PITTSBORO, NC - Chatham County expects to receive more than $14 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County wilick off a public engagement process to gather ideas from the community on how best to use these one-time funds. 

From February 1 through March 31, 2022, Chatham County will seek public input through various channels and methods to maximize the impact of Chatham County’s ARPA funding. Residents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts through an online survey, community conversations, and directly with County Commissioners.

According to federal guidelines, the ARPA funds intend to provide eligible governments with an infusion of resources to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, more equitable economy.

Eligible uses of ARPA funds include: 

• Supporting public health expenditures, including COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and some public health and safety staff
• Addressing negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector
• Replacing lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services if the pandemic caused revenue loss
• Providing premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors
• Investing in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, improving access to clean drinking water, supporting wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, and expanding access to broadband internet

The public will have eight opportunities to learn more about ARPA and share ideas with Chatham County staff at different locations throughout the county. No sign-up or RSVP is required.To learn more about the community conversations, other ways to provide feedback, and Chatham County’s ARPA process, visit www.chathamcountync.gov/ARPA.