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Pandemic Relief Support for State and Local Governments

The CARES Act established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to help offset the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on state, local and tribal governments. The timeframe to spend the original $150 billion has been extended until December 2021.

Most of the CRF monies went directly to states. A population-based formula determined the amount each state received, beginning at a minimum of $1.25 billion. Local governments with populations exceeding 500,000 also received funds directly, while local governments with smaller populations were required to apply for funding through their respective states. The CRF reimbursed:

  • Necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency
  • Expenditures not accounted for in the most recently approved budget (as of the CARES Act enactment on March 27, 2020)
  • Expenditures incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, providing state, local and tribal governments with an additional $350 billion in emergency funding:

  • $195 billion for states (minimum of $500 million/state)
  • $130 billion for local governments (minimum of $1.25 billion/state, inclusive of the amounts allocated to local governments within the state)
  • $20 billion for tribal governments
  • $4.5 billion for territories

These funds can be used by Dec. 31, 2024, to cover costs incurred for the following reasons:

  • Responding to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts, including assisting households, small businesses and nonprofits; or aiding industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality.
  • Providing premium pay to eligible government workers for performing essential tasks or providing grants to eligible employers with workers performing essential work.
  • Continuing to provide government services that may be impacted by the reduced revenues associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  • Provide resources for state, local and tribal governments to invest in infrastructure services, including those for water, wastewater and broadband connectivity.

Woolpert can provide services that comply with program requirements and are prioritized by return on investment. Listed below is just a sampling of the services that we can provide after a customized needs assessment. Contact us to schedule a meeting and ensure sufficient time to make the most of your allocation and get your community back on track.

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