The following press release regarding the American Rescue Plan Act was issued Wednesday afternoon from the office of Bob Contreras, Brown County Coordinator for Grants and Government Affairs.

Brown County stands to benefit from aid aimed at America’s counties. On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law.

This bill includes $61.5 B in direct, flexible aid to every county in America. These funds will be distributed and administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Brown County is projected to be eligible for $7,343,490. Brown County Judge, Dr. Paul Lilly, will meet with county, city and municipal leaders in the near future to develop a needs assessment and prioritize allocation of projected funds based on US Treasury guidance of priorities for implementation.

Funds will be distributed to counties in two separate tranches (slices). Fifty percent would be distributed this year and the remaining 50 percent no earlier than 12 months from the first payment.

Full details for implementation of the act have yet to be finalized.