 and concluding in 2027. The Town of Apex expects to obligate and spend the $5.2 million of US Treasury ARPA funds by March 31, 2023, and to obligate the $11.5 million from the State by December 31, 2024 and expend by December 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is ARPA?

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law, and established the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which together make up the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (“SLFRF”) program. These funds are in response to the economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain impacts on their communities, residents, and businesses. Funding from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds is subject to the requirements specified in the Final Rule adopted by Treasury on January 6, 2022. 

How can ARPA money be spent? 

US Treasury identified 4 general buckets for approved uses of the SLFRF funds. These are replace lost public sector revenue, respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic, provide premium pay for essential workers, and invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. However, all ARPA funds must also follow North Carolina law for approved expenditures for Towns which limits some of the provisions allowed by the Federal Government. Both US Treasury Rules and NC State laws must be followed for all of the awarded funds. 

I heard Apex received ARPA money from both the US Treasury and the State budget, why? 

The US Treasury allocated $5.2 million in SLFRF funds to the Town of Apex. Other similar size communities received significantly more funds from the US Treasury. North Carolina elected state officials recognized the discrepancy and in response have allocated an additional $11.5 million to the Town of Apex to hold the Town harmless of the discrepancy between the Town of Apex and similar size communities within the State. The Town of Huntersville, NC was in a similar situation and received the same response from the State. 

What are the ineligible uses of ARPA funds? 

The Town of Apex can not use ARPA funds to offset a reduction in net tax revenue, make deposits into pension funds, pay for debt or replenish Town reserves, pay settlements and judgments, or for any use that undermine COVID-19 mitigation practices in line with CDC guidance and recommendations. 

Where can I read more about ARPA rules? 

The US Department of the Treasury website dedicated to explain the American Rescue Plan and the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program can be found at the website linked here. From this website you can also access the ARPA Final Rule, Overview of the Final Rule, and other resources.