Georgetown City Council identified potential uses for $8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, during a July 13 regular meeting.

City staff presented council several options for potential expenses, and officials identified the following priorities:

• Reimbursement for money spent on protective equipment throughout 2020;
• Improvement of water infrastructure, sidewalks and building security and safety;
• Creation of a K-9 unit for the city's police department; and
• Construction of a Downtown parking garage Downtown

Georgetown has been allocated a total of $8 million through ARPA. So far, the city has received $4 million of the grant money in June and officially accepted it on July 13.

The remaining $4 million is expected to be received in June 2022, Georgetown Finance Director Leigh Wallace said.

Grant money should be used for expenses and obligation from March 3, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2024 and be completely expended by 2026, Wallace added.

Appropriate uses for the funds include supporting public health responses with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing negative economic effects to households, small businesses and nonprofits brought about by the pandemic.

Other approved uses include providing aid to affected industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality, providing premium pay for essential workers and making necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.