SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK Information Memorandum |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Transmittal No. 02-2006
Date: August 10, 2006
TO: Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) State Officials and State Program Contacts
SUBJECT: Time Limitations for Use of SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funds for Construction*
PURPOSE: To share with States guidance regarding the time limitations on the use of SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funds for the repair, renovation, or construction of facilities.
The Office of Community Services (OCS) has received inquiries from a number of States about the period of availability of Fiscal Year 2006 SSBG Supplemental Emergency Funding. The purpose of this brief instruction is to review the statutory constraints on the obligation and liquidation of these funds.
The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2006, also known as the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, provided $550 million in SSBG funding. The authorization allows for the obligation and liquidation of these supplemental dollars during Federal Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007. In practical terms, this means that any funds remaining unexpended by September 30, 2007 must be returned to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
States have expressed concern about their ability to responsibly plan for, undertake and complete authorized facilities construction projects before the ability to use these funds expires. While OCS understands the concern, the time limitations are inherent in the authorizing legislation and must be observed. As a matter of law, OCS cannot offer flexibility that the authorizing statute does not provide. Consequently, we encourage States to take the steps necessary to use the SSBG supplemental funds to address the pressing social and health services needs of individuals, and for the repair, renovation and construction of facilities for authorized purposes, prior to their expiration on September 30, 2007.
Please address further inquiries to:
Marsha Werner
Social Services Block Grant Program Manager
Office of Community Services
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW
Washington, DC 20447
Telephone: (202) 401-5281
Fax: (202) 401-5718
Email: marsha.werner@acf.hhs.gov
_______________________
Josephine B. Robinson
Director
Office of Community Services
_______________________
Curtis L. Coy
Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Administration
* Footnote : H.R. 2206/Public Law 110-28, (May 25, 2007), the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, Title IV—Additional Hurricane Disaster Relief and Recovery, Chapter 7, states:
“SEC. 4702. Notwithstanding section 2002(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397a(c)), funds made available under the heading `Social Services Block Grant' in division B of Public Law 109-148 shall be available for expenditure by the States through the end of fiscal year 2009.”