American Rescue Plan: what is it and how can it benefit you?

President Biden signed the America Rescue Plan (ARP) on March 11, 2021. The department of the treasury provided new guidelines. These guidelines are beneficial for “Coronavirus and local fiscal recovery funds” by providing $350 billion for cities. It helps states to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether small or big, all the towns will receive ARP funding, no matter the size of your community.

The treasury department has recently sanctioned a temporary rule that provides information on how to use the ARP funds. NRPA’s public policy ensures that parks are recognized in the ARP, and they are also included in the temporary final rule, which is known as an interim final rule. The advocacy team has also pushed to ensure any outdoor spaces were recognized in the ARP

There is an FAQ document published by the department of treasury, which clarifies these rules. The states in which corona has shown adverse effects will use the following purpose for outdoor space/parks. The FAQ states that local fiscal recovery can be used for the following objectives for outdoor space and parks:-

• Areas that are impacted disproportionally by the pandemic will be improved. This provision comes in a “Qualified Census Tract.” It will improve the conditions of the outdoor spaces like parks that will benefit the health and wellness of these communities.
• During a pandemic, the increased use of parks will be maintained and will be an upkeep issue. The following principles are allowable expenses under the ARP.

The manager, mayor, city council, and other municipal leadership must be aware of the guidance from the department of treasure. One has to be mindful of all of them. 

Suppose you don’t know about these guidelines from the department of treasury. Your plans for new projects will be considered in the underserved community. But if you keep updated with these rules, it will make an excellent opportunity to do outreach and education.  

By doing this duty, your city leaders will know how this money is spent, so you should continue to make your case to these decision-makers. It is also essential for the Coronavirus states to raise their voice so that these states are also advocated by ARP funds to be used for improving and enhancing your local parks. For more information about using funds, you must register and view the recorded webinar that NRPA hosted on July 8, 2021.

This process of funding, also known as long-term municipal, means a careful assessment of your community to balance the pandemic situation. The community will receive the funds in two disbursements, as pass-through each state treasure.

Approximately 60 days from signing the law, the first part of the fund will transfer to the community. The community has to distribute the fund in 30 days with a population under 50,000. The second half of the funds will arrive in 12 months from the date of signing the law. The federal government will directly distribute the funds to the community.

What Type of Projects Qualify for ARP Funding?

The guidelines provided by the government are not perfect, so most of the community is waiting for them. The criteria of funding are relatively broad. These funds are intended for handling the COVID-related expenditures. These funds are made to overcome the economic impacts, small business assistance, and premium pay for essential workers. Investments in water and sewer will be encouraged. This fund is critical for states which are affected by the pandemic.  

• First aid first: The primary purpose of ARP funding is to get communities back on their feet and help these communities medically. These funds are beneficial for providing emergency first aid. These funds can overcome the losses created by the COVID. Leaders should utilize the funds wisely so that everyone should get the benefits.
• Strength in Numbers: – For investing in an American rescue plan, this is another approach. Whether your community is small or large can be a very impactful use of funding. Communities in rural areas may share critical public safety with nearby municipalities. Upgrading these departments can provide benefits to high range people or serve a more extensive network of services.
• Prepared, Flexible, Organized, Measured: – if you know how to invest in ARP, you can be behind schedule. All leaders of the community are already aware of the factions of their community. You can hold community meetings and make your doubts clear. If you find an area hardly affected by the pandemic, you can help that area in the best way. 

For more information on the US economy and American rescue plan, please stay connected with us.