American Rescue Plan

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) into law. The $1.9 trillion package is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts.  The County of Hancock has received an allocation of $10.6 million from the American Rescue Plan.

Allowable Uses for these funds:

  • Support public health response: Fund COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral health care and certain county public health, public safety, human services, and other related staff
  • Address negative economic impacts: Respond to economic harms to workers, families, small businesses, impacted industries and rehiring of public sector workers (including county staff)
  • Replace public sector revenue loss: Use funds to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced during the pandemic
  • Premium pay for essential workers: Offer additional compensation, up to $13 per hour in additional wages, to those – both county employees and other workers in the community – who have faced and continue to face the greatest health risks due to their service
  • Water, sewer and broadband infrastructure: Make necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, invest in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and provide unserved or underserved locations with new or expanded broadband access

The Hancock County Commissioners wish to seek public input regarding utilization of these funds.  Please share your thoughts with us using the form below.

Thank you for participating in your county government.