Some Illinois municipal leaders are calling on the state and federal governments to take immediate action to distribute funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The money is earmarked to help local governments recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Development Block Grant municipalities (of which Danville is one) can apply to receive ARPA funding directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, while non-CDBG communities must rely on the state government to request and allocate their share of aid. As a result, the State of Illinois must apply for the funding on behalf of 1,296 municipalities across the state, acting strictly as a pass-through entity.
‘’During the past year, local governments experienced revenue shortfalls, which greatly impacted local leaders’ ability to address unique challenges and fund critical services,’’ said Brad Cole, Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League. ‘’Now, as many look to rebuild and recover from the pandemic with federal assistance, they need to recoup costs and lost revenue realized during the public health crisis,’’ said Cole. ‘’Illinois communities need these ARPA funds as soon as possible, without additional restrictions or delays from the state,’’ he added.
