The American Rescue Plan committee, made up of the Benton County Quorum Court, has heard from several applicants and has three more meetings scheduled.
Benton County has heard from 33 applicants vying for economic recovery assistance as part of the American Rescue Plan. Three more meetings are scheduled throughout the month of February and beginning of March for the remaining applicants to present their proposal to the committee. In August 2021, Benton County requested organizations apply for economic recovery assistance as part of the American Rescue Plan.
As part of the American Rescue Plan, Benton County will receive $54 million from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Treasury launched the relief to be allocated to four key areas, one of which is public health and economic recovery. Applicants must provide performance measures and describe the intended successful outcome at the proposal stage. At the evaluation, Quorum Court members will score based on whether the proposal meets the established criteria for a successful and impactful project. Finally, quarterly performance reports from beneficiaries and support from Benton County will reinforce evidence-based, data-driven implementation.
The Finance Committee will meet to discuss the ARP proposals and decide how to allocate the funds throughout Benton County after the final proposal on March 3rd. The date for this discussion will be announced at a later date.
When are the next American Rescue Plan Presentations?
Thursday, February 24
Monday, February 28
Thursday, March 3
Agendas and presentation documents will be available for each meeting on the Benton County website: https://bentoncountyar.gov/calendar/.
What is the American Rescue Plan?
According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. The U.S. Department of Treasury is launching this relief to:
- Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control
- Replace lost revenue for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs
- Support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses
- Address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the impact of the pandemic
How does this impact Benton County?
Over the next two years, Benton County will receive $54 million total from the American Rescue Plan. The Benton County Quorum Court formed an American Rescue Plan Committee which will be the legislative body determining how and where these funds will be utilized. The American Rescue Plan Committee will meet in 2022 and review the applications in the Benton County Quorum Court room at 215 E. Central Avenue to discuss the relief topics. Details regarding this meeting will be sent out as it becomes available.
How can the public participate?
As always, these meetings are open to the public. Public comment will be taken in person or comments can be sent to QuorumCourt@BentonCountyAR.Gov which goes to each member of the Quorum Court. More details will come from these meetings and will be communicated with the public and necessary entities as determined.