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Website now available for American Rescue Plan funding proposals

  • Posted Date: 07/23/2021
  • Office: All DFA
  • News:

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    July 23, 2021

    FOR MORE INFORMATION:
    Scott Hardin, Arkansas Dept. of Finance and Administration
    501-352-9351, scott.hardin@dfa.arkansas.gov

    Website now available for American Rescue Plan funding proposals
    Proposals must meet criteria established by the U.S. Treasury

    LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (July 23, 2021) – The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) today announced proposal guidance and a proposal template for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding have been added to the ARPA Steering Committee website, https://govstatus.egov.com/arpasc. Completed proposals can be submitted via email to ARPA_SteeringCommittee@dfa.arkansas.gov  Proposals must meet the criteria established by the U.S. Treasury and will  be considered as they are received.  Governor Asa Hutchinson, the Arkansas General Assembly and the ARPA Steering Committee will make funding decisions for approximately $1.57 billion received through ARPA for disbursement by the state.

    Proposals must fall into one or more of the categories listed below established by the U.S Treasury:

    • Supporting the Public Health response.
    • Addressing behavioral healthcare needs exacerbated by the pandemic.
    • Reimbursing or paying payroll and benefits for public health, healthcare, human services and public safety employees to the extent they work on the COVID-19 response.
    • Addressing the negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19. Serving the hardest hit communities and families in your city.
    • Replacing lost public sector revenue.
    • Providing premium pay for essential workers.
    • Investing in water and sewer infrastructure.
    • Investing in broadband.

    Overall, projects funded by ARPA must benefit the mitigation of COVID-19 or the recovery from its impact.

    “COVID-19 highlighted the state’s need for investment in areas such as broadband, water and wastewater infrastructure and cybersecurity,” said Governor Hutchinson. “The American Rescue Plan and related guidance recognized these areas as important to long term economic recovery and success. Working closely with members of the General Assembly and the ARP Committee, I look forward to funding projects that will improve the lives of many Arkansans.”    

    DFA will review proposals along with two consulting companies, CTEH and Hagerty, to determine if they meet eligibility standards as defined by U.S. Treasury. Those that meet these requirements will be assigned to the appropriate state agency for further review. Proposals that proceed will be presented by the agency to the full ARPA Steering Committee. The committee will make recommendations with final approval required by Governor Hutchinson and the General Assembly.

    The 15-member ARPA Steering Committee includes members of the General Assembly along with leaders of several state agencies.

    “In order to maximize the positive impact of these federal funds, the ARPA Steering Committee will continue to listen to the needs of organizations and individuals around the state,” said Larry Walther, Department Secretary for DFA and Chairman of the ARPA Steering Committee. “Though a coordinated effort I am confident we will fund the projects that will benefit the state for years to come, whether it’s broadband investment or expansion of healthcare infrastructure.”

    The $1.57 billion will be provided to the state through two transfers. The first half of funding was received in late June while the remaining portion will follow in approximately 12 months.

    The $1.01 billion for Arkansas cities and counties is separate from the $1.57 billion in state fiscal recovery funds.  

    Additional information regarding ARP funding, including eligible projects, may be found at  https://home.treasury.gov/.

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