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Storyline · 34 events · May 2020 – Dec 31, 2026

Amarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)

The City of Amarillo was allocated $39,676,317 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, received in two halves on May 19, 2021 and June 6, 2022. The City Council approved first-round allocations on October 12, 2021 and second-round allocations on June 14, 2022, and amended the plan on April 25, 2023 and February 27, 2024 (the latter moving part of the broadband money to homeless reintegration). The City reports $25.5 million of the total as replaced lost revenue. Broadband money first planned for a fixed-wireless network became a $2 million City contribution to a $24 million AT&T fiber build, completed in 2025. In July 2026 the mayor listed ARPA monies among three suggested areas for a possible forensic audit. Treasury's data through March 31, 2026 shows the full allocation obligated and $39.07 million spent; federal rules require unspent funds to be returned after December 31, 2026.

A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines

Where the story starts depends on the framing

  1. · Precursor

    City outlines planned uses of about $11 million in CARES Act funding

    KFDA reported the City projected receiving about $11 million in federal CARES Act funding passed through the state, with 20 percent available immediately and the remainder paid on a reimbursement basis. The finance director listed COVID-19 testing, pandemic-assigned public safety and public health pay, and homeless assistance among planned uses.[1]

    Laura Storrs

    • ✓ Verified

      In May 2020 the City projected receiving about $11 million in federal CARES Act funding passed through the state; 20 percent could be accessed immediately and the rest would be paid on a reimbursement basis after the City documented allowable spending.[1]

      Projected
      $11,000,000
      Upfront share
      20%
    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Finance Director: Finance Director Laura Storrs said the funds 'should be able to cover the cost of testing' and related public safety and public health staffing; KFDA also listed assistance for the homeless population among intended uses.[1]

  2. · Context

    City opens CARES Act reimbursements of up to $5,000 for small-business protective equipment

    Small businesses could apply to the City for reimbursement of personal protective equipment purchases, up to $5,000 each, from the City's Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation under the CARES Act.[2]

    • ✓ Verified

      Beginning June 30, 2020, Amarillo small businesses could request reimbursement of up to $5,000 for personal protective equipment bought between March 1 and December 31, 2020, paid first-come, first-served from the City's Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation under the CARES Act.[2]

      Max per business
      $5,000

  3. · Context

    American Rescue Plan Act signed into law

    The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. Its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program delivered $350 billion to state, local and tribal governments, usable for replacing lost public-sector revenue, negative economic impacts, public health, water, sewer and broadband infrastructure, and premium pay for essential workers.[3][4]

    • ✓ Verified

      The American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion federal aid package, was signed into law on March 11, 2021; its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program delivered $350 billion to state, local and tribal governments.[3]

      Act total
      $1,900,000,000,000
      Slfrf total
      $350,000,000,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The City lists five eligible-use categories set by Treasury: replacing lost public-sector revenue; addressing negative economic impacts; supporting the public health response; investing in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure; and premium pay for essential workers.[3]

  4. · Context

    Treasury lists Amarillo's recovery-fund allocation at $39,676,317

    The U.S. Treasury's allocation table for metropolitan cities listed Amarillo, Texas at $39,676,317. The City describes the total as $39.7 million.[5][3]

    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury's metropolitan-city allocation table lists Amarillo at $39,676,317; the City describes its total as $39.7 million.[5][3]

      Allocation
      $39,676,317
    • ✓ Verified

      The City's published category amounts add to $19,838,159 for each half, or $39,676,318 in total, $1 more than Treasury's listed allocation.[3][5]

      First half
      $19,838,159
      Second half
      $19,838,159
      Total
      $39,676,318

  5. · Context

    City holds a Community Solutions session on American Rescue Plan priorities

    The second session of the City's Community Solutions program, at the Civic Center Grand Plaza, covered the American Rescue Plan Act. Mayor Ginger Nelson said the City wanted community input on how to prioritize the funds.[4]

    Ginger Nelson

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson said: 'We want and value input from the community as to how Amarillo should prioritize ARP funds.'[4]

  6. · Origin

    City receives the first half of its ARPA recovery funds

    The City received the first half of its $39.7 million allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City received half of its ARPA funds on May 19, 2021 and the remaining half on June 6, 2022.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City says the City Council decides how to spend ARPA funds at regular council meetings within Treasury's limits.[3]

  7. · Starting point

    Council approves first-round ARPA allocations of about $19.8 million

    The City Council approved a general plan for the first half of the funds, with individual projects to return for final approval. The City lists the allocations as $11,205,000 for lost revenue, $5,900,000 for citywide broadband, $750,000 for police, $600,000 for parks, $500,000 for senior support, $433,159 for fire, $350,000 for homeless reintegration and $100,000 for tourism.[3][6]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City lists first-half allocations of $11,205,000 for lost city revenue, $5,900,000 for citywide broadband internet access, $750,000 for the Police Department, $600,000 for park improvements, $500,000 for senior citizen support, $433,159 for the Fire Department, $350,000 for homeless reintegration and $100,000 for tourism.[3]

      Total
      $19,838,159
      Lost revenue
      $11,205,000
      Broadband
      $5,900,000
      Police
      $750,000
      Parks
      $600,000
      Senior support
      $500,000
      Fire
      $433,159
      Homeless reintegration
      $350,000
      Tourism
      $100,000
    • ✓ Verified

      On October 12, 2021 the council backed a general plan for spending almost $20 million in recovery funds, including about $11 million to replace revenue lost during the pandemic, with individual projects to return for final approval. KFDA did not report a vote count.[6][3]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City says first-half funds bought police crime-center equipment, Lifepak monitors and paramedic training for firefighters, playground equipment at four parks in low- to moderate-income areas, Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism promotion, and a homeless-reintegration pilot pairing park maintenance work with Coming Home program participants plus a pallet shelter pilot.[3]

  8. · Related development

    Council backs an ARPA-funded fixed-wireless broadband access plan

    KFDA reported the council gave $6 million in American Rescue Plan money to a City broadband plan for low-connectivity areas and low-income families, using radio transmitters on water towers to reach homes within three miles, after a pilot on the police department building. The City's allocation table lists $5,900,000 for citywide broadband.[7][3]

    Rich Gagnon

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Sources give different amounts for the October 2021 broadband allocation.

      Reported value 1[7][8]

      Allocation
      $6,000,000

      KFDA headline (October 2021) and KFDA June 2022 report: $6 million from the American Rescue Plan.

      Reported value 2[3]

      Allocation
      $5,900,000

      City ARPA page: first-half allocation for citywide broadband internet access.

    • ✓ Verified

      Rich Gagnon, Chief Information Officer: The 2021 plan called for radio transmitters on water towers reaching homes within a three-mile radius, after radios were installed on the police department building as a proof of concept; CIO Rich Gagnon said it met the program's requirement of 100 Mbps both ways and 'greatly reduces the costs for broadband speeds.'[7]

  9. · Related development

    Council approves City Hall funding plan that includes about $11 million in federal recovery funds

    A split council approved funding the move of City Hall into the Amarillo Hardware building through a combination of federal recovery funds (about $11 million), water-use collections and increased property tax collections, with bonds to be repaid over five years. Councilmember Cole Stanley voted against. The KFDA report did not name the federal program.[9]

    Cole Stanley

    • ✓ Verified

      On December 14, 2021 a split council approved funding the City Hall move through federal recovery funds of about $11 million, water-use collections and increased property tax collections, with bonds repaid over five years; Cole Stanley was the only member voting against. KFDA did not name the federal program.[9]

      Federal recovery funds
      $11,000,000

  10. · Context

    City reports $19.8 million of its $39.7 million in ARPA funds received to date

    The City said it had received $19.8 million of $39.7 million in ARPA funding, with the remainder expected in May 2022.[10]

    Jared Miller

    • ✓ Verified

      Jared Miller, City Manager: On March 24, 2022 the City said it had received $19.8 million of $39.7 million in ARPA funding, with the rest expected in May; City Manager Jared Miller said, 'The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound economic impact across the country, and Amarillo is no exception.'[10]

      Received
      $19,800,000
      Total
      $39,700,000

  11. · Context

    City receives the second half of its ARPA recovery funds

    The City received the remaining half of its $39.7 million allocation.[3]

  12. · Related development

    Council approves second-round ARPA allocations of about $19.8 million

    The City lists second-half allocations of $14,313,919 for lost revenue, $1,552,300 for fire, $1,363,940 for homeless reintegration, $1,108,000 for police, $1,000,000 for parks, $400,000 for neighborhood improvement and $100,000 for senior support.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City lists second-half allocations of $14,313,919 for lost city revenue, $1,552,300 for the Fire Department, $1,363,940 for homeless reintegration, $1,108,000 for the Police Department, $1,000,000 for park improvements, $400,000 for neighborhood improvement and $100,000 for senior citizen support.[3]

      Total
      $19,838,159
      Lost revenue
      $14,313,919
      Fire
      $1,552,300
      Homeless reintegration
      $1,363,940
      Police
      $1,108,000
      Parks
      $1,000,000
      Neighborhood improvement
      $400,000
      Senior support
      $100,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Across both halves the City lists $25,518,919 as lost-revenue replacement, which it says was 'used for various city council-approved operations and projects.'[3]

      Lost revenue total
      $25,518,919
      Share of total
      64.3%
    • ✓ Verified

      The City says second-half funds bought firefighter emergency-medical equipment and training, park lighting in low- to moderate-income areas, Police Academy classroom and locker-room remodeling and police equipment, continued homeless-reintegration and pallet shelter work, and neighborhood investment in the North Heights, Barrio, San Jacinto and Eastridge planning areas.[3]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Second-round amounts for fire, parks and police differ between KFDA's September 2022 report and the City's ARPA page; both versions total $19,838,159 with the same lost-revenue, senior, homeless-reintegration and neighborhood figures.

      Reported value 1[11]

      Fire
      $745,300
      Parks
      $2,165,000
      Police
      $750,000

      As reported by KFDA in September 2022, when the CFO said all second-round funds had been allocated.

      Reported value 2[3]

      Fire
      $1,552,300
      Parks
      $1,000,000
      Police
      $1,108,000

      As listed on the City's ARPA page (published August 2024, after the April 2023 and February 2024 amendments).

  13. · Related development

    Staff propose a pallet shelter village using just over $1 million in ARPA funds

    At a June 2022 council meeting, the Director of Community Development proposed a "Pallet Shelter Village" for unsheltered homeless residents, to be started with just over $1 million in ARPA funds and additional community contributions. KFDA reported no vote.[12]

    • ✓ Verified

      In June 2022 the City's Director of Community Development proposed a Pallet Shelter Village to be started with just over $1 million in ARPA funds; city officials counted about 539 homeless people, nearly 70 percent unsheltered, and the director estimated about a year to complete the project.[12]

      Arpa usd approx
      $1,000,000
      Homeless count
      539

  14. · Related development

    City selects AT&T for its broadband access plan

    The City announced it had selected AT&T to build fiber serving homes, apartments, government buildings and businesses, with the contract to go to the council for approval. Telecompetitor reported a tentative $24 million agreement with a $2 million City contribution including ARPA funds and $22.2 million from AT&T.[8][13]

    Rich GagnonLaura StorrsAT&T

    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer: Assistant City Manager and CFO Laura Storrs said of AT&T: 'They're planning to bring over $20 million to match those dollars and to bring connectivity to our community.'[8]

    • ✓ Verified

      Telecompetitor reported the agreement was tentative, requiring City approval and a signed final contract before planning and engineering began, and noted the City had earlier planned to use ARPA funds for a fixed-wireless network.[13]

  15. · Related development

    Council unanimously approves $24 million fiber partnership with AT&T, with $2 million in ARPA funds

    The Globe-News reported the council unanimously approved a $24 million citywide fiber network with AT&T, with the City committing $2 million in ARPA funds; Chief Information Officer Rich Gagnon put coverage at 22,837 homes. The approval was announced on a Tuesday at a news conference during the council meeting.[14][15][16]

    Rich GagnonGinger NelsonHoward SmithAT&T

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reported ARPA amounts for the broadband project differ.

      Reported value 1[14][15][16][17]

      City arpa
      $2,000,000
      Total project
      $24,000,000

      City committed $2 million in ARPA funds to a $24 million AT&T fiber project (Globe-News, Industry Insider, NLC, Texas Tribune).

      Reported value 2[13]

      City
      $2,000,000
      Att
      $22,200,000

      Telecompetitor: City expected to contribute $2 million 'including' ARPA funding; AT&T $22.2 million.

      Reported value 3[8]

      Arpa allocated
      $6,000,000
      Att match usd over
      $20,000,000

      KFDA (June 15, 2022): $6 million allocated from ARPA, with AT&T planning to bring over $20 million to match.

    • ✓ Verified

      The Globe-News reported the council approved the AT&T broadband collaboration unanimously, announced at a news conference during the Tuesday council meeting; CIO Rich Gagnon said it would serve 22,837 homes and be 70 percent complete within 18 months and fully complete within three years.[14]

      Homes
      22,837
    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Ginger Nelson: Mayor Ginger Nelson called the plan 'one of the more significant technological infrastructure advancements in city history.'[15][16]

  16. · Context

    City says all second-round ARPA funds are allocated to projects

    KFDA reported the second round of about $19 million was fully allocated, listing fire $745,300, parks $2,165,000 and police $750,000 - amounts that differ from the City's later published table (fire $1,552,300, parks $1,000,000, police $1,108,000). Funds were to be accounted for by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.[11][3]

    Laura Storrs

    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer: In September 2022 Assistant City Manager and CFO Laura Storrs said all second-round ARPA funds 'have been allocated to projects' and that 'there are projects that the city would not have been able to address' without the federal dollars.[11]

    • ✓ Verified

      KFDA reported the City's ARPA funds had to be accounted for by December 31, 2024 and fully spent by December 31, 2026.[11]

  17. · Context

    Construction of the AT&T fiber network under way in north Amarillo

    KFDA reported the fiber network was being built to serve about 23,000 locations in north Amarillo, with a $30-per-month base plan, no cost for residents needing financial help, first connections expected in January 2023 and completion estimated at 18 to 36 months.[18]

    Rich GagnonAT&T

    • ✓ Verified

      In November 2022 KFDA reported the fiber network would serve about 23,000 locations in north Amarillo, with a $30-per-month base plan at 100 Mbps both ways and no cost for residents who need financial help; first homes were expected to connect in January 2023.[18]

      Locations
      23,000
      Base plan
      $30

  18. · Related development

    Council awards $600,000 in ARPA senior-support funds to four nonprofits

    The council unanimously awarded $600,000 in ARPA money for senior services: Catholic Charities $175,000, Wesley Community Center $181,400, United Way of Amarillo and Canyon $143,600 and Family Care Foundation $100,000. Eight nonprofits applied; a review committee ranked the applications.[19][20]

    Laura StorrsCole StanleyCatholic Charities of the Texas PanhandleWesley Community CenterUnited Way of Amarillo and CanyonFamily Care Foundation

    • ✓ Verified

      The council awarded $600,000 in ARPA senior-support funds: Catholic Charities $175,000 (food pantry for low-income residents 50 and older), Wesley Community Center $181,400 of $244,000 requested, United Way of Amarillo and Canyon $143,600 (financial assistance) and Family Care Foundation $100,000 (free senior dental services).[20][19]

      Total
      $600,000
      Catholic charities
      $175,000
      Wesley community center
      $181,400
      United way
      $143,600
      Family care foundation
      $100,000
    • ✓ Verified

      Eight nonprofits applied; one did not meet prerequisites. A committee of three Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members and two City employees scored applications. The Amarillo Senior Citizens Association requested $600,000, ranked sixth and was not funded; Councilmember Cole Stanley proposed reducing two awards to give it $100,000, and the final unanimous vote did not include that change.[20]

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Amarillo Globe-News: The Globe-News reported the senior-support funds must be obligated by June 30, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2028, paid on a reimbursement basis.

      Reported value 1[20]

      Spend by
      2028-12-31

      As reported by the Amarillo Globe-News, December 2022

      Reported value 2[21]

      Spend by
      2026-12-31

      Treasury's SLFRF expenditure deadline (September 2026 newsletter)

    • ✓ Verified

      Laura Storrs, Assistant City Manager and CFO; Freda Powell, Mayor Pro Tem: CFO Laura Storrs said, 'This was not a simple process'; Mayor Pro Tem Freda Powell said the procedure 'made it possible for a fair and equitable distribution of funds.'[20]

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's check register records $181,400 in 4 payments to Wesley Community Center (2023-03-27 to 2023-07-27), $100,000 in 5 payments to Family Care Foundation (2023-04-10 to 2023-11-27) and $149,156.99 in 16 payments to Catholic Charities of the TX Panhandle (2023-04-03 to 2025-02-19). The register does not tie payments to ARPA or to specific projects.[22]

      Wesley
      $181,400
      Family care
      $100,000
      Catholic charities
      $149,157

      See the payments in the check register →

    • ✓ Verified

      The $600,000 senior-support total equals the City's listed senior-support allocations of $500,000 (first half) and $100,000 (second half).[3][20]

  19. · Context

    Texas Tribune reports on the AT&T fiber plan for El Barrio

    The Texas Tribune reported the City's $24 million AT&T deal, with $2 million in ARPA funds and AT&T funding the rest, would reach more than 22,000 locations including the El Barrio neighborhood, and was expected to take three years and be 70 percent complete by 2024.[17]

    Ginger NelsonAT&T

    • ✓ Verified

      The Texas Tribune reported the City committed $2 million in ARPA funds to a $24 million AT&T network reaching more than 22,000 locations, awarded in summer 2022 and expected to be 70 percent complete by 2024; residents of El Barrio, a few blocks from downtown, were described as almost completely disconnected.[17]

  20. · Related development

    Council amends the second-round ARPA project plan

    The council approved an amendment to the project plan for the second round of funds. The City's page does not list what changed.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      On April 25, 2023 the council approved an amendment to the second-round ARPA project plan.[3]

  21. · Related development

    City directs $2.2 million in ARPA funds once set for athletic field lighting to Medi Park lighting, police and fire

    The City said $2.2 million in ARPA funds originally set for athletic field lighting, which it said was funded by other means, would go half to Medi Park lighting (with any remainder to low- and moderate-income parks) and half to police and fire equipment, including cardiac monitors for every frontline fire truck and paramedic training for 15 firefighters.[23]

    Laura Storrs

    • ✓ Verified

      In May 2023 the City said $2.2 million in ARPA funds, originally set for athletic field lighting at parks that it said was funded by other means, would go half to lighting at Medi Park (remainder to low- and moderate-income parks) and half to police and fire: trauma bags, breaching kits, a crisis negotiation vehicle, a K9 and vest carriers for police, and Lifepak 15 monitors on every frontline truck plus paramedic training for 15 firefighters.[23]

      Amount
      $2,200,000
    • ✓ Verified

      The May 2023 KFDA report did not mention the April 25, 2023 amendment, and no source fetched for this thread states what the amendment changed or ties it to the $2.2 million shift.[23][3]

  22. · Related development

    Council moves part of ARPA broadband funding to homeless reintegration

    The council approved an amendment to reallocate a portion of the broadband funding to homeless reintegration. The City's page does not state the amount moved.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      On February 27, 2024 the council approved an amendment to reallocate a portion of the broadband funding to homeless reintegration; the City's page does not state the amount.[3]

    • ✓ Verified

      No source fetched for this thread gives the City's stated reason for moving broadband money to homeless reintegration or the amount moved.[3]

  23. · Context

    ARPA funds shown offsetting $277,000 for five library digital literacy coordinators

    During budget discussions, Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs said she would add a $277,000 line item to the library budget to show ARPA funds offsetting the salaries of five digital literacy coordinators, positions she said were approved two years earlier as part of a broadband project.[24]

    Laura StorrsCole Stanley

    • ✓ Verified

      In August 2024 CFO Laura Storrs said she would add a $277,000 line item to the library budget showing ARPA funds offsetting salaries of five digital literacy coordinators; she said the positions were approved two years earlier as part of a broadband project. Mayor Cole Stanley expressed frustration that options for the item had not been brought to the current council.[24]

      Amount
      $277,000
      Positions
      5

  24. · Context

    Federal deadline to obligate recovery funds

    Treasury set December 31, 2024 as the deadline for recipients to obligate State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, and said it would monitor recipients' obligation methods and recoup funds used in violation of program rules.[25]

    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury states that recipients had to obligate recovery funds by December 31, 2024, that it intends to monitor obligation methods, and that it will recoup funds used in violation of program rules; Project and Expenditure reporting continues in 2026.[25]

    • ✓ Verified

      In Treasury's published data for the quarter ending December 31, 2024 (the obligation deadline), the City's 26 projects show total cumulative obligations of $39,676,317, equal to its full allocation, and total cumulative expenditures of $37,723,809.72.[26]

      Obligations
      $39,676,317
      Expenditures
      $37,723,810

  25. · Context

    Fiscal 2024 single audit reports one ARPA reporting finding

    The City's single audit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, accepted by the Federal Audit Clearinghouse on April 7, 2025, tested the recovery funds as a major program ($6,209,519 spent that year) and reported one finding: retainage payable of $47,878 had been reported as program expenditures. The auditor classified it as a significant deficiency, with no questioned costs, and the City agreed with the recommendation to file an amended report.[27]

    CMMS CPAs & Advisors PLLC

    • ✓ Verified

      Finding 2024-002 (American Rescue Plan, ALN 21.027, reporting): 'Retainage payable of $47,878 was incorrectly reported in the program expenditures as of September 30, 2024'; one of two construction projects tested was reported incorrectly. Cause: 'Lack of proper review and reconciliation of expenditures.' Questioned costs: no. Repeat finding: no. The auditor recommended the City file an amended report; the City agreed.[27]

      Misreported retainage
      $47,878

  26. · Context

    City reports $1.1 million in ARPA recovery funds toward Transformation Park

    The Amarillo Tribune reported that, according to the City's HOME-ARP allocation plan, the City contributed $1.1 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and $3.9 million from the general fund to the construction of Transformation Park, a homeless shelter campus.[28]

    • ✓ Verified

      The Amarillo Tribune reported that, per the City's HOME-ARP allocation plan, the City contributed $1.1 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds and $3.9 million from the general fund to Transformation Park construction; the Tribune put the park's cost at about $6 million.[28]

      Arpa slfrf
      $1,100,000
      General fund
      $3,900,000
      Park cost usd approx
      $6,000,000
    • Unverified

      Director of Community Development, City of Amarillo; Amarillo Tribune citing the City: The City's Director of Community Development said the department received over $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding during the pandemic; the Tribune reported, citing the City, that $2.3 million was allocated to the Coming Home program through ARPA in 2021 to address senior food insecurity and homeless reintegration.[28]

  27. · Resolution

    City and AT&T complete the fiber internet project

    The City and AT&T announced completion of the fiber project after three years, with a combined $24 million reaching over 20,000 locations; a ribbon-cutting was held at the Maverick Boys and Girls Club.[29]

    Rich GagnonAT&T

    • ⚠ Sources differ

      Reported location counts for the fiber network differ.

      Reported value 1[14]

      Homes
      22,837

      CIO Rich Gagnon, June 2022 (Globe-News).

      Reported value 2[15][16][17]

      Locations over
      22,000

      More than 22,000 locations (Industry Insider, NLC, Texas Tribune).

      Reported value 3[18]

      Locations
      23,000

      About 23,000 (KFDA, November 2022).

      Reported value 4[29]

      Locations over
      20,000

      Over 20,000 locations at completion (KFDA, September 2025).

    • ✓ Verified

      In September 2025 the City and AT&T announced completion of the fiber project after three years, describing a combined $24 million investment; the KFDA report did not mention ARPA.[29]

      Combined
      $24,000,000

  28. · Context

    City's Treasury report shows $39.07 million of $39.68 million in recovery funds spent

    In the Project and Expenditure report covering January 1 to March 31, 2026, as published by Treasury, the City listed 26 projects with total cumulative obligations of $39,676,317 (the full allocation) and total cumulative expenditures of $39,071,440.97. Seven projects still showed unspent obligations, the largest being the library digital literacy project and broadband infrastructure.[30]

    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury's published data for January 1 to March 31, 2026 lists the City (recipient RCP-038744, a Tier 2 reporter) with 26 projects, cumulative obligations of $39,676,317 and cumulative expenditures of $39,071,440.97, with the report marked 'Submitted.' The difference between obligations and expenditures is $604,876.03 (arithmetic).[30]

      Obligations
      $39,676,317
      Expenditures
      $39,071,441
      Computed unexpended
      $604,876
    • ✓ Verified

      As of March 31, 2026, projects with obligations not yet fully spent were: Digital Literacy Project ($500,000 obligated, $107,620.51 spent; 'Completed less than 50%'), Broadband Infrastructure ($5,400,000; $5,219,710.77), PREP Academy Litter Crew ($300,000; $280,781.04), Senior Citizens Support ($600,000; $599,028.23), and the Eastridge ($100,000; $95,388.25), San Jacinto ($100,000; $93,835.42) and Barrio ($100,000; $98,759.75) neighborhood plans.[30]

      Digital literacy spent
      $107,621
      Broadband spent
      $5,219,711
    • ✓ Verified

      The same data lists as completed: Revenue Replacement ($25,518,919), Police Fourth Floor Improvements ($1,500,000), Pallet Shelter ($1,413,940), Fire Equipment ($1,030,300), Parks Lighting ($1,000,000), Paramedic Training ($780,159), Police Enhancements ($358,000), Lifepacks ($175,000), four park playgrounds ($600,000 combined), CVB Tourism Support ($100,000) and the North Heights neighborhood plan ($100,000). Five projects are marked cancelled with $0: Police Regional Crime Center and athletic-field lighting at Thompson Park, River Road, Martin Road and El Alamo.[30]

      Revenue replacement
      $25,518,919
    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury's recipient data lists the City as not using the standard revenue-loss allowance, with estimated revenue loss of $14,362,120 for 2020 and $11,156,799 for 2021; together these equal the $25,518,919 Revenue Replacement project.[30][3]

      Revenue loss 2020
      $14,362,120
      Revenue loss 2021
      $11,156,799
    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury's data shows the City's Broadband Infrastructure project (described as infrastructure for the Amarillo Connected project) at $5,400,000 obligated, while news coverage reported a $2 million City ARPA contribution to the AT&T fiber build. No fetched source breaks the $5.4 million down between the AT&T contribution and other costs.[30][14]

  29. · Context

    Parks presentation cites ARPA among funding sources for playground and lighting projects

    In a presentation requested by Councilmember Tim Reid, the Parks and Recreation director said many of the department's playground, facility and lighting projects were funded through grants, the American Rescue Plan Act or department funds.[31]

    Tim Reid

    • ✓ Verified

      On May 26, 2026 the Parks and Recreation director said many of the department's playground, facility and lighting projects were funded through grants, the American Rescue Plan Act or department funds.[31]

  30. · Context

    Fiscal 2025 single audit lists $1.86 million in recovery-fund spending

    The City's single audit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, by CliftonLarsonAllen and accepted by the Federal Audit Clearinghouse on June 30, 2026, lists $1,863,991 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds spending for the year. The program was not tested as a major program and has no findings; the audit's nine findings concern other federal programs.[32]

    CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

    • ✓ Verified

      The City's single audits list recovery-fund (ALN 21.027) expenditures of $27,684,223 in fiscal 2022, $2,936,033 in fiscal 2023, $6,209,519 in fiscal 2024 and $1,863,991 in fiscal 2025, a total of $38,693,766 through September 30, 2025 (sum computed). The fiscal 2021 audit lists no 21.027 expenditures.[33][34][27][32]

      Fy2022
      $27,684,223
      Fy2023
      $2,936,033
      Fy2024
      $6,209,519
      Fy2025
      $1,863,991
      Computed total
      $38,693,766
    • ✓ Verified

      In the FAC records for fiscal 2022, 2023 and 2025, the recovery-fund program has no audit findings; 2024-002 is the only recovery-fund finding in fiscal 2022-2025.[33][34][27][32]

  31. · Trigger

    Mayor lists ARPA monies among suggested areas for a forensic audit

    During council discussion of a possible forensic audit, Mayor Cole Stanley said he had suggested three areas for its scope: community investment program projects, sewer and water, and American Rescue Plan Act monies, and said these were examples rather than limits.[35][36]

    Cole StanleyTim ReidLes Simpson

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley: On July 14, 2026 Mayor Cole Stanley said he had suggested three areas as the potential scope of a forensic audit: community investment program projects, sewer and water, and American Rescue Plan Act monies. He said, 'I'm not saying that this is the limit or that this is the only thing we should look at.'[35]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley: The Tribune's July 2026 report did not describe any specific allegation concerning ARPA spending; Stanley called the suggested areas 'examples' of things the council had 'struggled with firsthand.'[35]

    • ✓ Verified

      Mayor Cole Stanley; Councilmember Les Simpson: KFDA reported the council discussed a possible forensic audit covering capital improvement projects, sewer and water, and ARPA monies; Mayor Cole Stanley described it as an audit that 'follows the money to the end,' while Councilmember Les Simpson asked whether the issues 'really merit a forensic audit.' No vote was taken; the audit committee was to vet and recommend a third-party firm.[36]

  32. · Context

    Audit committee splits the forensic audit into water/sewer and community improvement components

    Mayor Cole Stanley said the audit committee decided to split the forensic audit into two components, the water and sewer fund and community improvement projects, possibly with a firm for each. The report did not mention ARPA funds.[37]

    Cole StanleyDavid PrescottAndrew Freeman

    • ✓ Verified

      In late September 2026 Mayor Cole Stanley said the audit committee (Stanley, Councilmember David Prescott, former Assistant City Manager Dean Frigo, Acting City Manager Andrew Freeman and CFO Lola Ogunremi) decided to split the forensic audit into two components, the water and sewer fund and community improvement projects; the report did not mention ARPA.[37]

  33. Scheduled

    Council agenda lists a $49,500 ARPA-funded renewal for the City website's digital assistant

    The consent agenda for the October 13, 2026 City Council meeting includes a $49,500 one-year renewal of a Dell Technologies software subscription supporting 'Emma,' the digital human on the City's website, through August 15, 2027. The agenda lists the funding source as American Rescue Plan Act grant funds; the packet's funding summary reads 'Broadband Project - Professional Services.'[38][39]

    • Pending

      Consent item 6.7 for October 13, 2026: 'Consider Approval - Dell UneeQ PCR6a Bridge Software Subscription Renewal,' a one-year renewal providing functionality to Emma, 'the City of Amarillo's Digital Human,' extending the subscription to August 15, 2027. Award to Dell Technologies; amount $49,500.00; funding source 'American Rescue Plan Act grant funds (CIP #PRJ-620075)'; funding summary 'Broadband Project - Professional Services - PRJ-620075.17400.62000'; purchasing summary 'Dell is the sole proprietor of this solution.' Staff recommended approval.[38][39]

      Amount
      $49,500
    • ✓ Verified

      The agenda packet does not say how a subscription running past the December 31, 2026 expenditure deadline fits Treasury's rules, and does not identify which Treasury-reported project the PRJ-620075 account corresponds to.[39][21]

  34. Scheduled

    Federal deadline to spend ARPA recovery funds

    KFDA reported in 2022 that the City's ARPA funds had to be fully spent by December 31, 2026.[21][11]

    • Pending

      The deadline to fully spend the City's ARPA funds is December 31, 2026. Treasury's most recent published data (through March 31, 2026) shows $39,071,440.97 of $39,676,317 spent.[11][21][30]

    • ✓ Verified

      Treasury's September 2026 newsletter states: 'The deadline to obligate all SLFRF funds was December 31, 2024. The deadline to expend all SLFRF funds is December 31, 2026,' except surface-transportation and Title I projects (September 30, 2026), and that recipients must return any funds not expended by the deadline. It cites FAQs allowing final subrecipient invoices to be processed and uncashed checks reissued through April 30, 2027.[21]

    • ✓ Verified

      As of October 10, 2026, no fetched news report or City statement addressed how the City will spend or return its remaining recovery funds before December 31, 2026; the most recent Treasury data available covers the period through March 31, 2026.[30][21]

Related storylines: Moving Amarillo City Hall into the renovated Amarillo Hardware building (2016-2025)Amarillo's move toward a third-party forensic audit of City financial records (2022-2026)