Mental and Behaviorial Health
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support the mental and behavioral health needs of Douglas County citizens. Douglas County anticipates allocating $9,060,800 to this priority over three years.
Funding Based on Population
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocates funding to governmental entities based on population. Counties and cities with over 50,000 inhabitants receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Cities with less than 50,000 residents receive allocations through their state government. Local funding total allocations to Douglas County jurisdictions include:
Timing of Funds – Douglas County received 50% of the funds in May of 2021 and will receive the other 50% in May of 2022. The County must commit the full ARPA allocation by 2024 and spend by the end of 2026.
Allowable Use of Funds – The American Rescue Plan Act and accompanying guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury define categories of eligible use:
Additional information on allowable uses can be found here.
ARPA Funding Investment Principles – The Board of Douglas County Commissioners has established the following ARPA Funding Investment Principles:
Development of Spending Plan – The Board of Douglas County Commissioners has established the following seven core ARPA investment priorities.
Priorities within the spending plan were developed based in part on public input and consultation with stakeholder groups including economic development organizations, service providers, and nonprofit entities. Several Townhall meetings (live and virtual) were held to further solicit input on several of the priority investment areas. These included a June 22nd town hall on homelessness, a June 8th town hall on broadband, and a May 5th town hall on mental health.
Douglas County also initiated a series of seven due diligence and stakeholder engagement meetings on water projects and the RWR proposal in particular.
Ongoing Reporting and Disclosure – Douglas County is committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with federal reporting requirements.
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support the mental and behavioral health needs of Douglas County citizens. Douglas County anticipates allocating $9,060,800 to this priority over three years.
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support broadband access for Douglas County citizens. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $8 M to this priority over the next several years to leverage additional state and local funding opportunities.
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support community and economic recovery in Douglas County. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $3.1 M to this priority.
ARPA allows a variety of investments in water and wastewater infrastructure in Douglas County. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $34.3 M to this priority.
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support unhoused persons. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $1.2 M to this priority.
ARPA allows a variety of expenditures to support persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $8 M to this priority.
Douglas County is evaluating the use of ARPA funds to address wildfire suppression and mitigation through two pilot programs. Douglas County anticipates allocating approximately $3.6 M to this priority.