AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDS

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law by President Biden. ARPA, a $1.9 trillion investment, established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. This fund provides $350 billion to for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments nationwide for COVID-19 pandemic recovery assistance. This bill provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. ARPA funds are intended to help offset revenue losses resulting from the pandemic, as well as fund other community needs.

Durham County has received $62,445,275 to support infrastructure investments through 2026. The City of Durham will also receive more than $50M during the same period.

Community input has played a crucial role in understanding the needs of Durham residents and ensuring that the allocation of funds aligns with local priorities.

As of December 2023, a range of projects have been funded, demonstrating the board's strategic approach to addressing the multifaceted needs of Durham County residents. All ARPA funds must be encumbered by December 31, 2024, with all funds expended by December 31, 2026. Plans are underway to have all funds encumbered by Spring 2024. To view the list of currently funded ARPA projects, please go to the ARPA Funded Projects page.

The City of Durham is a key partner in the distribution of ARPA funds. To view the City of Durham's ARPA webpage including their allocation priorities, click here.