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American Rescue Plan Act

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 with circular logo at top The American Rescue Plan Act became law on March 11, 2021 and allocated $360 billion in funding directly to state and local governments through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF). The U.S. Department of the Treasury is responsible for overseeing this program.

The City of Staunton was allotted just under $13 million, with half received in May 2021 and the other half in May 2022. The purpose of this one-time funding is to assist communities in recovering from the public health emergency and its negative economic impacts, so the City’s overarching focus is primarily on public health, public safety, and long-term infrastructure benefits (i.e. stormwater, affordable housing, pedestrian walkability).

More Information in yellow over a blue/green background

Restrictions on the funding are complex. The U.S. Department of the Treasury details the restrictions through several documents and an FAQ, all of which are linked on this page. Broadly, however, the money can be used for items in the following categories:

Support for public health and economic impacts
Premium pay for essential workers
Payroll expenses for public health and safety employees
Replace public sector revenue loss
Water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

The City has until December 2024 to make a plan (encumber) the funds and until December 2026 to spend the funds.

Additional information on the timeline, funding categories and staff requests and recommendations to City Council are in the presentations to City Council:

SurveyResults

From November 10 through December 31 of 2021, Polco hosted the first survey, which was available to residents online and on paper. The data gathered through this outreach effort can be viewed in its entirety by clicking the links below. City Council received a summary presentation of these results and discussed them at their May 12, 2022 City Council meeting.