American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) was enacted by Congress providing additional financial relief to communities to address the continued impact of Covid-19. From that package, $350 billion was allocated for states, municipalities, counties, tribes, and territories through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).

Stafford received $3,519,740.29
The funds come in two equal tranches:

Tranche 1: $ 1,759,870.14 (received June 25)
Tranche 2: $ 1,759,870.15 (2022)
Funds must be obligated or encumbered by December 31, 2024. All funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.

Funds can only be used in accordance with the act, which generally allows for the support of public utilities, elements of economic development, elements of social services, pandemic-related emergency services, and recovering lost municipal income. Please note that school-related expenditures are not permitted with these funds. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments with a substantial infusion of resources to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, and more equitable economy as the country recovers. Recipients may use these funds to:

Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff;
Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector;
Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic;
Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors; and,
Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.

Funds can only be used in accordance with the Act, which generally allows for the support of public utilities, elements of economic development, elements of social services, pandemic-related emergency services, and recovering lost municipal income. Your response will help inform the Stafford ARPA Committee on community needs and how to prioritize funding that will provide long-lasting benefits to residents and businesses.

Compliance Reports:
SLFRF Compliance Report - Project & Expenditure Report 2023
SLFRF Compliance Report - Project & Expenditure Report 2022

ARPA Commission

To help oversee funds and prioritize projects, the Stafford Board of Selectman formed the ARPA Commission. The Commission will work hand-in-hand with the community to hear from residents, small businesses, and community stakeholders on how these funds from the ARPA should be used. Additionally, the Town will pursue additional funding opportunities that will become available through ARPA and any additional relief legislation.

The Commission consists of town staff, officials, and community members, who were appointed by the Board of Selectmen in accordance with the requirements of C.G.S. Sec. 9-167a

ARPA Commission
Meeting Agendas & Minutes

More Information
ARPA - Explore Stafford CT