The City of Bristol announced Monday that the City will direct a portion of up to $24 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to assist Bristol businesses and nonprofit organizations with eligible costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of the initial $24 million ARPA allocation will also be made available for eligible City projects, including infrastructure upgrades and more.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is the sixth federal COVID-19 relief bill passed in the last year and is 
by far the largest infusion of resources to the State of Connecticut. It is estimated that more than $6 billion 
will come to the state of Connecticut through multiple ARPA grant programs.

The City of Bristol will receive approximately $28 million in ARPA dollars over the next five years. A 15-member ARPA Task Force, comprised of appointed members from the community, has been formed to help determine how these funds will be distributed to benefit the Bristol community. The task force has selected UHY Advisors as the consultant to assist with the eligibility review, reporting, and project monitoring process.

Applications are now being accepted for first round funding with a submission deadline of January 31, 2022. Bristol businesses and nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for first round funding within the allowable ARPA funding categories: Eligible For-Profit Projects (businesses) and Eligible Non-Profit Projects. Eligible City projects will also be submitted for consideration during this first round of funding which will aid in post-COVID infrastructure projects. ARPA funds are for eligible costs related to the Coronavirus pandemic that organizations incurred after March 3, 2021 and must be obliged by December 31, 2024 and expended by December 31, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the consultant, UHY Advisors, to determine eligibility in relation to the Federal ARPA guidelines. Eligible projects will then be forwarded to the ARPA Task Force for award consideration. Projects must meet the guidelines established by the Federal Government in order to be eligible.

“These Federal funds are borrowed funds from future generations – they represent this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a legacy for our grandkids. I look forward to working with the 15-member ARPA Task Force, along with UHY Advisors, on determining the best use of these funds to help improve the quality of life for all here in Bristol,” stated Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano.

“The ARPA funds received by the city provides a tremendous opportunity to make a significant impact within our community in many different ways. We encourage thoughtful applications and pledge to work hard to maximize the potential of each dollar spent,” stated David Preleski, ARPA Task Force Member

Eligibility information can be found on the application and in the pre-recorded Webinar presentation and Fact Sheet found on the application web portal (bristolallheart.com/arpa-application). All applicants are encouraged to view the Webinar and MUST acknowledge that they have read the Fact Sheet before applying. To complete the application process visit: www.bristolallheart.com/arpa-application