SUBJECT:
Action regarding Participation with the City of Fort Worth's Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Services Department contacted the City of Saginaw to participate in the LIHWAP. This is a program that prioritizes helping low income households who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater payments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to restore connection and prevent disconnection. Accounts who are up to date on payments but still meet the federal income requirements are eligible to receive a one-time subsidy capped at $600. All payments are made to the water provider and all priority groups are subject to federal poverty guidelines. The benefits of the program are implemented on a sliding scale where the lowest income levels will receive the highest level of assistance. Households will be eligible at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no cost to the City of Saginaw for participation in this program.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize participation in the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program administered by the City of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Services Department. |