Covid Relief Funding
Thurston County COVID-19 Funding
Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allows Thurston County to assist residents, businesses, and nonprofits in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while making investments in the future.
2023 Covid Recovery Plan Performance Report
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), delivered $350 billion in federal funding to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
ARPA funds are intended to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and bring the pandemic under control, provide support for costs incurred in addressing public health, and lay the foundation for a strong, equitable economic recovery by addressing systemic public health and economic challenges that may have contributed to more severe impacts of the pandemic among low-income communities and people of color.
Thurston County has received $56.4 million as part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury SLFRF program.
Recovery Fund Uses
With approval by the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners, the ARPA Recovery Fund may be used to:
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Replace lost public sector revenue:
Use a portion of this funding to provide government services.
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Respond to the far-reaching public health and negative economic impacts of the pandemic:
Support the health of communities and help households, small businesses, impacted industries, nonprofits, and the public sector recover from economic impacts.
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Provide premium pay for essential workers:
Offer additional support to those who bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors.
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Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure:
Make necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and expand affordable access to broadband internet.
(Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury)
Within these categories, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners has broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of our communities. ARPA funds may be used beginning March 3, 2021, and must be spent (or obligated) by December 31, 2024, with final expenditures occurring for projects by December 31, 2026.
Learn More about Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
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Thurston County Recovery Plan 2022 Report
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The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Program
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Overview of U.S. Treasury Final Rule for ARPA Fiscal Recovery Fund
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Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule
COVID-19 Response Funding
The ARPA Recovery Fund is only one funding stream Thurston County received for pandemic response. The County has received over $175 million in federal and state grant awards since March 2020.
Major funding received by Thurston County
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Housing & Rental Assistance Grants $74 million
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ARPA Recovery Fund $56.4 million
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Coronavirus Relief Fund $21.4 million
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Public Health Response $19.2 million
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FEMA Mass Vaccinations $5.6 million