Title
Water Residential Assistance Program- Extension of Temporary Program Change Related to Participant Removal Due to COVID-19
Body
Agenda of: April 28, 2021
Item No.: 2021-155
Amount: N/A
TO: The Honorable
Board of Directors
Great Lakes Water Authority
FROM: Sue F. McCormick
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Water Authority
DATE: April 23, 2021
RE: Water Residential Assistance Program- Extension of Temporary Program Change Related to Participant Removal Due to COVID-19
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Sue McCormick, Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors (Board) of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), approves the extension of the temporary Water Residential Assistance Program change to 1) temporarily allow program participants who are unable to make monthly payments on time to remain in the WRAP program provided that participants demonstrate a significant loss of income or inability to make a timely payment due to COVID-19; and 2) participants will still be eligible to receive monthly bill credits and arrears payments if applicable, until June 30, 2021, and authorizes the CEO to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND
The Water Residential Assistance Program ("WRAP") provides sustainable funding for qualifying low-income residents served by the Great Lakes Water Authority's ("GLWA") customers.
The program is currently funded by GLWA at an amount equal to 0.5 percent of budgeted revenues with the budgeted FY 2021 funding level of $6.1 million combined for water and sewer services.
The scope of funding uses includes a) payment assistance and b) water audit and water conservation measures. Eligible residential customers with a past due bill and/or who are in active shut off can receive assistance with paying down arrears and receive $25 toward monthly bill payment assistance annually up to $1,000. High volume water users can receive a one-time home aud...
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