THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan Act (”ARPA”), is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021.
City of Everett Announces Application Process for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Eligible Programs.
Community Organizations and Businesses Can Begin Applying for $11.2M.
The City of Everett has allocated $11.2M to fund projects and programs that directly benefit the residents of Everett and help in the recovery of the negative impacts created or exacerbated by COVID-19. Local agencies (for-profit, non-profit, civic groups, or service providers) can apply for funding to carry out ARPA-eligible projects and programs on behalf of the city. With the assistance from the community as well as the city’s ARPA Advisory Panel, Everett has allocated $11.2M to the following initiatives:
- Public Health Programs – 4.3M
- Housing Assistance Programs – 3.7M
- Education and Childcare Assistance Programs – 1.4M
- Food Assistance Programs – 1.1M
- Economic Recovery programs for Small Business and Non-Profits – 745k
Interested applicants may click on the link below for more information and to apply. The city will host an on-line informational session for interested applicants on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at 2PM EST find detailed information on how to apply. The grant program will close on Friday, June 7th, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.
Grant review staff are available to answer questions about the application requirements, eligible activities, or the funding process once the application is posted. Please send an email to ARPA_Everett@ci.everett.ma.us with questions. A team member will respond within 3 to 5 business days.
ZoomGrants application link:
View the webinar from Tuesday, March 5th
ARPA Documents
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What is ARPA
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan Act (”ARPA”), is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021.
Of the entire $1.9 trillion bill, $350 billion was allocated to state and local governments. This allocation is known as the State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF). The SLFRF will enable local governments to address strategic economic and infrastructure investments and address governmental budget shortfalls. A significant difference between CARES and ARPA is that the U.S. Treasury included all government entities in the distribution of ARPA funds.
The City of Everett has been awarded a total of $47.1 million in ARP funds to be utilized across the eligible expenditure categories. Initially, Everett was awarded $13.8 million in ARPA funds. However, a few months later, the state allocated an additional $33.3 million in extra Rescue Act money to supplement the original allotment. According to Gov. Baker, Everett was one of four communities that were “disproportionately impacted by the virus, and this additional funding will support critical local COVID response and recovery efforts.”
This funding gives us the chance to invest in both the City and our residents. This funding will ensure that our City, and our many residents, have what they need to recover from the pandemic and help to build a stronger Everett. Supporting Everett families is the main focus of this effort. The funding will be used to assist both current and future generations of Everett residents.
There are significant requirements, guidance and limitations on uses of ARPA funds. The City of Everett has discretion to use the funds in ways that best suit the needs of our community, as long as each use fits into one of the following four statutory categories:
- To respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts;
- To respond to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to such eligible workers of the recipient, or by providing grants to eligible employers that have eligible workers who performed essential work;
- For the provision of government services, to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such recipient due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year of the recipient prior to the emergency; and
- To make necessary investments in water, sewer (including stormwater), or broadband infrastructure.
Community Impact Tool
The City is utilizing “The Balancing Act” as a community engagement and impact tool to help assess where the community believes the greatest needs and opportunities for investment are within the City. This tool allows community members to identify, weigh, and rank their individual top five priority areas. The City looks forward to utilizing the information provided by the community to further inform its ARPA allocation plan.
American Rescue Plan Act Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
ARPA funds must be used within the guidelines set by the Federal Government. In general, backfilling budget cuts falls outside the guidelines and wouldn’t be allowed, unless there is a specific relationship between the budget cut and COVID-19 impacts.
Click here to be automatically taken to a website that will allow you to provide input on how the City’s ARPA funds should be distributed. You can also visit the site at the following website address: Add link when it is active.
The City of Everett will receive $47.1 million in ARPA funds. All funds must be allocated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
There is a community engagement process currently underway to provide Everett residents with an opportunity to weigh in on the City’s ARPA spending. Once that input is collected and analyzed, City Council will identify funding categories and specific projects that will use ARPA funding.
Initially, Everett was awarded $13.8 million in ARPA funds. However, a few months later, the state allocated an additional $33.3 million in extra Rescue Act money to supplement the original allotment. According to Gov. Baker, Everett was one of four communities that were “disproportionately impacted by the virus, and this additional funding will support critical local COVID response and recovery efforts.”
The City is required to determine how all ARPA funds will be allocated by the end of 2024, and the money must be spent by the end of 2026.
You can find more in-depth information on the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 here.
For any other questions about the American Rescue Plan Act in Everett not answered in the FAQ above, please email us at: EverettARPA@ci.everett.ma.us