County on the Brink of Emptying 2021 Coronavirus Relief Funds

Mohave County is approaching the end of a significant chapter in its financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. More than three years ago, the county received over $41 million in federal coronavirus relief funding, specifically through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, as of this week, only $1.44 million remains unallocated, with a deadline looming for its use.

County officials must utilize the remaining funds by December 31 or face returning them to the U.S. Treasury Department. The allocation process began in May 2021 when the Mohave County Board of Supervisors decided to distribute the funds evenly across its five districts. Each supervisor then proposed initiatives tailored to their respective areas.

To date, nearly $39.8 million of ARPA funding has been allocated, with $23.56 million already invested in various projects. Mohave County Chief Financial Officer Luke Mournian highlighted the diverse impacts of this funding, stating, “ARPA funding has had an enormous impact on Mohave County, and has touched on many facets of our community.” Examples of projects include enhancements in broadband infrastructure, road improvements, and investment in local health departments.

Among the supervisors, District 4’s Jean Bishop stands out as the largest investor of ARPA funds, fully allocating her $8.24 million share to projects in her district. District 1’s Travis Lingenfelter follows closely, having committed $8.238 million, leaving just $5,000 available. Each district has demonstrated varying levels of engagement with the funding.

District 2 Supervisor Hildy Angius has allocated about $8.12 million, with $125,000 remaining, while District 3 Supervisor Buster Johnson has set aside approximately $8.08 million, retaining $157,000. In contrast, District 5’s Ron Gould has allocated just $7.09 million, with $1.15 million left unspent.

Gould previously attempted to return funds directly to constituents, proposing a $165 stimulus check for each resident in District 5. However, his initiative garnered limited interest and ultimately did not materialize. The varied allocation of funding across the districts indicates differing priorities and levels of engagement from the supervisors.