AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN 2021
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) became law in early March 2021. The majority of the overall $1.9 trillion in assistance is being allocated as direct payments and other relief to American families with additional help available through the Small Business Administration and state and federal agencies for targeted businesses, communities, and organizations affected by the ongoing pandemic.
Wyoming was allocated about $1.07 billion from ARPA funds. The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) and other state agencies are working closely with Governor Gordon’s office and legislators to identify the best ways to capitalize on this opportunity.
Governor Gordon Details Planning Process for use of Federal Recovery Plan Funds
The Governor plans to strategically utilize the $1 billion in federal funds to address the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The areas of focus he identified are:
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Health and Social Services
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Education and Workforce
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Economic Diversity and Economic Development
The Governor and his Strike Team, which includes the Wyoming Business Council, have collaborated on identifying both short and long-term priorities within each area of focus. This work not only includes identifying the most significant problems the state is facing due to the pandemic but also identifying the best opportunities for investment of these funds. Governor Gordon identified 10 Goals for funding implementation and solicited proposals to meet these goals.
The Wyoming ARPA Strike Team received more than $3 billion in proposals for programs, services, and other ideas to utilize the state's funding allocation. Governor Gordon's team created a website to keep the public updated on these proposals and this work, including seeking feedback on the various proposals. Click the link below for more information, including a recording of a virtual Town Hall meeting held on Dec. 3, 2021.
For more information on what's in the American Rescue Plan, check out this fact sheet. Also, see Governor Mark Gordon’s initial statement on the American Rescue Plan here.
Email your questions about the American Rescue Plan or upcoming federal stimulus to wbc.arp@wyo.gov
CHALLENGES LEAD TO OPPORTUNITY
HELP GUIDE WYOMING'S INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE
WBC presented a public webinar on May 19 to introduce a brief survey to capture public feedback on how we can turn our current challenges into future opportunities in Wyoming.
The survey is currently closed and Business Council staff are reviewing feedback and drafting recommendations to help inform policymakers as they decide how best to deploy the more than $1 billion in federal funding coming our way through the Amerian Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). We continue to welcome your ideas and thoughts and invite you to email your continued feedback to wbc.arp@wyo.gov.
GETTING BACK ON TRACK: HELP IS HERE
SBA LAUNCHES WEBINAR SERIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS & ENTREPRENEURS
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the non-profit Public Private Strategies Institute launched a new regional webinar series, “Getting Back on Track: Help is Here,” to provide Main Street entrepreneurs with the information and resources needed to continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The educational webinars feature speakers from The White House, the SBA, Members of Congress, and small business leaders, and will provide updates on the American Rescue Plan.
The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Wyoming Women's Business Center (WWBC) both have been consistently offering training and other support services to businesses throughout the state. Visit their websites at the links below for more information and to access recordings of past webinars.
STAY INFORMED
We will continue to update this website and deliver information as it becomes available via partner messages, social media, and our newsletter. Sign up for updates here.
Email your questions about the American Rescue Plan and the upcoming federal stimulus opportunities to wbc.arp@wyo.gov