In 2021, Congress set into motion the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a multi-faceted economic stimulus package. Within it, $350 billion was earmarked for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments.
The amount of money a jurisdiction received was based on population. Funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and projects completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
Local funds allocated from ARPA present an opportunity to support the efforts of Iowa's Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs). In fact, a handful of WMAs across the state have already secured funding from their local cities and counties. Some have done so to support a watershed coordinator, while others have secured strictly project funding. This resource provides guidance for WMA leaders seeking out local ARPA funding.
