County Council seeks to get the most “bang for our buck” with federal stimulus funds

May 11, 2009

Summary

Legislation seeks to capitalize on grant opportunities and ensure funds are well-spent

Story

The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) offers local governments the opportunity to apply for billions of dollars worth of federal grants. The Metropolitan King County Council today ensured that the County is poised to capitalize on those grant opportunities with passage of an ordinance ensuring transparency and accountability in the County’s management of ARRA funds.

“It’s imperative that King County puts federal stimulus funds to use in a way that will stimulate the economy and maximize the taxpayers’ investment,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, co-sponsor of the ordinance. “This legislation will allow King County to act quickly on opportunities to bring ARRA funds to King County, and it will ensure taxpayers are able to follow how the funds are being used to create jobs and make lasting improvements to our communities.”

The legislation calls on the Executive to designate a “Recovery Act Coordinator” who will be the County’s point of contact on all ARRA issues and track competitive grant opportunities. It also requires creation of a Web site and monthly progress report detailing the status of ARRA grants for which King County applies.

“Stimulus grants are available in areas critical to the citizens of King County, such as roads and bridges, environmental cleanup, energy efficiency, flood control measures, employment training, criminal justice, public health, affordable housing, and homelessness prevention,” said Phillips. “I intend to do all that I can to ensure King County receives our share of these important dollars and that they are spent in a way that improves people’s lives.”


Read the legislation