American Recovery and Reinvestment Coordinating Council Report

Numerous meetings, conference calls and discussions with local, state and federal agencies to discuss federal guidelines, timing of release of funds, eligibility criteria, opportunities for partnerships.

Participated with working groups for Higher Education, Environment, and Commerce/Energy and OU Continuing Education to provide an overview of information from the federal government, categories of funding, and process-related issues.

Working to prepare a spreadsheet of all inquiries and requests for dollars that have been received by the Governor or this office.

Continuing to be a resource point for agencies, local governments, officials, and the private sector for many aspects of ARRA.

Workforce availability has been identified by nearly every working group undertaking construction or maintenance projects—for engineers, contractors, weatherization, maintenance for bus retrofits, procurement and contracting, accounting, data entry, etc. This information has been discussed with the Secretary of Commerce.

Coordination of broadband interests and partners will begin next week to identify process, opportunities and priorities for the state.

Working with the National Governors Association to monitor increased federally mandated reporting procedures in addition to those outlined by ARRA to include:

• Transportation and Infrastructure—Chairman Oberstar
• White House memo
• Federal agency requirements

All information in this area is being shared with affected state agencies and Auditor Burrage.

Outreach will continue to agencies, cities, counties, schools and tribal governments and the private and non-governmental sectors.

Continue regular contact with federal agencies to know when their requirements or processes change. State agencies are still seeking federal guidance in many areas….state stabilization application due out next week.

Examining need for additional technical assistance with federal guidelines, grants and interpretations.