ARPA
View the ARPA update (PDF), presented to the City Council on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, by the Chief Financial Officer.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill. ARPA was created to help states, municipalities, counties, tribes and territories help mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that Taunton will receive $20,952,932 in federal funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Taunton Public Schools (TPS) will receive $26,602,613 exclusively for TPS expenses.
The U.S. Treasury also released rules and guidelines for the program that sets forth eligible uses for funding, which includes responding to acute pandemic-response needs, filling revenue shortfalls, and supporting the communities and populations hardest-hit by COVID-19.
Five Core Areas for Disbursement of Funds
- Support Public Health Response
- Respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts
- Address Negative Economic Impacts
- Respond to economic harm to workers, families, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector
- Replace Lost Revenue
- Provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19
- Water, Sewer and Broadband Infrastructure
- Make necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, invest in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and expand broadband access
- Premium Pay
- Funds may be used for additional support for those who have faced the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors
Your opinion is needed. What do you think is highest priority for the City of Taunton?
Take a brief online survey on how you think the City should prioritize ARPA funding.
Community Engagement
In addition, the City intends to provide opportunities for community engagement. The first Community Engagement meeting for Taunton organizations, businesses, and residents will be:
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
6 pm.
City Hall (Council Chambers)
15 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Public feedback may be submitted at any time by emailing Covid19Info.
For additional information about ARPA and its requirements, view the ARPA City of Taunton Future Fund Presentation (PDF).
Recent Updates
Mayor O'Connell and her administration are utilizing the City of Taunton's ARPA funds to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of the community, building a strong, equitable economy for City residents, maintaining vital public services and making investments that support long-term growth.
The City of Taunton has appropriated 1.9 million, of the 10 million received to date, to the following areas:
- 53% to non-profits mental health and youth services
- 33% to Public Safety
- 13% to preventing cuts to government services
- 1% to miscellaneous eligible projects / programs
Please check back regularly for updates!