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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

What Is ARPA?

In addition to funding households, small businesses and schools, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides relief funds to state, local and tribal governments that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds can be used by governments to respond to the public health and economic emergency, provide premium pay to essential workers, replace revenue lost due to the pandemic, and make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

There is a total of $3.19 billion in ARPA funding to state and local governments. $1.87 billion is available to the state of Oklahoma for investment into projects that will benefit all Oklahomans. $1.32 billion is available to Oklahoma counties, cities and local communities.

To ensure funds are allocated in a responsible and transparent manner and in accordance with federal guidelines, the Oklahoma Legislature has worked in collaboration with Executive Branch leaders to form the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding.

The shared vision of the Joint Committee is to make strategic investments that will benefit future generations while improving services for all Oklahomans today. The committee’s primary goals are:

  • Build a stronger, more innovative and more diverse Oklahoma economy.
  • Enhance capabilities of state services for the wellbeing of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
  • Invest in physical and digital infrastructure to expand opportunities across Oklahoma.

The Joint Committee will receive and evaluate proposals through a vetting process and engagement with stakeholders, including members of the Executive Branch, state agencies, community organizations and public submissions.

Projects may be assigned to the working groups within the Joint Committee. Once the working groups vet the projects, they will pass them on to the Joint Steering Committee for evaluation and recommendation. Projects will then be sent to the governor for final approval before any ARPA dollars will be expended.

ARPA funds must be allocated by December 2024 and expended by December 2026.

Last Modified on Jan 17, 2023