Wilmington Welcomes the Public’s Ideas for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds (ARP)
May 26, 2021
Submit ideas via email for the use of ARP funds at ARPideas@WilmingtonDE.gov or leave a comment at 302.576.2494
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki said City government would like to hear from the public as to how the City should spend its American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. In March of this year, the federal government passed the ARP Act, which provides additional relief to address the continued effects of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Wilmington will receive $55.3 million in two tranches—$27 million now and the remainder of the money next year.
Mayor Mike Purzycki addresses members of the audience during a press conference to announce a new 203 apartment and workspace complex Thursday, May. 20, 2021, in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
Federal guidelines for use of the funds have certain restrictions, but allowed uses include:
•responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits;
•responding to issues related to workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency by providing premium pay to eligible workers;
•responding to the reduction in revenue due to the COVID–19 public health emergency relative to revenues collected in the most recent full fiscal year prior to the emergency;
•making necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.
ARP funds may NOT be used for:
•Contributions to government reserve rainy-day funds, financial reserves, or similar funds
•Tax cuts
•Any payment of interest or principal on outstanding government debt
•Fees or issuance costs for new government debt
•a settlement, judgment, consent decree, or judicially confirmed government debt
For additional details of the allowable uses of ARP funds, a PowerPoint presentation is available here.
Mayor Purzycki invites the public to share their ideas within the allowable uses of the ARP funds by emailing the City at ARPideas@WilmingtonDE.gov or by calling 302.576.2494.
Should you wish to view the ARP Act in its entirety, here is a link to H.R.1319 – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319/text [congress.gov]