Selectboard Seeks Resident Input on Use of ARPA Funds

ARPA Survey

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319), also known as ARPA, into law. The $1.9 trillion package is intended to combat the COVID19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts.

Princeton has already received $521,293.51 as its share for this year and will be receiving the same amount again next June.  This funding is available to cover eligible costs during the period beginning March 3, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2024, as long as the awarded funds for the obligations incurred by December 31, 2024, are expended by December 31, 2026.  Costs incurred prior to March 3, 2021, are not eligible.  Ineligible uses include payments into a pension fund (OPEB), debt payments, and transfers into stabilization accounts.

The Selectboard will be cautious about using ARPA funds for on-going expenses, even in "experimental" mode.  It is not helpful to use one-time revenues for ongoing expenses and burdens future operating budgets. The Selectboard, working with the Financial Team, will prioritize ARPA goals to support the values shared by the community and its elected officials. 

The ARPA funding categories are:

  • Support public health response

Services to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Payroll and covered benefits for staff to the extent that they work on the COVID-19 response.

  • Replace public sector revenue loss

Ensure continuity of vital government services by filling budget shortfalls.

  • Water and sewer infrastructure

Building or upgrading facilities and transmission, distribution, and storage systems. Eligible uses are aligned with EPA project categories for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

  • Address negative economic impacts

Deliver assistance to workers and families. Support small businesses. Speed the recovery of impacted industries.

  • Premium pay for essential workers

Prioritize low- and moderate-income workers. Key sectors include healthcare, grocery and food services, education, childcare, sanitation, and transit. Must be fully additive to a worker’s wages.

  • Broadband Infrastructure

Focus on households and businesses without access to broadband and those with connections that do not provide minimally acceptable speeds. Fund projects that deliver reliable services.

The process the Selectboard will follow for ARPA fund allocation is:

  1. Collect input from residents using this survey
  2. Request draft of investment priorities from Financial Team.
  3. SB reviews and updates list of investment priorities.
  4. Open public comment period on SB’s list of investment priorities.
  5. Request updated investment priorities from Financial Team (incorporating initial community feedback).
  6. Selectboard considers final ARPA investment priorities at a subsequent meeting.