City Receives $5 Million in Reimbursements on COVID-19 Projects

The City will not receive reimbursement for a meal distribution program conducted by the Pasadena Unified School District during the pandemic.

But will receive almost $5.5 million in reimbursements on four other COVID-19 related projects.

“It was determined by the CalOES and FEMA (California Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency) that supplementing the school district’s meal program on weekends and days in which the district’s distribution did not operate, and providing food to anyone who requested a meal was not related to an eligible Emergency Protective Measure, (e.g., Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19, but do not require hospitalization; or individuals at high-risk, such as people over 65 or with certain underlying health conditions; or other populations that may need food assistance based on direction or guidance of the appropriate public health official).” according to an item in Monday’s Finance Committee agenda.

The Pasadena Center Operating and the Rose Bowl Operating Company mobilized the program and provided bag lunches at PUSD sites.

All told the program cost $594,306.

The City submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Office of Emergency Services reimbursement related to expenditures incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, the City incurred expenditures in excess of $12.35 million.

The City submitted 18 projects for reimbursement and received a final determination on five.

The City will receive reimbursement on the three phases of the Great Plates Program and the alternative care site at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The four projects total $5.46 million in reimbursements.

“City staff will continue to respond to questions from CalOES and FEMA related to the 13 pending projects.”