LINCOLN- With the ARPA funds tentatively set to be debated in the Legislature beginning next week, the Appropriations Committee released their preliminary plans for state's over $1billion in federal ARPA dollars.

The state was given $1.04 billion dollars thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act. The $1.9 trillion relief bill passed just over a year ago under the Biden administration. These funds are specifically provided to states to be used at the local level. ARPA can provide a wide variety of resources to Nebraska as the state works to address health and economic recovery.

Governor Pete Ricketts announced his proposed plan for the ARPA dollars in January, with the committee having the final say in drafting the plan that will appear before the full legislature for consideration. The Appropriations Committee began to prioritize and work through ARPA proposals from the Governor, citizens, companies, and other legislative committees, wrapping this work over the last weekend resulting in the agreement on the preliminary plan that will be presented to the body.

The plan covers many areas that will affect the state. The number of asks for relief dollars was extremely high, totaling nearly six times the amount given to the state. The preliminary plan encompasses a wide range of subjects, organized into key areas including Public Health Response; Negative Economic Impacts; Premium Pay for some frontline workers; Water, Sewer and Broadband; and funding for administration of the dollars.

For the full preliminary spreadsheet released by the Appropriations Committee click HERE

For an in-depth description of bills included, requested dollar amounts in comparison to what was appropriated, and areas of focus, click HERE