Applications for ARPA Funds Due Feb. 28

Council has allotted $154,000 for community-based projects

Elkins, W. Va., January 28, 2022: City of Elkins has been awarded $3.08 million under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Among other allocations of these funds, council has allotted five percent (approximately $154,000) to be used for eligible community-based requests. Community organizations interested in proposing projects that may qualify for these funds can do so via an online form. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on February 28, 2022.

Elkins City Clerk Jessica Sutton advises that all uses of ARPA funds are heavily regulated.

“Any organizations thinking of applying to use ARPA funds need to keep in mind that this is a much more formal process than requesting contributions from the city’s general fund,” says Sutton. “The ARPA rules do allow the city to disburse some of these funds to community organizations, but they are considered subrecipients under the legislation. They must follow all of the same documentation requirements and are subject to the same audits as the city. If auditors find that a project was not eligible for ARPA funds, the federal government can require repayment.”

The online form requires applicants to describe their proposed projects in as much detail as possible. Applicants must also explain why their proposed projects constitute an appropriate use of ARPA funds; what demographic their projects will target; and estimated costs. Finally, applicants are also asked to connect their projects to goals in the city’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, if possible. The strategic plan may be reviewed here: www.bit.ly/Elkins-Strategic-Plan.

Find the online application form here: http://forms.gle/Mweq4EPxifLeo3xK8.