Legislators Jonathan Heppner and Kenneth Ronk offer the following:

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Treasury has notified Ulster County that funding for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is available in the amount of $34,491,474.00; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the ARPA is to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control; and

WHEREAS, the ARPA further seeks to replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs; and

WHEREAS, the ARPA also seeks to support immediate economic stabilization

for households and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the ARPA seeks to address systemic public health and economic

challenges that have contributed to the unequal impact of the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature believes this once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity to build a pathway toward equitable recovery with long-term benefits for health and economic outcomes deserves careful investigation, vetting and oversight; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee is hereby established; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee shall be dedicated to the investment and allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds utilized to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery; and shall be responsible for reviewing any and all proposals related to the expenditure of ARPA funds prior to forwarding to any Standing Committees of jurisdiction; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the membership of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee shall be comprised of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the Chair of the Legislature; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee shall have all the powers and duties of a Standing Committee; and, be it further 

RESOLVED, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee shall be dissolved three years from the date of establishment or once all ARPA funds have been expended; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the County Executive may appoint staff from the Executive branch of government to assist the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Committee in its work,

and move its adoption.                                                                 

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                     NOES:         

Passed Committee: Committee of the Whole on______________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

NONE