ARPA Cash: Demolition and Capital Expenses Related to Vacant and Abandoned Buildings

Much ballyhoo has accompanied the U.S. Treasury’s publication in January 2022 of its Final Rule[1] in the use of American Rescue Plan Act[2] (ARPA) funds. Local governments across the country are scrambling to deploy their stimulus funds in response to the pandemic, pay essential workers, provide government services, and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Buried in the Final Rule and its 403-page clarifying guidance is an express authorization to use funds to address vacant and abandoned buildings, including commercial and industrial structures.  

ARPA Final Rule – The “B-sides Collection”: Affordable Housing Development

With the U.S. Treasury’s January 2022 release of its Final Rule[1] in the use of American Rescue Plan Act[2] (ARPA) funds, we began publishing this series of articles reviewing the lesser publicized aspects of that guidance (hence, the “B-sides” moniker). In this edition, we address the Treasury’s presumed eligible use of federal stimulus funding in the development of affordable housing, and the limited scope under which private, for-profit entities may receive transfers of ARPA funds to carry out such ends.  

Global EV Leader Selects Sidney, Ohio

SEMCORP Advanced Materials Group will establish an 850,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sidney. The project represents a $916 million capital investment, and will create nearly 1,200 jobs with $73 million in annual payroll. This marks the largest-ever capital investment in the Dayton region and the largest initial foreign investment in Ohio. It is also one of SEMCORP’s largest investments.

Bird Scooters in Dublin

The City of Dublin is implementing a Micro-Mobility Demonstration Pilot introducing electric-powered Bird scooters to the City. Phase 1 will make scooters available south from Interstate 270 to Tuttle Crossing Boulevard and west from Sawmill Road to Interstate 270. This area includes both Historic Dublin and Bridge Park.