Don’t Let It Sit on a Shelf: Maintaining Your ARPA Asset Management Plan

For many Tennessee utilities, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding required the completion of a standardized asset management spreadsheet as part of the grant process. In some cases, that document was treated as a one-time requirement—completed to satisfy ARPA, submitted, and then set aside. However, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has made it clear that asset management documentation is expected to remain a core requirement for future grants and low‑interest loan programs. Utilities that do not maintain these documents may find themselves rebuilding information under tight deadlines when new funding opportunities arise. 

Maintaining an asset management plan does not have to mean duplicative manual updates or administrative burden. Instead, utilities can approach the document as a living tool by aligning it with existing operational systems. For some, that may mean connecting the spreadsheet to an up‑to‑date GIS so changes in assets are reflected automatically. For others, it may involve simpler workflows that capture field updates and feed them back into a central system.  

From a grants perspective, keeping asset management information current supports faster, more competitive applications. From an operational standpoint, it improves visibility into system condition and capital planning needs. When maintained intentionally, the asset management plan becomes more than a grant requirement; it becomes a practical resource that supports both day‑to‑day decisions and long‑term funding readiness. 

As asset management requirements continue to shape future funding programs in Tennessee, having the right support in place matters. SSR can partner with utilities to maintain and evolve asset management plans over time, helping ensure they remain accurate, useful, and aligned with both operational needs and grant expectations. Reach out to learn more. (info@ssr-inc.com)  

ARPA Closeout Deadlines Are Approaching for Tennessee Utilities

ARPA funding is officially entering its final phase, and Tennessee utilities and municipalities with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded projects should be actively preparing for closeout. Federally administered ARPA funds must be spent by the end of this calendar year, while ARPA projects administered through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) must be fully completed and closed out by September 30. Construction must be complete, and all required documentation, including final reimbursement requests, must be submitted for projects to be eligible for full funding. 

As part of the closeout, grantees should confirm that all required deliverables are complete, which may include Tennessee Infrastructure Scorecard updates, asset management plan documentation, and plans of operation. Final site inspections should be scheduled well in advance to avoid delays. Utilities and municipalities that are unsure what remains outstanding—or need help navigating closeout requirements—can benefit from a focused review now, while there is still time to address any gaps and successfully close out their ARPA projects.