Arlington Can Use ARPA Funding To Offset Revenue Loss

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington will be able to recoup millions in revenue loss using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

That's according to the final rule issued by the federal government last week, which changes the way those losses are calculated, Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said. Chapdelaine told ACMi in his weekly update that communities like Arlington can now claim up to $10 million in revenue loss without justification.

"We had thought we wouldn't be able to use any ARPA money to offset town revenue loss over the course of the pandemic," Chapdelaine said. "The final rule has changed the way that is to be calculated."

Arlington received approximately $35 million in ARPA funding, some of which will now be used to "help the town's general fund and support the taxpayer," Chapdelaine said.

Chapdelaine will revise the framework of how the funds will be spent and expects to present his proposal to the select board later this month or in early February.