Chelan County Sets Up Process for American Rescue Plan Funds

Chelan County is preparing for the incoming $15 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding provided by a direct treasury allotment. The county receives the first half of of the funding in about two months and the second half will be given to the county this time next year.

"What that does is provides us an opportunity to take a look at investing to the COVID relief efforts, but also recovery efforts," said Commissioner Kevin Overbay. "We're doing a series of workshops to identify needs within the community, needs both internally at the county as well as some external pieces."

Chelan County is having meetings through the Washington State Association of Counties as well as the National Association of Counties to remain updated on guidelines of how this money can be spent. Commissioners plan to work with other elected officials within the county and department heads to come up with short term and long term strategies.

"Our first steps right now is to look at our internal expenses we have incurred over the past year," said Commissioner Bob Bugert. "Each of our department heads are looking at losses they've incurred over the past year and what their future needs will be."

Chelan County has until December 31, 2024 to spend the funding.