The American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill enacted on March 11, 2021 to aid in recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects. Within ARPA, the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery fund provides $350 billion for states, municipalities, counties, tribes and territories. The City of Berkeley Lake was allocated $801,468. The first half, $400,884, was disbursed and received in July 2021. The second disbursement occurred in 2022. Funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. The eligible categories for ARPA expenditures are as follows:
- To respond to the public health emergency with respect to Covid-19 or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality.
- Premium pay for workers performing essential work during the Covid-19 public health emergency or through providing grants to eligible employers with essential workers.
- For the provision of government services on revenue loss due to Covid-19 in most recent full fiscal year.
- To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband.
Additional information is available from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget.