HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRESS RELEASE re ARPA
PRESS RELEASE
Jefferson County issues “Last Call” for funding requests for
Remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds
The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is seeking proposals from local
nonprofit and public sector organizations for projects that “move the needle” on housing,
economic development and/or provide other public benefit for residents of the County. “ARPA
and other Covid relief dollars from the federal government have helped make a number of
important, long-needed projects happen here the last couple of years,” said Commissioner Kate
Dean. “We hope to put this last little pot of funds to work quickly on issues that our
communities care about.”
Interested organizations are asked to submit a one-page letter of interest, including project details
and budget. The BoCC is looking for requests from $20,000-$100,000. The total amount to be
distributed will not exceed $835,000 and is contingent upon receipt of the last allocation from the
US Department of Treasury.
The County Commissioners expect there to be more requests than there is funding available,
representing a wide range of project ideas. “We anticipate having to make some tough decisions
about what to fund. There are a lot of needs, a lot of strong community partners, and a limited
pot of money,” said Commissioner Dean. “We created some loose priorities to help us prioritize
and choose, but ultimately the process will be pretty qualitative and subjective based on the
knowledge we have of the needs of all three districts in the County.”
Priorities used to select awards will include:
• Projects that move the needle on housing, economic development and/or other public
benefit for Jefferson County residents;
• Projects that leverage other funding sources, such as matching funds for a grant-funded
project;
• Projects that reflect and benefit geographic diversity throughout Jefferson County;
• Organizations that have not received previous ARPA or Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
Economic Security (CARES) awards from Jefferson County, though previous awardees
are welcome to apply.
Proposals should include a one-page letter of interest and project description, as well as a project
budget. All materials must be received on or before (NOT postmarked by) 4:00 p.m. February
10, 2023 at the County Administrator’s Office, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA in the
basement of the Jefferson County Courthouse. You can also submit by email to:
jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us (email is preferred submittal method)
Funding is anticipated to be disbursed by September of 2023. For more information, contact the County
Administrator’s office at 360-385-9100 or email jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us