“Office of Management and Budget Director Karen Rehfeld…noted [on February 27, 2009] the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) directs federal agencies to distribute funds through hundreds of different programs. Procedures for distributing funds include formulas, block grants, competitive grant processes, and in many instances, Congress simply left funding decisions up to the heads of the federal agencies” (Delineating Stimulus, 2009, ¶1).
Rehfeld said that the state will receive stimulus money principally through formulas and block grants. Alaska’s “[s]tate agencies are working to identify programmatic and timing requirements to and prepare recommendations for legislative consideration to receive and expend federal stimulus funds” (Delineating Stimulus, 2009, ¶2).
The State of Alaska is not involved with stimulus money that goes “directly to project applicants through competitive grant processes and the discretion of federal agencies” (Delineating Stimulus, 2009, ¶3). The non-state entities in question must “quickly review the bill for funding opportunities that fit a particular project,” Director Rehfeld said (Delineating Stimulus, 2009, ¶3). “Then, contact the appropriate federal agency and/or monitor the Federal Economic Stimulus website Recovery.gov for procurement notices on how and where to apply for these funds. By working together, we can maximize the positive results and impact of ARRA on Alaska” (Delineating Stimulus, 2009, ¶3).
Commentary
Though Governor Palin is not referenced in this press release, this is is still an executive experience accomplishment for her, as the Budget Director reports to Governor Palin.
The Governor took a wise and reasoned approach to the stimulus bill, taking only money for infrastructure projects and eschewing funds that came with strings attached — those being mandates that the state would be left to fund. She did not use this bill as an opportunity to grandstand, nor did she capitulate and try to milk everything out of the bill and then some.
Governor Palin’s Budget Director delineated how non-state entities were to apply for funds through competitive grant processes. Since these funds do not go the the state, they do not result in future unfunded mandates.
References
Budget Director outlines fed stimulus opportunities for non-state entities. (2009, February 27). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 1, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1679
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