American Recovery & Reinvestment Act
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or ARRA, was signed into law by President Obama on February 17. The Act contains $288 billion in tax cuts, $144 billion in revenue sharing to states, and $357 billion in spending in the areas of infrastructure, health care, housing, energy, scientific research, and more.
Anchorage will receive a significant influx of Recovery Act funding, and Acting Mayor Matt Claman is working to ensure that:
- Our community receives the maximum benefit of the Act,
- Information regarding receipt and use of Recovery Act funds is publicly available, and
- Recovery Act funding is utilized to maximize job creation.
Through this site, you can read the Recovery Act, access state and federal resources related to the Act, learn about projects in Anchorage made possible by the Act, and submit your feedback to the Mayor.
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May 22, 2009 Public Notice
The Municipality of Anchorage and the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Commission are proposing a fifth amendment to the 2008 Housing and Community Development Action Plan, which allocates the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding as appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Municipality of Anchorage, Department of Neighborhoods will be receiving $507,812. This funding must be used to serve low to moderate income persons and has an emphasis on job creation and energy improvements. The Department of Neighborhoods and Housing and Neighborhood Development Commission are proposing that $457,031 be used for improvements to Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis building located at 100 W. 13th Avenue. The funding will be used for hard and soft construction costs for health and safety and energy improvements. The Department of Neighborhoods is proposing to take $50,781 in administration and community planning funding. Click here to read the full public notice and substantial amendment.
Written comments must be received by 4:00 pm on May 31st and will be accepted by fax, email, mail or delivery to the following location:
Mail: Department of Neighborhoods
Municipality of Anchorage
PO Box 196650
Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
Fax: 343-6831
Email: oneillcl@muni.org
Hand Delivery: 557 Fireweed Lane, Suite D
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April 24, 2009
The Municipality has identified specific projects that will be funded with Recovery Act energy efficiency block grant money, including building and lighting efficiency projects that will reduce operating expenses for taxpayers. Estimates indicate a likely savings of $3 to $5 for every Recovery Act dollar spent on efficiency projects.
Specific projects include energy efficient lighting for streets, trails, parking garages and parking lots, and some major public facilities. In addition, city officials are planning a heating and insulation retrofit at the Central Transfer Station, where energy bills can reach up to $20,000 in a single month.
The Municipality expects to save more than $7.5 million dollars in lower energy bills over the life of these ARRA-funded projects and reduce total energy use by 60 million kilowatt hours.
The U.S. Department of Energy previously announced a formula funding allocation of $2.7 million for the Municipality of Anchorage. The Municipality will submit its proposal by the June 25, 2009 deadline.
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April 7, 2009
In its first official competitive grant application for federal stimulus funds, Anchorage has applied for $2.5 million to restore a portion of Little Campbell Creek. The project would return fish passage to approximately nine miles of the creek. The project is consistent with the Little Campbell Creek Watershed Management Plan, would mitigate flooding potential, and includes replacement of a water diversion structure and six culverts. The grant application was filed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Program. If funding is awarded, construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2009 and be completed within 12 months. It would employ an estimated 26 engineering and construction professionals.
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April 3, 2009
The Municipality Of Anchorage and its Community Partners propose to use of these one-time Homelessness Prevention funds, made available by the Recovery Act, in a strategic way to help Anchorage individuals and families successfully break the cycle of homelessness. This initiative is built on proven models with significant success in achieving long-term change for families and individuals in the Anchorage community. Read the community’s and muncipality’s joint proposal here. Read the Municipality’s application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development as a substantial amendment to the Muncipality of Anchorage’s 2008 Housing and Community Development Action Plan here. Notice of public hearing is available here.
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March 27, 2009
The Department of Energy this week announced $3.2 billion dollars in energy efficiency block grants to support jobs, cut energy bills, and increase energy independence. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), provides formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and improve energy efficiency.
Anchoragewill receive $2.7 million, its share of approximately $4.5 million being disbursed directly to cities and boroughs in the state. An additional $9.5 million will go to the State of Alaska if the state accepts it.
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March 23, 2009
The Housing and Neighborhood Development Commission in conjunction with the Municipality of Anchorage Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Health and Human Services will be holding a Public Hearing on March 27th at 4:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room located at 632 W. 6th Ave, 8th Floor Room 830.
The Municipality of Anchorage and the Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Commission are hosting an opportunity to hear citizen views and proposals for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program funding as allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
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March 20, 2009
- Governor Palin declined to accept $288 million of federal stimulus funding available to Alaska. She is accepting $642.7 million for transportation, infrastructure and Medicaid. The federal act allows the state legislature to accept the funds through a joint concurrent resolution. The legislature has until April 3 to pass the resolution.
- If the legislature fails to pass the resolution, and the Governor’s rejection stands, Alaska would lose approximately:
- $74.3 million for economically disadvantaged schools and children with disabilities (including $26 million for ASD)
- $93 million for education under the fiscal stabilization fund
- $7.2 million in statewide public safety programs, including programs for victims of domestic violence and law enforcement support
- $28.6 million in state energy program
- $18.5 million in weatherization program
- $8.5 million in energy conservation program
- $1.6 million in funds for COBRA benefits and violent crimes compensation funding
- $17.2 million in vocational rehabilitation, trade adjustment assistance and independent living
- $9.9 million for child care and infant learning, nutrition, immunizations, senior meals
- $0.6 million for child support enforcement
- Regardless, Anchorage still expects to receive:
- $776,000 in HUD funding for homelessness prevention
- $2.7 million in justice assistance grants
- $437,000 to combat internet crimes against children
- $6 million transit funds for People Mover
- $18.95 million to AMATS through Surface Transportation Formula Funding
- Any competitive grants to non-government entities applying directly to revenue sources.
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March 19, 2009
Acting Mayor Matt Claman released the following statement regarding Governor Palin’s decision to turn away federal stimulus dollars:
“I am disappointed in Governor Palin’s decision to turn down funding that would create jobs in our community and help maintain critical services. Her rationale is like turning down a gift card because it expires in two years.
“To reject funds for public safety, special education and Title 1 schools is truly confounding to me. To argue that we might not be able to sustain the funding in later years ignores the fact that Alaskans must deal with that situation already, because of the plunge in oil prices.
“From a statewide perspective, rejecting 45 percent of the estimated $930 million coming to Alaska will reach into even the smallest and most remote Alaska village.
“I urge Anchorage residents to voice their support to their legislative representatives as well as to Governor Palin. As the nation suffers from the current economic downturn, it’s important that as a city, we continue to take measures to ensure our stability.”
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March 18, 2009
New sources of ARRA information for Anchorage nonprofits - The Foraker Group and Rasmuson Foundation both have web pages full of useful Recovery Act information for nonprofits. The Mayor's Office has also prepared a tip sheet for nonprofits.
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March 13, 2009
Department of Justice today announced the Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, or Sexual Assault application has been made available. Intent to apply is due March 24, full grant application is due April 8, 2009. Please see the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
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March 12, 2009
Acting Mayor Matt Claman addresses a question from the crowd during the non-profit forum on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act sponsored by the Mayor's Office and The Foraker Group. Also pictured, from left to right: Randy Virgin with the Municipality of Anchorage Office of Economic and Community Development, Schawna Thoma with the Office of US Senator Begich and Sherry Edwards with the Office of US Senator Murkowski. Larry Persily, legislative aide to State Reprentative Hawker, presented by telephone, his PowerPoint What's in it for us?, is available here.
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March 11, 2009
Due to a great response to our invitation, the location of the Mayor’s Office and Foraker Group Forum on the Recovery Act for nonprofits has been changed.
The forum will now be a brown-bag event held at the Wilda Marston Theatre at Loussac Library.
What: Nonprofit Forum on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
When: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2009
Where: Wilda Marston Theatre, Loussac Library
This event is focused on providing information to the non-profit community in Anchorage. Please contact Marge Larson with questions.
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March 3, 2009
Acting Mayor Matt Claman announced the Anchorage Police Department will receive $2.7 million in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant formula funding. This funding is tentatively set to be spent rebuilding and upgrading information technology infrastructure including the APD Mobile Data Terminal System and Secure Wireless Network.
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March 3, 2009
The office of Senator Mark Begich has created a useful guide to the competitive grant programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Please download the Adobe Acrobat file here.
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February 26, 2009
Acting Mayor Matt Claman today announced the second round of local impacts of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $3,467,115 in grants to Alaska organizations to offer homeless individuals and families a wide range of housing and support services.
"This funding comes following the transportation funding annouced earlier this week from the national stimulus package and will have direct impacts for Anchorage," Claman said. "Our team is committed to providing the greatest positive impact possible to our local economy."
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February 24, 2009
Employees at the Municipality have been working hard to ensure Anchorage is poised to take full advantage of funding opportunities presented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Shovel ready projects and programs have been identified and requests for funding will be made as soon as federal agencies finalize their respective funding processes. The Municipality of Anchorage expects to receive funding ranging from road and transit improvements to homelessness prevention and police technology upgrades.
The total funding estimated to come to the State of Alaska is $844 million.
President Obama launched a website with continuously updated information on where the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is going. The money, which is being distributed by federal agencies, will be traceable by the public by state, congressional districts and federal contractors. For more information, visit http://www.recovery.gov/.