The Department of the Treasury released details on usage of the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan. This money sends funds directly to various jurisdictions: states, counties, municipalities, and tribal governments. The funding has substantial flexibilities in use, including: public health expenditures, by – among other uses – funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, mental health and substance misuse treatment and certain public health and safety personnel responding to the crisis. Additionally, the funds can be used to provide premium pay for essential workers and for investment in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. NRHA is hopeful that various localities will use this funding to support their rural health safety net. We recommend rural organizations work with local leaders to understanding how the funding will be used in their communities.
