Fiscal Stewardship
ARPA: $10.5 Million in Federal Recovery Funds
How Fraser's National League of Cities advocacy secured $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act allocations for Purcellville — with $8 million directed to water and sewer infrastructure.
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) created a new category of direct federal assistance to localities. Purcellville's allocation was $10.5 million — a figure that Fraser and town staff worked to maximize through Fraser's active participation in the National League of Cities (NLC), which represents more than 2,700 cities and towns in federal advocacy. The ARPA capital was applied to existing infrastructure needs without requiring additional debt issuance.
How the $10.5 Million Was Allocated
$8M
Water & Sewer Infrastructure
The primary allocation directed to water and sewer capital improvements, funding multiple sub-projects within Purcellville's utility systems.
$750K
Inflow/Infiltration Project
Targeting the infiltration of groundwater and stormwater into the sanitary sewer system — a source of excess treatment capacity demand and cost.
$500K
SCADA Replacement
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system replacement — modernizing real-time monitoring and control of water and sewer operations.
$227K
PFAS Pilot Study Grant
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) pilot study grant, initiating assessment and treatment research for these federally regulated drinking water contaminants.
$2M+
Additional PFAS Infrastructure
More than $2 million in additional PFAS-related infrastructure funding beyond the pilot study, addressing a significant federal compliance priority.
The NLC Connection
Fraser served on three National League of Cities committees during his mayoral tenure: Energy, Environment and Natural Resources; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Unmanned Air Mobility. His participation in the NLC's federal advocacy work — directly engaging with Congressional representatives and federal agency officials on behalf of small municipalities — was specifically credited by town staff and press coverage as a factor in Purcellville's ability to maximize its ARPA allocation.
The practical outcome: Purcellville secured $10.5 million in ARPA funds and directed the overwhelming majority — $8 million — toward long-standing water and sewer infrastructure needs. This allowed the town to address capital requirements without issuing new debt, preserving the financial posture that had maintained its AAA credit ratings.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Total ARPA allocation for Purcellville: $10.5 million
- $8 million directed to water and sewer infrastructure
- $750,000 inflow/infiltration (I/I) project
- $500,000 SCADA control-system replacement
- $227,000 PFAS Pilot Study Grant
- More than $2 million in additional PFAS-related infrastructure funding
- ARPA funds applied to existing infrastructure needs without new debt issuance
- Fraser's National League of Cities network directly credited with maximizing the allocation
Sources and Context
purcellvilleva.gov ARPA project documentation and budget records; Blue Ridge Leader ARPA coverage; Loudoun Now infrastructure reporting; NLC documentation on ARPA municipal allocations.