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Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk detailed the following plan for requesting appropriations of the allotment of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), or ARPA Funds, for the City of Allentown.
| Use | Amount |
| Replace lost public sector revenue | $18,582,604 |
| Public Health | $2,000,000 |
| Negative Economic Impacts | $16,050,000 |
| Infrastructure | $20,500,000 |
| Total | $57,132,604 |
SLRF committed just over $57 million to the City of Allentown to support its response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency and this plan is consistent with the eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Funds committed to replace lost public sector revenue are used for a host of government services. Already committed government service expenditures include the construction of a backup data center, roof replacements on municipal buildings and construction of the Irving Pool.
“We’re thrilled that we can dedicate nearly a third of our recovery funds to businesses and non-profits that will help our community respond to this crisis,” said Mayor Tuerk. “Our administration wants to be flexible and quickly get this money out and into high-impact projects.”
Funds committed to support the COVID-19 public health and economic response are available to non-City of Allentown organizations. These are funds that can be used to address the negative economic impact of COVID on things like affordable housing, tourism businesses, rehabilitation of commercial properties, and lead remediation. Additionally, these funds can support organizations that address community violence intervention and provide mental health support services.
Funds committed to infrastructure are generally divided into water/wastewater/sewer infrastructure and broadband projects. These funds are used by the City of Allentown to execute on needed infrastructure improvements.
Some funds were previously committed by City Council in December 2021, totaling $29,056,000. Requests for remaining funds available to public entities will be evaluated in accordance with the previously submitted guidelines for projects and will be forwarded to City Council by the administration.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michaela Boyer (She/Her)
Administrative Assistant
Mayor’s Office, City of Allentown
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
