American Rescue Plan Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Perry County American Rescue Plan Advisory Committee was established to formulate a strategic funding plan that addresses community priorities and aligns with the eligible uses of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Overview of the American Rescue Plan and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARP”) into law. The $1.9 trillion package, based on President Biden’s “American Rescue Plan,” is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts.

The ARP established the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund which will provide $65.1 billion in direct aid to counties over the next two years. Consequently, Perry County will receive $3,723,354 from the U.S. Department of Treasury while Cannelton, Tell City, and Troy will receive lesser amounts from the State of Indiana.

Eligible Uses of the Funds

On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued an interim final rule, fact sheet, and FAQs for the implementation of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. The interim final rule outlines the following categories of eligible uses of the funds:

1. Supporting the public health response. Fund COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral health care and certain county public health, public safety, human services and other related staff.
2. Addressing negative economic impacts. Respond to economic harms to workers, families, small businesses, impacted industries and rehiring of public sector workers.
3. Replacing public sector revenue loss. Use funds to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced during the pandemic.
4. Providing premium pay for essential workers. Offer additional compensation, up to $13 per hour in additional wages, to those – both county employees and other workers in the community – who have faced and continue to face the greatest health risks due to their service.
5. Investing in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Make necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, invest in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and provide unserved or underserved locations with new or expanded broadband access.