County Launches Survey On How To Use COVID Relief Money

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Anne Arundel County leaders have launched a community survey to help guide the county’s use of federal fiscal recovery money stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“I want to thank residents, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders for their participation in this survey — this feedback is important,” County Executive Steuart Pittman said in a news release. “It will help guide how we use these funds, as we continue to address the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.”

The survey, located at https://www.aacounty.org/fiscal-recovery-funds-survey, provides an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on project priorities, service area rankings, and comments on specific funding ideas. The survey will run for two weeks, closing on Tuesday, July 27.

Anne Arundel County will receive a total of $112.5 million in direct appropriations from the federal treasury. The county received $56.2 million on May 19, and will receive the balance in May 2022. All federal money must be spent by Dec. 31, 2024.

After the survey is complete and the U.S. Treasury guidance is final, the county will solicit proposals through an online portal. Proposals will be vetted for eligibility and non-duplication by the Budget Office, and evaluated by the Fiscal Recovery Fund Workgroup. The portal is expected to be operational by Aug. 1.

Because the federal money is available until Dec. 31, 2024, the county intends to hold a portion aside to hedge against future economic declines or unanticipated needs. This portion will decline over time as the 2024 deadline approaches.

For more information on state and local guidance on the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds, visit https://www.aacounty.org/test/county-executive/fiscal-recovery-funds-guidance/index.html.