How do I use this site?
The Commonwealth launched Stimulus.Virginia.Gov on February 10th as a centralized location for potential projects that may benefit from federal stimulus funds. The projects were submitted by citizens, groups, and localities using the proposal web form provided. These suggestions have been posted on the Virginia Stimulus webpage and will be shared with state government officials. All the information will be public.
With the conclusion of the project solicitation phase of the Commonwealth's program on March 6, the website continues to transition to present a wide range of information related to the ARRA - including maps, graphs, charts, and downloadable tables that allow citizens to see where proposals have originated, where money is flowing, and what specific projects and geographies are benefiting from recovery plan funding.
Where do I go to see the proposals submitted by the general public?
You can go to the charts page to see the proposals submitted between February 10th and March 6th. Data on these proposals is displayed in numerous graphical ways that will make it easier for you to find the information you seek. Just click on individual graph elements to "drill down" to the level you desire. You can also click on the "See All Projects" links to view and download all the data.
How will my suggestions be used?
Governor Kaine and his staff are continuing to ensure the interests of Virginia’s citizens are well represented as the economic stimulus package is developed by Congress and the President. Now that the package has been signed into law, staff will identify projects from this website that may qualify for funding and follow up with the identified contact for the project. In many cases, the information will be sent to localities and other governmental entities because they will be responsible for picking projects.
Which suggestions end up on the webpage?
The webpage was open to the public and the data presented is a compilation of all web form submittals. However, suggestions that contained objectionable content—including inappropriate language, themes, or threats—will not be posted on the website.
How long was the submission window?
The Commonwealth started accepting proposals on this website beginning February 10th, 2009 and ended the process on March 06, 2009.
Who was eligible to submit ideas?
The website was open for citizens, groups, localities, and others to use to share project proposals for potential funding from the federal stimulus package.
Questions and Answers on the Impact of the ARRA on Virginia
What is the purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), or federal stimulus plan, is intended to:
- Create and save jobs
- Jump-start the economy
- Promote economic recovery and growth
View the full text of the ARRA.
What benefits could stimulus funds offer?
Stimulus funds could help:
- Modernize the state's infrastructure
- Enhance our energy independence
- Expand educational opportunities
- Increase access to health care
- Provide tax relief and protect those in greatest need
- Assist those most affected by the recession
How will the ARRA work?
Very soon, the different agencies—such as the Departments of Education; Health and Human Services; and Energy—will decide who will receive award grants and contracts. Sometimes the money will go to a state government; other times, the funds will go directly to a school, hospital, contractor, or other organization. Agencies will then deliver that information to the Recovery.gov team. The information will be available on Recovery.gov, and you will be able to track where the money is going. You'll be able to search by state or even by Congressional district; you'll be able to look up names of Federal contractors or other recipients of Federal dollars; and you'll be able to send in comments, thoughts, ideas, questions, and any responses you have to what you find.
Who will receive funding in Virginia?
Funds from the federal stimulus package will come into Virginia through varying programs, with a wide range of different eligible recipients. Some funds will be provided directly to the State and then awarded to public, private or non-profit entities to perform funded work. Other funds will go directly to higher educational institutions, local governments, schools, and for profit and non-profit entities and private firms. Administration officials continue to analyze the federal bill to identify all funding opportunities.
Some funds have been allocated to Virginia via a formula and will be overseen and distributed by the state. Other formula funds have been allocated, for oversight and distribution, to cities, metropolitan planning organizations, community action agencies and other entities.
In addition, a range of Virginia entities will have the opportunity to compete for other funds. More information will be provided about funds for which entities can compete as it becomes available.
There are funds the bill makes available to help individuals, like unemployment compensation funds or funds to support food assistance programs. These funds will be administered by state and local agencies, not through this website.
How can I see how much recovery money is coming to my community?
Until the funding is distributed by the federal government to states and local governments, and eventually to your community, we won't be able to determine exactly where all of the funding will go. Over the next few weeks and months, there's going to be a lot of data coming in, as we coordinate with different agencies. As soon as the first dollars start to go out, you'll be able to track where the money is going. Detailed state maps will be available to assist your tracking.
What are the timelines for funds to be spent in Virginia?
Timelines will vary significantly depending upon the program. Congress intended the funds to be spent quickly to maximize their effect on the economy. The federal agencies administering the funds are establishing deadlines and clarifying program criteria. This information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.
What accountability and transparency steps are required by ARRA?
The Act includes extensive provisions to ensure that states spend funds in ways that are consistent with its purposes (see above). Requirements include:
- Certifications by governors or local officials that infrastructure expenditures have been fully reviewed and are an appropriate use of tax dollars.
- Public access to contract and grant information, including requests for proposals for competitive grant programs.
- Provisions for federal oversight, reviews and audits, coordinated by a Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board.
- Access by federal inspectors and the Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board to information needed to ensure accountability at the national level.
States receiving funds are required to report the following to the federal government:
- How funds are being used.
- Descriptions and status reports on stimulus-related projects.
- Estimates of jobs saved or created by federal stimulus activities.
- Estimates of tax increases averted because of federal stimulus funds.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act establishes an oversight board of inspectors general (the watchdogs of government) called the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, which is responsible for overseeing federal agencies to ensure that there is transparency and accountability for the expenditure of recovery funds. For the interim period until that board becomes operational, the President has coordinated a team from across federal agencies to track ARRA dollars and report findings on this website.
How will taxpayers ensure that funds are spent wisely and efficiently?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes unprecedented requirements for accountability and transparency. Taxpayers will be able to track the funds both at a national and state level and will be able to see to whom funds were awarded and the amount of the awards. In addition, both federal and state governments will have significant monitoring, reporting, and risk management responsibilities to protect against fraud, mismanagement, and waste.
What types of programs will be funded?
Funding is provided for a range of federal programs. Funding will increase or extend certain benefits payable under the Medicaid, unemployment compensation and nutrition assistance programs. Funding will also reduce individual and corporate income tax collections and make other changes to tax laws.
In sum, funding will support programs that:
- Create a framework for clean, efficient, American energy
- Transform our economy with science and technology
- Modernize roads, bridges, transit and waterways
- Overhaul education for the 21st century
- Dispense tax cuts to create jobs
- Expand access to health care and lower costs
- Provide assistance to workers hurt by the economy
- Save public sector jobs and protect vital services
Does the ARRA have requirements for infrastructure projects?
Yes. The ARRA requires that:
- Priority be given to projects where contracts can be awarded within 120 days of enactment of the plan;
- Can be completed in 3 years; and
- Are located in economically distressed areas.
In addition, the ARRA requires that funds given to a state or local government for infrastructure projects:
- Must be an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars;
- Can be started and finished quickly; and
- Can be used in a way that maximizes job creation and economic benefit.
Does the ARRA prohibit the use of funds for certain activities?
Yes. State, local and private entities cannot use federal stimulus funding for a casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or swimming pool.
Local school districts and higher education institutions are prohibited from using funds for:
- Payment of maintenance costs;
- Stadiums or other facilities primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions or other events charging admission;
- Purchase or upgrade of vehicles;
- Improvement of stand-alone facilities whose purpose is not the education of children;
- Maintenance of systems, equipment or facilities;
- Modernization, renovation or repair of stadiums or other facilities primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions or other events for which admission is charged to the public; or
- Modernization, renovation or repair of facilities used for sectarian instruction or religious worship, or in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission.
Colleges and universities are required to use funds for education and general expenditures in such a way as to mitigate the need to raise tuition for in-state students. Funds can also be used for modernization, renovation or repair of facilities that are primarily used for instruction, research or student housing. This includes modernization, renovation and for repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system.
How will food assistance be affected?
If you receive supplemental nutritional assistance (formerly called food stamps), the stimulus bill provides a 13% increase in the monthly benefit. If you are currently enrolled in the program, you will automatically receive this increase. It will be added to your monthly benefit allowance beginning on April 1, 2009.
How will unemployment compensation benefits be affected?
Eligible recipients of unemployment compensation benefits can receive up to 59 weeks of unemployment benefits. This 59-week total includes 26 weeks of regular state-funded unemployment benefits and an additional 33 weeks of federally-funded emergency unemployment benefits (known as EUC benefits).
The federal stimulus package extends the deadline on EUC benefits, so they are available through December 2009. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increases the weekly benefit by $25.
Eligible individuals will automatically receive payments retroactive to the week of February 21-28, 2009 as soon as the system is updated. The bill also suspends the first $2,400 paid in unemployment benefits from federal income tax for tax year 2009 only. This adjustment will be made when you file your 2009 federal tax forms.
How will COBRA health insurance be affected?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act subsidizes 65% of eligible individuals’ COBRA health insurance and other state group continuation coverage for workers who lose their jobs. To qualify for COBRA, a worker must have been involuntarily separated between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009. Workers who lost their jobs between September 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009 but failed to initially elect COBRA because it was unaffordable will have an additional 60 days to elect COBRA and receive the subsidy.
This subsidy phases out for individuals whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $125,000 (or $250,000 for those filing joint returns). Taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income exceeding $145,000 (or $290,000 for those filing joint returns) do not qualify for the subsidy.