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ARPA FUNDS <br />Question or Suggestion on Use of ARPA Funds <br />ARPA <br />Eligible Reference <br />Is it possible to use funds for park projects?Possibly FAQ 2.18:There are multiple ways that investments in improving outdoor spaces could qualify as <br />eligible uses; several are highlighted below, though there may be other ways that a specific investment <br />in outdoor spaces would meet eligible use criteria. First, in recognition of the disproportionate <br />negative economic impacts on certain communities and populations, the Interim Final Rule identifies <br />certain types of services that are eligible uses when provided in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT), to <br />families and individuals living in QCTs, or when these services are provided by Tribal governments. <br />Recipients may also provide these services to other populations, households, or geographic areas <br />disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. These programs and services include services designed <br />to build stronger neighborhoods and communities and to address health disparities and the social <br />determinants of health. The Interim Final Rule provides a non-exhaustive list of eligible services to <br />respond to the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and recipients <br />may identify other uses of funds that do so, consistent with the Rule’s framework. For example, <br />investments in parks, public plazas, and other public outdoor recreation spaces may be responsive to <br />the needs of disproportionately impacted communities by promoting healthier living environments <br />and outdoor recreation and socialization to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Second, recipients may <br />provide assistance to small businesses in all communities. Assistance to small businesses could include <br />support to enhance outdoor spaces for COVID-19 mitigation (e.g., restaurant patios) or to improve the <br />built environment of the neighborhood (e.g., façade improvements). Third, many governments saw <br />significantly increased use of parks during the pandemic that resulted in damage or increased <br />maintenance needs. The Interim Final Rule recognizes that “decrease[s to] a state or local <br />government’s ability to effectively administer services” can constitute a negative economic impact of <br />the pandemic.