ARPA Funds

The Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides direct allocations to local governments. Orange County is designated to receive approximately $28.8 million. The first drawdown of approximately $14.4 million was approved by the Board of Commissioners through a budget amendment on June 1, 2021. The second drawdown was approved Dec. 14, 2021.

ARPA funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and must be fully expended by Dec. 31, 2026. ARPA funds are intended to broadly address the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, government agencies, organizations and small businesses. Funds can be used to:

  • Address Negative Economic Impacts
  • Support the Public Health Response to COVID-19
  • Provide Premium Pay for Essential Workers
  • Improve Water and Sewer Infrastructure
  • Improve Broadband Infrastructure

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will ultimately determine how the county spends its funds.

ARPA Funding Status Update

  • Total Award: $28,839,722
  • Total Approved in Round 1 (June 15, 2021): $8,283,869*
  • Total Approved in Round 2 (Dec. 14, 2021): $3,345,793
  • Total Approved in Round 3 (June 21, 2022) $12,759,162
  • Total Remaining to be Distributed: $4,450,898

*$4,182,392 in previously approved projects were replaced with general fund support after new guidance from the Treasury Department deemed them ineligible or that reporting requirements would cause an undue burden on our local partners. These projects include Outside Agency funding, Visitor's Bureau revenue replacement, Sportsplex revenue replacement, and some Information Technologies projects.

Round 1 ARPA Allocations

Projects funded by round 1 allocations from Orange County's ARPA allotment as approved by the BOCC on June 15, 2021.
Department Project Amount
Department on Aging Senior Lunch Program $119,229
Asset Management Services Replacement Temporary Facility Modifications $51,136
County Manager Restart the Arts $100,000
County Manager Arts Commission Aid to Impacted Industries $16,000
Criminal Justice Resource Department ARPA Grant Compliance Position $38,751
CJRD & Housing and Community Development Street Outreach, Harm Reduction, and Deflection $160,000
Economic Development Tourism and Hospitality Recovery $150,000
Durham Tech CC Small Business Center $70,000
Housing and Community Development Affordable Housing - Home Repairs $120,000
Housing and Community Development Emergency Housing Assistance and Coordinator $1,926,357
Housing and Community Development Housing Locator $28,810
Housing and Community Development Eviction Diversion $167,046
Human Rights & Relations Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) Youth Program $46,540
Human Rights & Relations Language Access Services $15,000
Information Technologies Broadband Infrastructure Design and Implementation $5,000,000
Tax Administration/Housing and Community Development Longtime Homeowners Assistance Program $250,000
Department of Social Services Youth Enhancement Fund $25,000
Total allocated   $8,283,869

Round 2 ARPA Allocations

Projects funded by round 2 allocations from Orange County's ARPA allotment as approved by the BOCC on Dec. 14, 2021.
Department Project Amount
Asset Management/Sheriff Install Point Ionization equipment in new detention center $68,800
Economic Devel. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery $150,000
Emergency Services County First Responder Behavioral Health Program $45,000
Emergency Services Powered Air Purifying Respirators ( PAPRS) $124,000
Finance Contract ARPA Coordinator $68,886
Housing Direct EHA Program Expenditures $2,700,000
Housing Housing Helpline Coordinated Entry Specialist $32,202
Housing Landlord Incentive Program $55,000
IT, Tax & Housing Software to administer the LHAP $8,905
Social Services Food and costs to support distribution and storage $60,000
Social Services Stabilization Program for Former Foster Youth $10,000
Social Services Support for Low Income Families $25,000
Total allocated   $3,345,793

Round 3 ARPA Allocations

Projects funded by round 3 allocations from Orange County's ARPA allotment as approved by the BOCC on June 21, 2022
Department Project Amount
Criminal Justice Resource Department CJRD Diversion Conference $11,000
CJRD/Housing Street Outreach, Harm Reduction, and Deflection (SOHRAD) $119,922
Department of Social Services Countywide Food Distribution and Storage $46,550
Department of Social Services Childcare Support Parent Fees $540,000
Fire Districts P25 Phase II Compliant Radio Replacement $2,562,300
Housing Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA), EHA Temporary Staff, and Coordinator $4,201,041
Housing Housing Helpline Coordinated Entry Specialist $205,090
Housing Housing Locator $36,895
Housing Landlord Incentive Program $20,000
Information Technologies Broadband Infrastructure Design and Implementation $5,000,000
Tax/Housing Long Time Homeowner Assistance Program $16,364
Total allocated   $12,759,162

BOCC Agenda Items