ARPA Funds
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law March 11, 2021 — is intended to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including health and economic impacts. ARPA included $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial and Tribal governments through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which will be The money will be distributed through the U.S. Department of the Treasury
It is subject to the requirements specified in the Interim Final Rule adopted by Treasury on May 10, 2021. The Final Rule is expected to be released sometime before the end of 2021.
Local governments will receive funds in two tranches, with 50% provided beginning in May 2021 and the balance delivered approximately 12 months later.
Below is the payment schedule for the Town of Manchester.
- May 2021:
Municipal Payment #1: $183,884.04
County Payment #1: $342,289.31
Total: $526,173.35 - May 2022:
Municipal Payment #2: $183,884.04
County Payment #2: $342,289.31
Total: $526,173.35
Grand Total: $1,052,346.70
The Village of Manchester is eligible to receive funding through ARPA as well. The Town received funding based on a population of 3,513 and the Village received funding based on a population of 711. Collectively, the 4,224 residents between the Town and Village split represent the entire population of the Town.
The Manchester Selectboard is soliciting proposals and ideas from individuals and organization for the first tranche of funding (May 2021 – $526,173.35). Proposals were due by Monday, November 15, 2021. The Selectboard met on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 to consider the proposals and hear from the public.
- Support public health expenditures, by, for example, funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff
- Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector
- Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic
- Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors
- Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet
Projects Approved by Manchester Selectboard:
| Project | Category | Amount |
| Replace lost public sector revenue 1 | Category 6.1 (Provision of Government Services) | $100,000 |
| Replace lost public sector revenue 2 | Category 6.1 (Provision of Government Services) | $100,000 |
| Expansion of Med-Flight Landing Zone | Category 1.7 (capital investment to respond to COVID Emergency) | $20,000 |
| Main Street Sewer Main Design | Category 5.2 (Wastewater Collection and Conveyance) | $60,000 |
| Northshire Day School | Category 4.2 (Premium Pay) | $55,000 |
| Purchase of Land 3 | Category 6.1 (Provision of Government Services) | $150,000 |
| Skatepark – Phases 2 & 3 4 | Category 6.1 (Provision of Government Services) | $75,000 |
| TOTAL | $560,000 |
- $100,000 from General Fund approved by Selectboard to fund redevelopment / reuse of 301 Depot Street, a Town owned property.
- $100,000 from General Fund approved by Selectboard to fund emergency river corridor work.
- $150,000 for purchase of land on Town Shed Road adjacent to Town DPW Garage.
- $75,000 for skatepark construction contingent upon construction occurring in 2022.
Below is a section by section summary from the US Department of Treasury on allowable expenses: (images were not available for migration)