[Archived] City of Alexandria to Receive American Rescue Plan Stimulus Funds

­­For Immediate Release: March 12, 2021

The City of Alexandria will be allocated approximately $59.4 million as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which was signed into law on March 11. The funds will be received in two equal allotments in May 2021 and May 2022 for use between March 3, 2021 and December 31, 2024. 

“On behalf of all Alexandrians, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude to Senator Warner, Senator Kaine and Representative Beyer for their assistance in achieving this legislation,” Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said. “The assistance from the American Rescue Plan will help our residents and business community in many ways over the coming years and will certainly expedite our recovery after the devastating economic and personal impacts of the last year. We will continue to persevere together, and this aid will help to see us through to the other side of this global pandemic.”

In addition to the timeframe of use, the law also specifies how the allocated funds can be used. The direct allocation to the City is permitted for use as stated:

• To respond to the public health emergency with respect to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; or

• For the provision of government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue of such metropolitan city, nonentitlement unit of government or county due to such emergency; or

• To make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.

Future regulations will likely further define the initial use guidelines. Many City and ACPS programs may also receive substantial new ARP provided funds, through additional direct, state or grant programs. The assistance may be targeted to specific categorical programs, such as public health activities, K-12 education, emergency housing vouchers, and public transit.

The ARP will provide a $1.9 trillion stimulus to the U.S. economy in the form of assistance to state and local governments, aid to small businesses and direct benefits to individuals, including recovery rebates, extended unemployment benefits and additional assistance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

In conjunction with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and Visit Alexandria, the City will proactively seek community feedback to develop a plan for decision-making about the use of the ARP funds. The process for developing the plan and timeline will be presented to City Council for consideration at the March 23 Legislative Meeting. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/Dockets for information about upcoming City Council meeting agendas and resources.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Kelly Gilfillen, Acting Director of Communications and Public Information, at kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4644.