The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), also called the COVID 19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan, is a US $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 country’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID 19 Pandemic and the ongoing recession. Through the funding by Congress, the State of Mississippi was appropriated and allocated ARPA funding as follows:
$1.941 billion in State Fiscal Relief
$ 973 million in Local Fiscal Relief
$ 1.656 billion in relief for K-12 schools
Of the Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received by the State of Mississippi, $65.1 Billion was allocated to Counties and $65.1 was allocated to Cities. The amount allocated to each county and city was based on population. ARPA Funds will be distributed in two payments in one-half increments. The first distribution should be received within 60 days of enactment of ARPA Act and the second distribution would be sent not earlier than one year after the first distribution.
Clay County was allocated to receive $3,751,906.70. Clay County received it’s first distribution on June 28, 2021 in the amount of $1,875,953.50. The second distribution should be received within in one year from June 2021. Counties have until December 31, 2024 to develop a plan of how funds should be spent. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2026. There are strict guidelines in how funds can be spent all of which are relative to COVID 19 and the impact thereof.
The Clay County Board of Supervisors is in the process of developing the ARPA spending plan for Clay County. The Board is seeking public input and suggestions as to how they think these funds should be spent relative to COVID. Below is a public survey for you to complete in an effort to let the Board hear from you.
CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY. Once completed, please return to the Chancery Clerk’s office or email to aberry@claycounty.ms.gov.