HAGERSTOWN, MD (January 28, 2022) – On January 25, 2022, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 to pass a program schedule for the funding received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Washington County Government is slated to receive $29.4 million in funds from the United States Department of the Treasury as part of ARPA. The County received the first allocation of funds in June 2021, totaling $14.7 million and the second allocation will be received in June 2022. All funds from ARPA are to be allocated by December 31, 2024, and projects completed by December 31, 2026.

 

To date, approximately $6 million of Washington County’s ARPA funds have been encumbered and spent from the first allocation with the majority going to premium pay to employees and broadband expansion. A committee was established to review program eligibility, countywide priorities, public input, and recommend eligible programs and projects.

 

County Administrator John Martirano said, “I am extremely pleased with the Board of County Commissioners’ approval of the use of the ARPA funding and a portion of the FY21 CIP reserves for Washington County. County staff and the internal ARPA committee worked diligently to determine where these monies are most needed and presented a targeted approach for the use of the funds. The projects, equipment, and the non-profit assistance and community investment programs funded by this unique one-time opportunity will have a significant impact on Washington County and will have a positive effect on the citizens of Washington County for generations to come.”

 

In addition to the ARPA funding, there is approximately $7.5 million of County FY21 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reserves that remain unallocated. Below is a graphic indicating where funds from ARPA and FY21 CIP will be allocated, as approved by the Board of County Commissioners.