UPDATED on June 1 at 2:45 p.m., with Mayor Elumbaugh’s comments.
As a result of the American Rescue Plan of 2021, a large infusion of federal aid is starting to flow into Arkansas.
The state government will receive $1.57 billion. The 75 Arkansas counties will receive $586 million to split, and Arkansas cities will receive about $425 million.
Independence County Judge Robert Griffin told White River Now the county has already received half of the $7.3 million ($3.65 million) and is preparing how to utilize the funds. Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh noted the city expects to eventually receive an estimated $2 million in aid.
Government entities can use funds from the American Rescue Plan to:
- Recover from the loss of revenue caused by the pandemic
- Improve health in communities that suffered the brunt of the pandemic’s impact
- Prepare for future pandemics, such as purchasing medical supplies and equipment to training more people in health professions
- And make necessary improvements to water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
The American Rescue Plan is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, to speed up the United States’ recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
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