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City of Flint still seeking input from residents on how to use ARPA dollars

Written by Tanya Terry

The City of Flint has been inviting city residents, as well as city property or business owners to provide input in order to help the City prioritize spending of the $94.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding received.

The first tranche of $47.3 million was received in July 2021. The second half is expected to be received in July 2022. These funds must be obligated by December 2024 and spent by December 2026.

Both Mayor Sheldon Neeley and the Flint City Council scheduled meetings throughout the city to hear how city residents and others affiliated with Flint want to spend the money. A meeting is scheduled for noon March 19 at Neithercut Elementary School. The school is located at 2010 Crestbrook Lane.

At both Neeley’s and the Flint City Council’s meetings, similar concerns have been expressed. Many residents said the money should be used to reduce crime and blight. Other residents strongly suggested the money be used to expand existing programs they felt were already benefitting the community. Some also asked the money be used to fund newer ideas, such as a free laundromat on the north side of Flint for those who lack transportation and other resources.

A passionate Flint resident expresses the need for the city to invest in crime and blight rather than programs at a Flint Community Meeting on ARPA spending.

The funds must be used in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act. ARPA funds can be used to respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, bring back jobs, provide premium pay to essential workers, make up for lost revenue or invest in water, sewer or high-speed interest infrastructure, according to Michigan.org.

For those who prefer or are unable to make meetings, input can be provided through an anonymous eight question survey.

Mayor Neeley has outlined five potential priority areas: economic development & blight elimination, safety & crime prevention, homeowners, infrastructure and public health.

On the survey, individuals are asked to rank these areas in order of their importance to them, as well as recommend specific items if possible.

The survey will close March 31, 2022, and is available at https://www.cityofflint.com/.

This hard copy version of this survey is available at Town Hall meetings, and survey takers are asked to return this survey by the conclusion of the meeting.

The survey has been updated since a compliance firm is now in place.

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