More COVID-19 relief funds will soon be on their way to Graham County, thanks to the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.
Graham County Manager Becky Garland said the county would be receiving just over $1.6 million in American Rescue plan funds.
The first half of the allotment will arrive in no more than 60 days, with the second half coming no less than 12 months after the first. The funds will come from the U.S. Treasury.
In comparison, the county’s allotment from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act under the previous presidential administration came to approximately $560,000. The CARES Act figure also included the funds for municipalities in Graham County.
Garland said the county would have more leeway on how the American Rescue Plan dollars were spent, in comparison to the tighter controls on the CARES Act funds.
Garland noted that she had briefed the Board of Commissioners on the funds on Friday.
“My guess would have to be (that we use the funds) to enhance our public safety department, but I can’t speak for the board,” Garland said.
She also said the county would also be able to use the funds for COVID-19 related supplies, making up for lost revenue and supporting specific infrastructure projects including water, sewer and broadband. It can also be used to make up lost pay to county workers.
“It’s a blessing, Garland said,” This will enable our county to have more flexibility.”
The deadline for the county to use all of its allotted funds is Dec. 31, 2024.
Garland also said that the county would received a substantial increase to its Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funding. PILT helps to offset the loss in property taxes due to non-taxable federal lands. She said the county would receive more than its usual $300,000 allotment, with the funds being unrestricted and allowed to go straight into the general fund.
“We’re going to be entitled to a little bit more than what we normally get for PILT,” Garland said.
She said she was glad that the government had increased the PILT allocation, even if it was only for a single year.
Municipalities will also receive American Rescue Plan funds.