Time is running out for local organizations to spend federal pandemic-era funds. Local officials are now grappling with whether it’s time to take back some of the grants to spend them elsewhere.
Athens-Clarke County received nearly $58 million from the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, which it then doled out to several community organizations focused on homelessness, youth development, and more. The federal government required that the funds would need to be spent by grantees by the end of 2026.
As of last summer, 70% of the funds had been spent. During Tuesday night’s Agenda Setting Meeting, the Athens-Clarke County Commission considered whether four organizations who had not met spending deadlines should see their grants taken back.
Demetrius Jordan, Executive Director of the Athens Land Trust, said that his organization should retain the $125,000 at risk, which it plans to spend building affordable housing.
“The plan is here, the capacity is proven, and the execution is underway," said Jordan, "A $125,000 at this stage does not reduce risk, it introduces it.”
Several Commissioners said they planned to support Athens Land Trust retaining the money. In March, the Commission will decide whether to recapture a total of over $6 million, some of which would be dedicated to infrastructure needs.
