American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

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The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Of the $1.9 trillion bill, $350 billion was allocated to state and local governments to enable them to address strategic economic and infrastructure investments and address governmental budget shortfalls.

The City of Scranton has been awarded a total of $68.7 million in ARPA funds to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts. Scranton City Council approved ARPA funding to be made available as grants to community organizations, nonprofits, and small businesses that have faced economic hardship resulting from or exacerbated by the pandemic.

Thomas Rable, ARPA Communication and Information Manager

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone:
570.348.4224
Email:
trable@scrantonpa.gov

The mission of Scranton’s specific ARPA program is to give people access to resources, rebuild the infrastructure systems that impact their everyday lives, and foster real equitable wealth generation that targets the needs of Scranton residents. This mission statement is also accompanied by six guiding principles:

Recovery
- Use funds to equitably guide residents, businesses, nonprofits & local government out of the economic downturn and onto a path of financial recovery
Response
- Enhance city health & emergency response capabilities
Alignment
- Integrate ARPA Funds with ACT 47 Exit Plan goals, long-term financial and tax strategies, and comprehensive economic development planning
Sustainability
- Avoid one-time items and programs that incur unsustainable operational, maintenance, or other long-term legacy costs
Leverage
- Tackle large infrastructure needs for a safer, healthier city
Transparency
- Accountability, communication, collaboration