BOULDER CITY – City Council unanimously approved an updated spending plan for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to Boulder City during its regular meeting Tuesday. Wastewater capital improvement projects, converting raw water at parks for conservation, and building a satellite facility for the fire department to improve response times are some of the major items approved. The City of Boulder City’s total allocation of ARPA funding is $21,773,790.
While $11.7 million must be spent on COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, to provide grants to agencies that provide essential services, for government services, or to make necessary investments in infrastructure (i.e. water, sewer), the remaining $10 million may be spent in any way under the streamlined revenue loss provision. City Council had committed $8,370,374 in ARPA funds towards qualifying projects and uses to date.
The City created an email account at ARPA@bcnv.org to receive ideas and developed an online survey that included options presented to Council in February 2022. The survey opened March 2 and was promoted heavily on the website, via social media, on BCTV, in utility bills and more from March through May 2022. The City received more than 230 responses. The City also held an interactive town hall discussion on May 17, 2022 to gain further public feedback.
Surveys, emails and input from the meeting showed residents were highly concerned about infrastructure and public safety. “We see the impacts of the drought up close every day in Boulder City, so we know that water conservation is very important to our residents,” said City Manager Taylour Tedder. “Investment in equipment for Police, mental health and drug court programs, and a new substation for the Fire Department also received great support.”
Water conservation will be achieved at specific City facilities through the City Facilities Upgrades item, however, designation of remaining ARPA funds will come before the Council toward potential irrigation rehabilitation at Boulder City Municipal Golf Course after cost estimates and coordination have taken place.
Funding will also be used to assist local organizations such as Emergency Aid of Boulder City, the Senior Center, Lend a Hand and support for schools. Funding was also allocated for improvements in parks (such as signage and seating) and building additional pickleball courts. Read the itemized funding on page two here.
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