About the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
The State of Montana has established six primary priorities for distributing ARPA Funding:
- Water and Sewer
- Communications/Broadband Infrastructure
- Economic Transformation, Stabilization, and Workforce Development
- Health and Human Services
- Housing and Rental Assistance
- K-12 Education
Visit arpa.mt.gov for further details, guidance, and priorities regarding distribution of ARPA funding.
ARPA Funding Commissions
The State of Montana has established four commissions to research community needs, solicit public comment and feedback on funding priorities, and establish granting programs for distribution of ARPA funding. These commissions are focused on:
- Broadband – Connect MT and Communications
- Economic Transformation, Stabilization, and Workforce Development
- Health and Human Services
- Infrastructure
Visit here to see the full schedule of commission meetings and recordings of past meetings.
How to Get Involved and Stay Informed
Each ARPA Commission is currently soliciting public comment and meeting regularly to discuss priorities and make decisions around granting programs.
- Health and Human Services: Most nonprofits in Montana will fund some avenue for funding from the Health and Human Services commission. Visit here to see their funding priorities and submit public comment regarding granting programs. Visit here to see the schedule for commission meetings and sign up to receive updates from the commission.
- Economic Transformation, Stabilization, and Workforce Development: Additionally, there may be some funding opportunities from Economic Transformation, Stabilization, and Workforce Development. Visit here for commission meeting schedule and submit public comment within the link for reach commission meeting.
Local Government Funding: In addition to ARPA funding being distributed at the state level, more than $200 million was given directly to local governments (cities, towns, and counties) across Montana to address community needs.
- Visit here to see how much was allocated to each unit of local government across Montana.
- Local governments across Montana are making decisions around how to use this funding to address local community needs. As a member of your community, get connected and be attuned to the plans and conversations occurring at the local level. Engage your local officials.
Direct Support for Individuals: In addition to funding opportunities for your organization, there are also direct assistance programs that could benefit your employees and constituents:
- Return to Work Bonus Program: $1,200 return-to-work bonus payments for individuals who were unemployed as of May 1, 2021 and obtained employment before October 31, 2021.
- Housing and Rental Assistance: Monthly emergency rental and mortgage assistance support for Montanans who have lost household income due to COVID-19 and are at risk of housing instability.
ARPA Funding Evaluation and Progress Reporting: Check back here as funding programs are launched and evaluation and reporting guidance is released!
Webinar: ARPA for Montana
MNA will host an Montana’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) webinar on August 18 at 10:00 a.m. with ARPA Director Mike Foster, DPHHS Director Meier, and a representative from Department of Commerce to offer more information on ARPA. This will be a great informational and Q/A session and I hope you’ll join us.