Sagadahoc County American Rescue Plan Act Decision Process

Under the United States American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, Sagadahoc County will receive a total of $6,964,608 in recovery funds to replace lost revenues and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment is split into two tranches, with the first payment of $3,482,304 received in May 2021 and the second payment of an equal amount scheduled to arrive no sooner than May 2022.

ARPA funds must be obligated no later than December 31, 2024. Funds must be spent no later than December 31, 2026.

Further guidance on the use of ARPA funds can be found in the Final Rule from the U.S. Department of Treasury; but broadly, these funds can be spent in the following categories:
          - Supporting the public health response
          - Addressing negative economic impacts 
          - Replacing public sector revenue loss 
          - Premium pay for essential workers 
          - Water, sewer, broadband infrastructure

Funds can generally not be used for:
          - Reducing taxes
          - Depositing extraordinary funds into a pension account
          - Certain non-federal matches
          - Debt Service
          - Legal Settlements
          - Rainy Day Funds
          - Infrastructure outside of water/sewer/broadband, or revenue loss to infrastructure projects
          - General economic development or workforce development unless related to the pandemic

U.S. Department of Treasury Frequently Asked Questions.


The following is Sagadahoc County's process for determining use of ARPA funds:

1. Identify County needs – August - October 2021
          · Sagadahoc County staff will perform an audit of revenue losses to Sagadahoc County
          · County staff will identify further response measures necessary to the COVID-19 pandemic
          · County staff will perform an internal needs assessment

2. Receive requests from Sagadahoc County municipalities and non-profit organizations – October - November 2021
         · Receive requests and public comment
         · Commissioners’ workshops
         · Staff will organize requests into qualified categories
         · Meetings with municipal leaders, industry experts and service providers
         · Receive ongoing comments through Commissioners’ meetings
         · Continue to update and seek input from County Commissioners in public meetings

3. Commissioners determine projects to receive funding – Ongoing
        · Priority to Sagadahoc County projects
        · Second priority to regional projects that benefit the most county residents
        · Third priority to less than regional projects