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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ARPA SMART COMMUNITIES PROGRAM INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, the federal government authorized the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) which includes $1.9 trillion in federal stimulus funds to hasten the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, specifically, the federal government has authorized and allocated a federal award of approximately $1,000,372,385B of ARPA funding to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2021, the Cook County American Rescue Plan Act Framework (the “ARPA Framework”) was presented to the Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners via Resolution 21-3654 accepted the ARPA federal award allocated to Cook County to assist the County in its recovery from the economic and health effects of COVID-19 in the amount of approximately $1,000,372,385.00; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 21-3654 further authorized the Cook County Budget Director and Comptroller to create and implement a Special Purpose Fund for the ARPA award and other accounting measures to track the acceptance and spending of the federal award; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorized the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Director, Chief Procurement Officer and applicable using agencies to issue grants, contracts and agreements for ARPA programs approved via Resolution22-0637; and
WHEREAS, the County’s Policy Roadmap, Smart Communities Pillar seeks to provide an innovative infrastructure that will change how we live, work, and connect by providing safe and secure internet connectivity among its residents and investing in digital equity; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Authority of Cook County (“HACC”) has extensive experience and expertise in providing housing to residents in need and adhering to federal and state regulations; and
WHEREAS, residents of HACC properties often face barriers to access the internet because of limited income and the costly burden of additional monthly utilities; and
WHEREAS, to further the Policy Roadmap Goal, the County has allocated approximately $2,000,000.00 of the ARPA Funds for the purpose of expanding broadband access to HACC properties; and
WHEREAS, Resolution22-0637 provided that any grants issued regarding ARPA programs in an amount over $1M shall require the approval of the Cook County Board of Commissioners;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County to enter into a Subrecipient Agreement with the Housing Authority of Cook County to utilize ARPA funding for multiyear terms through Fiscal Year 2026, subject to annual appropriation by the Board, in an aggregate amount of up to $2,000,000.00 to provide broadband internet capabilities to affordable housing projects owned and managed by HACC.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the properties owned and managed by HACC in need of access to reliable, safe and high-speed internet include: Albert Goedke House, Armond King Apartments, Brown Apartments, Franklin Tower, Golden Towers, Henrich House, Huntington Homes, Juniper Homes, Perlman Homes, Richard Flowers community Center, Summit Homes, Sunrise Maintenance & Management Building, Turlington Apartments, Vera Yates Homes, Walchirk Homes, and Wheeling Homes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Director of Digital Equity-Office of the President at Cook County Government or its designee to modify the agreement and funding allocation to the Subrecipient based upon need and utilization.
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