Our community received a collective $56.7 million in ARPA funds for use in COVID-19 recovery efforts. These funds from the federal government were designated for use, by the U.S. Department of Treasury, in the following eligible areas:
In addition to funding households, small businesses and schools, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides relief funds to state, local and tribal governments that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds can be used by governments to respond to the public health and economic emergency, provide premium pay to essential workers, replace revenue lost due to the pandemic, and make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Eligible units of government were allocated ARPA funds based on a methodology created and implemented by the U.S. Treasury.
When the final rule for the program was released in 2022, Vigo County and the City of Terre Haute began a collaborative process to evaluate potential uses of the funds and create individual plans of action, which were presented respectively to the City and County Councils. Upon approval of the overall plans, individual project stakeholders were invited to present to the Council(s) to request an appropriation of ARPA funds for their project.
On October 3, 2024, Vigo County took a significant leap forward in workforce and economic development with the groundbreaking of Innovation Grove at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. This innovative project is set to become a hub for advancements in science, technology, and engineering while driving the creation of high-wage, high-quality jobs in the Wabash Valley.
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Vigo County Commissioners proudly presented a $100,000 grant to the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club, during the Club's monthly board meeting. This significant funding, made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will be used for vital facility upgrades that will enhance the Club’s ability to provide critical services to local youth.
During the Vigo County School Board meeting on Monday, the Vigo County Commissioners proudly presented a $150,000 check to the Vigo County School Corporation (VCSC) in support of their Project AWARE Mental Health Program.