SUBJECT
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Approve an Amended American Rescue Plan Fund Agreement with RHEMAFI, LLC. (No Fiscal Impact)
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DESCRIPTION
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law which included the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF). The Act was designed to facilitate the United States’ recovery from the COVID pandemic. Of the $1.9 trillion approved, approximately $140.8 million was appropriated to Polk County BoCC. The Fiscal Recovery Funds are intended to provide to local government economic relief in response to the impacts of COVID.
A portion of the ARP Funding, $10.5 million, was allocated to address COVID’s impact on public health and economic harm to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and impacted industries. In October 2021, the Board of County Commissioners requested and received proposals from applicants who qualified based upon the criteria that 1) the business/non-profit is located in Polk County, 2) the business/non-profit has been active as of January 1, 2021, and 3) the business/non-profit was negatively impacted by COVID. The Board selected recipients to receive an ARP Fund award to address these impacts.
Rhemafii, LLC is a minority solutions-based telecommunications, broadband, and renewable energy company that provides innovative services to address critical infrastructure and is a bridge to building connected communities. Rhemafi, LLC is an FCC certified Emergency Broadband Benefit provider for the state of Florida. This funding will address challenges in providing and facilitating a broadband service in the targeted areas of Polk County at no cost to the residents. The services will reach approximately 3,400 households.
The original agreement was signed by the Board on June 21, 2022. Because Rhemafi, LLC does not have funding in reserves, the amendment to the original contract will allow Rhemafi, LLC to receive pre-payment funding versus the traditional reimbursement of expenses method. This amendment does not change the amount of the original award of $340,000.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve amended Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds American Rescue Plan Agreement with Rhemafi, LLC
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the General Revenue Fiscal Recovery Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Christia Johnson, Budget and Management Services Director
Phone: 863-534-5985