STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Blaine County organizations are invited to apply for nearly $4.5 million coming to Blaine County to support the response to and recovery from COVID-19.
The Blaine County Board of Commissioners has created an application process for members of the public to submit eligible proposals for consideration of funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was signed into law on March 11, 2021. The Act established the coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).
It delivered $350 billion to state, local and tribal governments across the country to ensure governments have the resources to fight the pandemic, maintain vital public services amidst declines in revenue, support families and businesses and make investments that support a strong recovery.
To date, Blaine County has obligated or spent more than a quarter-million dollars to support community services organizations that serve residents who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, according to Stephanie Carlson, Blaine County administrative services manager.
County commissioners have also used the funds to for public health messaging about vaccination, COVID-19 mitigation strategies, PPE supplies for county staff and offices and relocation assistance for newly hired sheriff’s deputies struggling to find local housing.
Applicants applying for funds need to complete an ARPA Funding Request Form, available on the county website at https://www.co.blaine.id.us. A detailed project description draft budget and supporting documents need to be submitted.
County Clerk Stephen McDougall Graham and County Administrator Mandy Pomeroy will ensure requests meet eligibility requirements before presenting them to the county commissioners.
Board Chair Dick Fosbury said the commissioners and staff hope to be expeditious and thoughtful in investing the funds for a healthy recovering community.
McDougall Graham echoed his sentiments: “I am so excited to play an important role in ensuring these federal funds are deployed to meet the needs of our community.”