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State unveils website for ARPA funding applications

By Ryan Pivoney [email protected]

A new website is helping the state organize and distribute federal COVID-19 relief dollars.

The website, moarpa. mo.gov, was created by the state to provide information on how entities can apply to access grant funding and how the state is spending money it was appropriated through the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in 2021.

Of the 20 grant programs the state is offering ARPA funding through, four are actively accepting applications.

Relevant organizations can apply for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure grants and lead service line inventory grants through July 14. Funding is open to local governments and communities, businesses, organizations and nonprofits that apply.

“We want to use this historic funding to make responsible investments that best serve Missourians,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a news release. “This website provides a one-stop shop to see how these funds are being spent and also how to apply for funding. We owe it to the people of Missouri to be transparent in our spending efforts and ensure these funds are used in the most effective ways possible.”

Missouri received $2.7 billion in State Fiscal Recovery Funds through ARPA and a majority of it was appropriated by the state Legislature in House Bill 3020. The governor has until July 1 to act on the bill, which could have consequences on funding for the 16 remaining grant programs not currently accepting applications.

The remaining grant programs include two focused on broadband infrastructure, two for tourism and entertainment, eight concentrated on economic development, three for public safety and one for long term care facilities.

While the recently unveiled website includes program descriptions, requirements, relevant dates and available funding for some programs, the information is missing for others.

“Once the budget is finalized and implementation of the funding begins, additional information will be added and maintained on the website,” the governor’s news release states. “Until that time, the information on the website will be somewhat limited.”

Organizations and interested parties should be able to begin applying for all of the ARPA grant programs after July 1 and into the fall.

According to the federal legislation, all ARPA funds must be allocated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

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2022-05-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-17T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://edition.newstribune.com/article/281672553546673

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