American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

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.

Click here to view the ARPA Memo to Council | July 2023.

Click here to review the ARPA Interactive Summary.

Business Facade, Small Business Startup/Expansion, Small Business Recovery, and Wage Boost Grants

Grant Applications are Now Open | Apply Today!

Scranton’s ARPA Mission:

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:

  1. Recovery: Use funds to equitably guide residents, businesses, nonprofits & local government out of the economic downturn and onto a path of financial recovery
  2. Response: Enhance city health & emergency response capabilities
  3. Alignment: Integrate ARPA Funds with ACT 47 Exit Plan goals, long-term financial and tax strategies, and comprehensive economic development planning 
  4. Sustainability: Avoid one-time items and programs that incur unsustainable operational, maintenance, or other long-term legacy costs
  5. Leverage: Tackle large infrastructure needs for a safer, healthier city
  6. Transparency: Accountability, communication, collaboration
Watch the September 2022 Small Business Grant Webinar

Click here to download the webinar presentation (PDF)

Obtaining ARPA Funds

Click on the images below to find out more information about Scranton’s ARPA Program and how it may benefit you.

Behavioral Health, Violence Prevention, and Wellness Program Providers
Childcare Service Providers and Recipients
Education
Homeowner and Home Rehabilitation
Non-Profits
Small Businesses

The City of Scranton has allocated more than $15 million of its ARPA funding for stormwater mitigation and porous paving projects. Your information can help us address problem areas across the City.

Click here or on the banner above to participate in our stormwater and flooding survey.

Recent ARPA Award Announcements and News

  • Scranton Opens ARPA Grants for Childcare Recipients and Providers
    The City of Scranton is providing $1 million in total funds to address the issue of affordable childcare and to offer those service providers a means to pay workers a higher wage. Residents and organizations in the City of Scranton can apply for the grants … Read more
  • Take the Nay Aug Park Pool Survey Today!
    THE NAY AUG PARK POOL SURVEY IS CLOSED AS OF AUGUST 23, 2023 Can’t make it to our community meetings? No worries, we’ve got you covered. We want to know what YOU want to see at the Nay Aug Park pool. Your ideas, your pool! … Read more
  • Second Scranton ARPA Business Recovery Wage Boost Grants
    The City of Scranton continued to support the growth of small businesses as it awarded nearly $660,000 in Small Business Recovery and Wage Boost grants on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The grants are part of the City’s $68.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) … Read more

Have questions about Scranton’s American Rescue Plan Act programs, including how to apply for grants?

Contact the City’s ARPA Communication and Information Manager, Chris Hughes, at chughes@scrantonpa.gov

Comments are closed.

Skip to content