The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law by President Biden earlier this month, includes nearly $440 million in direct funding for Westchester County and our municipalities, to help our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Separately, the plan also includes money for local school districts; transportation, including our buses and airport; businesses; individuals; and COVID testing and vaccination; as well as for New York State.
- Westchester County will receive $187.64 million.
- Westchester’s cities and towns together will receive more than $250 million, including: $4.14 million for Ossining; $4.64 million for Cortlandt, and $2.66 million for Peekskill.
- Towns will distribute a portion of the money allocated to them to their villages according to a formula still being finalized by the federal government.
To see a list of the funding for Westchester and its municipalities visit: https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/PDF/2021-American-Rescue-Plan-Funding-for-Municipalities.pdf.
Regulations are still being determined, but generally the money for municipalities can be used:
- for costs associated with responding to the pandemic,
- to support essential workers,
- to cover revenue losses caused by COVID-19, and
- to make necessary infrastructure investments.
In addition, the Small Business Administration also has information about the relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries under the American Rescue Plan.
This includes additional money for the Paycheck Protection Program, Shuttered Venue Operators Grants, Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance payments, a new Restaurant Revitalization Fund and more.
For information on these programs visit: https://www.sba.gov/article/2021/mar/11/american-rescue-plan-act-elevates-small-business-support-response-covid-19-pandemic
