American Rescue Plan Act

The U.S. Department of the Treasury launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  The Act contains $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. 

Treasury also released details on how these funds can be used to respond to acute pandemic response needs, fill revenue shortfalls among these governments, and support the communities and populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total allocation for the Town of South Kingstown is approximately $9 Million. Distribution of funds will occur over the next year. 

  • Non-entitlement Aid to Municipalities - $3 Million
  • County-based Aid to Municipalities share - $5.95 Million

Here is SOUTH KINGSTOWN'S PROPOSED SPENDING PLAN OVERVIEW as presented to the Town council at a Public Hearing on July 26, 2021.

ARPA image Opens in new window

UPDATED: December 1, 2021

American Rescue Plan Funds - Status Report from Interim Town Manager to Town Council


UPDATED: August 16,2021

Prior to the Town Council Public Hearing held on June 29, 2021, the Town sought input from non-profit, outside agencies and citizens, in the form of potential proposals for the Council to consider for ARP funds.  As noted below, agencies were able to complete an online submission.  That solicitation process ended as of June 29, 2021.  

Are you a Non-Profit or Outside Agency?  Please click here to submit a proposal for consideration of funding. When describing a proposal for funding, please provide justification for the funding need by: 

  • identifying the harm caused by Covid-19

  • describing the effect(s) of that harm

  • explaining how the proposed project, initiative, program will respond to the effect of harm.

The Town Council  held a work session on June 29th at 6:30pm via Zoom to consider non-profit and outside agency proposals for American Rescue Plan Act funding.  Agencies seeking funding were encouraged to attend this session.

On Monday, July 26th the Town Council held a Public Hearing to consider a spending plan for the ARPA funds, including determining an amount to be allocated to non-profits and outside agencies.  Upon Council approval of a plan for ARPA funds, the next steps will involve development of a formal grant application process and a call for applications.  A date for this is TBD.

This page will be updated as new information becomes available...

Eligible Uses for the American Rescue Plan Act Funds

  1. Broadband - Invest in broadband infrastructure with modern utility in mind. Broadband efforts should aim in improve reliability, accessibility and affordability of internet. 
  2. Community Grants - Assist organizations (non-profit) that serve the needs of vulnerable populations within the community, particularly those heavily impacted by the pandemic. Investments can range from assisting individuals to supporting redevelopment of entire neighborhoods.
  3. Economic Development - Provide aid to small business and industries negatively impacted by COVID-19 and its effects on the local economy.
  4. Organizational Needs - Address needs within Town departments or amongst city essential employees that improve the capabilities of staff to respond to public needs and support employees most susceptible to COVID.
  5. Tourism/Travel Industry - Speed the recovery of tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors that are just beginning to mend
  6. Utility Infrastructure - Make necessary improvements to water and sewer infrastructures, including projects that address the impacts of climate change. Utility investments should aim at improving the reliability and resiliency of the utility system.

Contact Us

  1. Town Manager's Office

    Email

    Physical Address
    180 High Street
    Wakefield, RI 02879

    Phone: (401) 789-9331 x1201

Recorded Public Meetings regarding American Rescue Plan Act:

June 15, 2021 (Tuesday) at 6:30pm - Work Session #1 for Town Council & Town Departments. Click here for agenda and presentation. Click here to watch the meeting video.

June 29, 2021 (Tuesday) at 6:30pm -  Work Session #2 for Town Council and Outside Agencies (non-profits) Click here for Agenda and Zoom link

July 26, 2021 (Monday) at 7:30pm - Town Council Public Hearing Proposed Spending Plan Overview 

Click here for Agenda and Zoom link