Welch: millions coming to Rutland for Covid relief

Staff report

On Monday, April 5, the Board of Aldermen learned that Rutland’s portion of the federal $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” is $4.4 million. Congressman Peter Welch told the aldermen that Rutland Town would get about $1.2 million and the school district another $11.7 million, according to a report by the Rutland Herald.

“The Congressman spoke of how the bill was bipartisan in nature with support for local distribution of funds coming from both sides of the aisle,” Alderman Mike Doenges posted on Facebook after the meeting. “The first portion should be arriving within 60 days of the president’s signature on the bill, with the second portion arriving in 12 months,” he wrote.

President Biden signed the bill on March 11.

The city will have three years to spend the money on Covid-related expenses, which is “somewhat broadly defined,” Welch said. Allocations could include improving infrastructure, aiding social service agencies, expanding broadband access, and helping businesses.

“You have an enormous responsibility,” Welch told the board. “None of our communities have had this type of infusion of money from the federal government.”

More guidance on the type of projects and allocations that qualify will be provided in the coming weeks and months.

“Your decisions are going to have an impact far beyond the next few years,” Welch said.