Mooresville got a $1.1M ARPA payment. How should it be spent?

Tyler Haughn, The Reporter Times
·2 min read

MOORESVILLE — Mooresville has received $1.1 million as part of the latest installment in its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

The town has received its second ARPA payment in the amount of about $1.1 million and must decide where it feels the town stands to benefit most. Mooresville received around $1.1 million from the state as part of its first ARPA payment last year, meaning the town has been allocated a combined total of approximately $2.21 million.

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ARPA stipulates Mooresville must adopt a plan outlining which project it plans to pay for using the funds, ranging from wastewater projects to investments in broadband infrastructure. The town has until Dec. 31, 2024, to adopt a plan. Clerk-Treasurer Dianna Wamsley said the money must also be spent before the end of 2024.

Town councilman Shane Williams outlined the next steps in the process now that the town has received its second and final ARPA payment.

"The town just received the second installment. I believe we were waiting for that to determine what to use the funds for," Williams said. "But yes, the Council will put it on a public agenda and determine what the funds will go to based on allowable uses."

Williams also suggested the town may need to undergo an appropriation process when the time comes to decide which project to pursue.

The full list of allowable uses includes:

  • support public health expenditure

  • address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency

  • replace lost public sector revenue

  • provide premium pay for essential workers

  • invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

  • making necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water

  • support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

Martinsville

The city also received its final disbursement of ARPA funds last month in the amount of $1,322,255.94, bringing its total to $2,644,511.88.

"We are still finalizing the plan on what the funds will be used for. There are several options and opportunities and we are trying to be good stewards with the money and not rush to a decision," Ben Merida, first deputy clerk, said. "It will most likely be going towards our water and sewer infrastructure as we have several needs there that we want to address."

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Mooresville, Indiana, receives second American Rescue Plan Act payment