Board reallocates unspent ARPA interest to water and food assistance

The board adopted Board Bill 43 as amended in committee to reallocate unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest and related funds to water infrastructure replacement and to emergency food assistance.

Sponsor (the alderwoman from the 1st) explained the bill’s purpose on the floor and corrected a previous floor error about a redlined amount: the bill reallocates ARPA interest funds in line with Treasury guidance and directs funding to the water division and the Department of Human Services for food assistance.

The motion to third‑read and finally pass Board Bill 43 carried on the floor (roll call recorded 12 yes, 1 no, 2 present).

What’s next: departments will use the reallocated funds for water infrastructure repairs and to maintain food assistance programs; sponsor said she will work with departments to ensure the reallocation obeys Treasury rules and meets program needs.