On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts. The American Recovery Plan Act includes $350 billion in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The City of Lebanon’s allocation is $16.6 million. 50% of this amount was received in May 2021, and the other 50% will be received in May of 2022. Funds can be used to cover eligible costs incurred between March 3, 2021, and Dec 31, 2024. Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and expended by December 31, 2026. A percentage of funds will be utilized to financially stabilize the City of Lebanon from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City is utilizing the majority of the first allocation for COVID-19 related expenses, stormwater and other infrastructure improvements. The City will also award $1 million of this funding to Non-Profit organizations through an application process. Keep in mind that $16.6 million needs to make lasting change in Lebanon City.
There is a large list of potential priorities for Non-profit organizations. Some of the eligible categories are: mental health service, healthy childhood environments, affordable housing, and workforce development. A full list can be found in the appendix section of the Application Process & Fact Sheet. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to do everything that has been determined as an acceptable expense. We must make choices. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve our community. We must support projects that have a long-term impact on the City of Lebanon for our residents, businesses and visitors.
For more information, please review the Application Process & Fact Sheet. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or 717-228-4487.
Author: Amaury Abreu
