Town of Simsbury to Receive COVID Relief Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act

The U.S. Department of Treasury has announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program that was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  This program provides $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments to help address the economic fallout related to the pandemic. Funding objectives include: support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease the spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control; replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs; support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses; address systemic public health economic challenges that have contributed to the unequal impact of the pandemic.

Simsbury is anticipated to receive $7.5 million in total relief funding that will be distributed in two tranches – 50% now and 50% next year.  Municipalities must ensure these funds are being used to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Consideration must be given to the following: (1) Identifying a need or negative impact of the COVID health emergency and (2) Identifying how the program, service or other intervention addresses the identified need or impact.

The Board of Selectmen formed a work group on June 14, 2021 that is tasked with providing recommendations to the full Board of Selectmen on both the process and potential uses for the ARPA funds.  Members include Deputy First Selectman Sean Askham and Selectwoman Wendy Mackstutis. To sign up to receive the meeting agendas for this work group, visit https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/subscriber and select “Board of Selectmen – Subcommittees.”

Additional information and resources on the ARPA funds can be accessed through the U.S. Department of Treasury, the National League of Cities, and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.