American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package passed by Congress, signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges. First proposed on January 14, 2021, the package builds upon many of the measures in the CARES Act of 2020, and in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, including $350 billion in state and local aid to municipalities and counties through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to support immediate pandemic response, address economic fallout and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. 

Bucks County government was awarded $122,034,082 of SLFRF and received the first 50 percent payment of $61,071,041 on May 19, 2021, and second 50 percent payment of $61,072,041 on July 5, 2022. Funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and expended by December 21, 2026. This project is being supported by Federal Award Number (FAIN SLFRP0222) awarded to the County of Bucks by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

Pennsylvania COVID-19 ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Fund - Bucks County Municipal Allocations

Pennsylvania COVID-19 ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Fund -State Municipal Allocations

Allocation of Funds

The County intends to use its allocation of ARPA funds in the following areas as prescribed wherein the ARAP:  

• Public Health 
• Negative Economic Impacts 
• Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities 
• Premium Pay 
• Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure 
• Revenue Replacement 

Project and program plans within each of the above categories have been identified and included in this plan. As required by County procurement policies and procedures, each project or program will be approved by the Bucks County Board of Commissioners by resolution. 

County Recovery Plan Report

Bucks County is committed to utilizing ARPA funding in an innovative and equitable manner. We heard from our residents, community and business partners, and researched best practices and leveraged all other financial resources to develop impactful initiatives and investments that will have a long-term, measurable and sustainable impact. The plan contains detailed information on funding allocations and eligible expenditures, program initiatives and outcomes, and service level indicators for pandemic relief efforts provided to residents and businesses alike.

Recovery Plan Performance Report: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2021

Recovery Plan Performance Report: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2022