This resolution allows the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to use over $23 million in federal funds to help residential and commercial customers who fell behind on their water and wastewater bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are aimed at assisting those who accrued arrears or received discounts between June 2021 and December 2022.
Resolution authorizing the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to accept and expend federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and administered by the State Water Resources Control Board with a total amount of $23,368,920.23 to assist eligible residential and commercial customers who accrued water and/or wastewater arrears or received discounts for water and/or wastewater services during the extended COVID-19 pandemic from June 16, 2021, through December 31, 2022, effective upon approval of this Resolution.
How it got here
This legislation originated from the need to assist San Francisco residents and businesses with water and wastewater arrears accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated by federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The Mayor declared a local state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting immediate actions to protect public health.
The Governor declared a state of emergency for California to address the COVID-19 threat.
The Mayor mandated the suspension of water and power service shutoffs for non-payment, along with associated penalties.
The SWRCB created a program to distribute funds to forgive arrearages accrued during the initial COVID-19 relief period.
The SFPUC distributed $7.3 million for water and $9.3 million for wastewater arrearage relief to eligible customers.
The Governor signed Senate Bill No. 122, extending the COVID Relief Period for arrearages to December 31, 2022.
The SWRCB adopted guidelines for the Extended Arrearages Program, allowing for additional funding to assist customers.
The SFPUC received $23,368,920.23 in funding to assist eligible customers with water and wastewater arrears.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the resolution authorizing the SFPUC to accept and expend the federal funds.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
