Question 1

How can my organization apply for funding?

Accepted Answer

Below is the statement read by Commissioner Chair Laura Sanborn officially announcing the external funding.  The Penobscot County Commissioners will be opening the external funding process for the federal ARPA funds on April 15, 2022. We appreciate those that took the time to attend the in-person and virtual listening sessions and answer the survey. Those that attended or participated online helped the Commissioners define the county’s priorities for this historic funding. The priorities identified in the sessions speak to the promise people see in Penobscot County and the ways we can help everyone experience that promise. We are ready to begin the next phase in the application process for towns and non-profit organizations based on the priorities that make the most sense for external funding.   Those priorities are:  ·        Addressing the need for affordable housing and homelessness for everyone in Penobscot County- in the areas of 	aid to the homeless and in affordable housing.  ·        Increasing access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder services in the County.  ·        Supporting the expansion of Broadband so that it is affordable to our residents.  ·        Addressing the Transportation needs of our rural areas. ·        Improving our Emergency Response services in the County.  In order to provide the most equitable distribution of funds we have developed a two-tiered approach.   (1) This approach will allow smaller organizations that are the backbone of support in many communities to apply for funds even though they may not meet the federal standards needed for larger awards. These organizations will be treated as beneficiaries, or the direct recipients of the funds given, and they may use these funds to support the work they are already doing. We do this in recognition that in many cases, these organizations were tasked with added demand on their services during the pandemic while also having fewer resources to rely on. The application for these grants is simplified, as will be the reporting requirements. These one-time awards will be capped at $25,000.  (2) For organizations, that will be receiving money to fund programs to distribute goods or services to a wider group, we will have our Sub-Recipients application. These pass-through funds are for more money per individual award but have more requirements for accounting and reporting that might overwhelm a smaller organization. As with any federal funding there will be an eligibility test to determine if the organization is qualified for this level of funding. One-time awards for these grants will start at $25,000. The Commissioners are not putting a cap on these awards but will be making note of their relevance to the stated priorities as outlined in the listening sessions report.  Applications can be filled out and submitted online from links that will be available on the county ARPA Resources page starting April 15th. The application process can be done from any device connected to the internet. Applications will close on June 15th. Reviews will be done on a first in, first reviewed format. Applications will be locked on submission. If there is an error discovered, the application would be voided and need to be resubmitted. There will not be any extensions granted for this purpose. Only one application per organization may be submitted regardless of program. Identifying organization information will be stripped from applications so each application can be reviewed on its own merits.  The Commissioners are excited to make this funding available to the people of Penobscot County and look forward to reading how you think these funds can best support the county’s stated priorities as outlined in the Listening Sessions. Any questions can be submitted through the ARPA Resources page on the county’s website.   Submission of an application is not a guarantee of funding.

Question 2

What is the American Rescue Plan Act?

Accepted Answer

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was enacted by Congress and signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. It provides $350 Billion dollars in funding to states, counties, cities, towns, and tribal governments. This is a once in a generation lifeline to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The uses of the funds are broad but also specific.

Question 3

How does ARPA help Penobscot County?

Accepted Answer

Penobscot County was awarded $29.5 Million to be paid in two tranches. The first payment of approximately $14.75 million was disbursed in May of 2021 with the second payment expected one year later.   The City of Bangor received $20 million dollars directly with the other towns of Penobscot County receiving money based on their population through the state. You can find your town's allocation here.   Working within the rules for the use of these funds, Penobscot County has the ability to recover from the hardships of the pandemic and move ahead to a more vibrant future.

Question 4

How can the ARPA funds be used?

Accepted Answer

Support a public health response   Replace public sector revenue loss   Address negative economic impacts   Hazard pay for essential workers   Infrastructure with regard to sewer, water, and broadband   For more information you can download the Treasury Department FAQ sheet here

Question 5

What can't the funds be used for?

Accepted Answer

Neither Penobscot County nor any of its subrecipients may use these funds to reduce the net tax revenue or make extraordinary payments to pension funds. The funds may not be used for some types of matching funds, or be paid into a "rainy day" fund. The funds can also not be used for debt service or satisfy legal settlements.   For more information you can download the Treasury Department FAQ sheet here.

Question 6

What is the current timeline for the ARPA funds?

Accepted Answer

Penobscot County received its first allotment of funds in May of 2021. It will receive the second half of its total funding in May of 2022 or later. All funds must be committed by December 31, 2024 and be spent by December 31, 2026.   Applications for External Funding will open on April 15, 2022 Applications will close on June 15, 2022 Application will be reviewed on a first in, first reviewed basis

Question 7

What about other funding sources available through the State of Maine?

Accepted Answer

While the ARPA funds are a welcome source of funding in Penobscot County, they are not the only funds available. Click the link below to download an excel file with links to state programs with funding for various needs.

97 Hammond Street

Bangor, ME 04401

(207) 942-8535

Community Engagement, Shared Priorities, Strategic Planning

Applications are OPEN!

County Administrator's Office

For more information please see the links below

US Department of Treasury

SLFRF Quick Reference Guide

Federal Register Final Rule

Treasury Compliance and Reporting Guide

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