CARRIE SCHENA American Rescue Plan Act Program Manager Administration & Finance Suite 114 329 Mast Road Goffstown, NH 03045 Phone: (603) 351-3829 HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
What is ARPA?
The American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion federal rescue plan that was signed into law in March 2021. Hillsborough County was allocated a total of $81,002,271, of the $350 billion under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). It is common to see or hear the terms ARPA and SLFRF used interchangeably. All funds must be obligated by December 3, 2024 and fully expended by December 31, 2026.
This Program is focused on recovery and provides governments with the resources to:
• Fight the pandemic and support families and businesses struggling with its public health and economic impacts
• Maintain vital public services, even amid declines in revenues resulting from the crisis
• Build a strong, resilient, and equitable recovery by making investments that support long-term growth and opportunity
What is Hillsborough County doing with their ARPA allocation? The County’s adopted Recovery Plan includes strategic investments, in the community and internal departments. Addressing critical needs within County Departments serves the public by improving safety and efficiency of the County’s services.
Examples of projects include an overhaul of the HVAC system at the Nursing Home; a new emergency communications system for the Sheriff’s Department; scanning historic documents at the Registry of Deeds (to make accessible online); non-profit support; affordable housing and more.
Departmental Needs Assessment and Allocation County Department projects were primarily presented to the BOC in the 12-18 months following receipt of the award. On April 6, 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved an update to the County's Recovery Plan that included an allocation of approximately $59M toward current and future departmental projects. The County's operations inherently benefit all residents and these projects have a focus on improving services and technology, mitigating increased community violence, advancing equity, and mitigating & containing the spread of COVID-19, especially among vulnerable populations within the County's care. County Departments may be presented on a rolling basis, up to the obligation deadline (December 31, 2026).
Community Needs Assessment and Allocation The County's Recovery Plan also included approximately $21M to assist community entities, separated into two rounds of funding. The County utilized existing studies, recent surveys, and consulted with community stakeholders to identify potential transformative initiatives within County functions in the community. Discussions and public comment were accepted at Board of Commissioner meetings.
In June 2022, the County began accepting proposals from non-profits under the second phase of ARPA implementation. Community funds were awarded in two separate tracks:
Timeline for SLRF Funds
(This timeline will be updated as the Program continues to be implemented)
Timeframe
Action
Fall 2021
ARPA Program administration design phase. Following an RFP process for a consultant, the County determined a temporary employee position would be more advantageous.
Fall - Winter 2021
Development of ARPA policies and procedures, internal forms, tracking systems; eligibility review of HC Department proposals.
Winter 2021
Board considered and approved certain Department proposals, focusing on pandemic response and strategic investments in County Department infrastructure and services to immediately respond to the pandemic.
Approved proposals moved forward to HC Executive Committee for consideration/approval of appropriation transfer.
Winter 2021 - Spring 2022
Community engagement, identification of potential community funding needs.
Develop application/grant process for outside entities to apply for funds.
Early Spring 2022
Remaining HC Department proposals including capital improvement projects, presented through the annual budget process to obtain Board of Commissioners, Executive Committee and Delegation approvals as required by law.
Late Spring 2022
Community assistance applications released to non-profits. Due date July 1, 2022.
Summer 2022 - Fall/Winter 2022
Review committee examined and recommended Round 1 funding for non-profits to the BOC. BOC considered award amounts, forwarded plan to Executive Committee.
Executed agreements and worked to release funds to 34 non-profit entities.
Spring 2023 and beyond
Round 2 funding for community entities released in February 2023. BOC will considered proposals and forwarded to Executive Committee for transfers, as required.
Subrecipient Agreements executed, release of funds for services rendered on an ongoing basis. Estimated completion dates by June 2025.
County Department projects ongoing.
THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO PERIODICALLY REVISIT THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES AND ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER MEETING MINUTES FOR A STATUS ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS.
ARPA DOCUMENTS