American Rescue Plan Act: Where Did The Money Come From And Where Did It Go?

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed by President Biden in March 2021. It provided $1.9 trillion in COVID-19 relief funding.

Valley County received allocations from several funding sources within ARPA. The first allocation was $1,436,586, provided to Valley County in two halves, in July 2021 and July 2022. This money is targeted to support entities that were impacted by COVID-19. For smaller revenue counties including Valley County, the money may also be used for county services. The County Commissioners allocated this money to the City-County Library for new air handling units ($24,970), to the Town of Opheim for water tower maintenance ($56,650) and to Valley View Home for operating costs increases due to COVID-19 ($1 million). The remaining money is targeted for county services.

Valley County’s second ARPA allocation of $1,319,745, came from the State ARPA fund. This allocation is required to be spent on water, sewer and/or broadband projects, and each project requires State approval. The County Commissioners allocated these funds as follows: North Valley County Water and Sewer District for water distribution ($250,000), Hinsdale Water and Sewer District for water improvements ($500,000), Town of Opheim for sewage lagoon upgrades ($107,500), Town of Fort Peck for wastewater irrigation ($212,249) and the Cherry Creek Water and Sewer District for sewage lagoon repair ($250,000). Each receiving entity was required to provide matching funds.

Valley County received the latest ARPA allocation of $1,805,269 from the U.S. Treasury, through the Local Assistance (Public Lands Counties) Fund in October 2022. A matching amount is scheduled to be allocated again in 2023. This fund can be used for government services, excluding lobbying. During the last several weeks, the Commission have been discussing options and asking for input for the use of these funds at the regular Wednesday Discussion and Decision meetings. Gravel crushing, airport fuel truck replacement, Long Run Fire Department water tender replacement, City pool support, walking path upgrades, mental health services, and senior center repairs have been suggested.

We encourage everyone to provide input for the use of these funds. Please stop by the Commissioners office, call us on the phone, email us or attend our regular Wednesday meeting at 10:30 a.m.