U.S. Treasury and Tribes Discuss Deployment of ARP Funds
“Will these funds … replenish revenues lost during the pandemic?” Question asked during the U.S. Treasury consultation with tribal leaders on May 18, 2021.
According to the Department of Treasury, Tribes can use American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to mitigate and contain COVID-19 public health issues and assist the economic situation of workers, families, and small businesses negatively impacted by the virus. ARP funds can also be used for water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure projects, providing equity-focused services for health, housing, and education disparities, and promoting healthy childhood environments.
Sixty-five percent of the $19 billion ARP funding will be distributed based on a pro rata, self-certified tribal enrollment. The Department of Treasury will use enrollment data submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in April 2021, equaling $12.35 billion. The other 35% or $6.65 billion will be distributed based on a pro rata, self-certified tribal employment data. Employment data was compiled from submissions to the Treasury in May 2020 for the CARES Act.
Photo credit - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Two payment allocations will be made. The first payment of one billion dollars will be distributed equally among Tribes who request ARP funds by May 24, 2021. The second payment will include the pro-rata share of employment allocation. The Treasury stressed the importance of Tribes to confirm employment numbers by June 7, 2021.
Tribes must submit an interim report to the Office of the Treasury office by August 31, 2021, and a quarterly report by October 31, 2021.
The following website is for the Treasury submission portal for reporting – https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-fund/request-funding
Comments are accepted through July 16th – https://www.regulations.gov/document/TREAS-DO-2021-0008-0002
Questions about submission portal – covidreliefitsupport@treasury.gov
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