Signed into law on March 11, 2021, The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) provides $350 billion in additional funding for state and local governments, through its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program. The law is intended to help states and municipalities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medfield is expected to receive a total of $3,796,847, of which $1,355,981 will come directly from the federal government (Treasury) and $2,440,866 is available through Norfolk County (County). Any funds the Town accesses through Norfolk County will require the County's approval through the Norfolk County portal.
Eligible uses of these funds include:
- Revenue replacement for the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency;
- COVID-19 expenditures or negative economic impacts of COVID-19. including assistance to small businesses, households, and hard-hit industries, and economic recovery;
- Premium pay for essential workers;
- Investments in sewer, water, and broadband infrastructure.
Restrictions on the uses of these funds include:
- Funds allocated to states cannot be used to directly or indirectly offset tax reductions or delay a tax or tax increase;
- Funds cannot be deposited into any pension fund
- Funding must be obligated by the end of calendar year 2024 and spent by the end of calendar year 2026
To date, the Select Board has approved the following expenditures to be made with this federal funding: