Publication

Best Practices for Local and State Prioritization of American Rescue Plan Act Funds

Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), states, cities, counties, U.S. territories, and tribal nations will receive a total of $350 billion in Fiscal Recovery Funds to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and help bring back jobs. In West Virginia, the state government will receive $1.355 billion and cities, municipalities, and counties will receive a total of $676.6 million. ARPA funds are already flowing into communities and our state and can be used on eligible costs incurred through December 31, 2024.

On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued3 an Interim Final Rule providing guidance to recipient governments that explains how the Treasury will interpret the ARPA legislation’s language and administer the Fiscal Recovery Funds.

This document will focus on the allocations to cities, municipalities, counties, and the state of West Virginia, and will highlight both best practices and Treasury guidance to inform government officials and residents about the parameters for spending and the best ways to utilize these funds to make long-term improvements in our communities.

When determining whether or not a proposal should utilize ARPA Fiscal Recovery Funds, local and state elected officials and decision-making bodies should assess whether the proposed expenditure has broad public benefits in addition to ensuring that it falls under an approved category. A public benefit test will help to maximize the impact of these funds to address longstanding community needs.