LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro Council’s Budget Committee released a schedule for initial committee meetings and public hearings on Louisville’s use of American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery (ARP) Funds. Louisville Metro is receiving $388 million and more than $340 million has yet to be appropriated.

“I don’t think there’s anything comparable in the history of Louisville or the history of our country with this kind of money coming to both states, cities, and counties to recover from the pandemic,” said Bill Hollander, the committee’s budget chair.

Louisville Metro is gathering input from experts, other cities and the public on the community needs. Hollander said some funds have been appropriated in June and used for health department expenses, but says that $340 million still needs to be appropriated.

“The goal of the administration and Metro Council is to make some meaningful investments," Hollander said. "We will be able to look back in 10 years and say the city changed in a positive way because of the use of those funds.”

The budget committee meets Tuesday to hear about eligible uses of the funds and which areas need to be prioritized. Starting on July 17, the first of three hearings will take place in order to take public comments about the use of ARP Funds. 

Mayor Greg Fischer’s office provided this statement to Spectrum News 1:

“We are very intent on gathering community input on priorities for our American Rescue Plan funds, and I appreciate the Council leading this public input phase. It’s important to keep in mind that the federal government has established precise guidelines on how ARP funds can be used, so individuals and groups should familiarize themselves with those rules as they offer their ideas."

Hollander said some of the permissible uses of the funds includes fixing housing issues, public safety issues and workforce training. Hollander hopes residents take the time to either attend a hearing or fill out a written response online.

“It’s too early to say what the priority areas will be, that's what we want to hear from other cities, what the possibilities are and importantly what the public thinks we should with the money here in Louisville Metro," Hollander said.

Louisville Metro Council meets on Tuesday to discuss the permissible uses for the ARP Funds. The first public hearing will be on Saturday July 17 at the ShelbyHurst Campus. Additional hearings will be held Monday, July 19 at the Southwest Regional Library, and finally Monday, July 26 at the West Broadway Church of Christ.