by David Snedeker, Northeastern Vermont Development Association
As you have likely heard there will be funding for local governments in the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress and signed into law. Your can find the bill here: American Rescue Plan Act . Title IX, Part 8, Subtitle M, Section 9901, Sections 602 and 603 are the most relevant Here, but there are a number of community services that are supported throughout the bill that may not be municipal in nature, but which will support community needs.
The exact amounts that will be available, the eligible uses, and the means of distribution of funds are not clear at this point, but it does appear that the funding will have a 3-year lifespan (i.e., expiration in 2024.) As guidelines are developed at the federal and state levels, and as we learn more, we ll pass along information to you as quickly as possible.