Did Ohio spend all its COVID-era state fiscal recovery funds? How has Ohio used its money? Is there any money left?
At www.OhioARPATracker.org you can find the answer to these questions and more.
The Ohio Poverty Law Center and Advocates for Ohio’s Future just updated and “refreshed” our ARPA Tracker website. The tracker can show you how the money was allocated, how much has been spent, and, when the information is available, who is receiving the money.
As a reminder, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law in March 2021 as a continuing response to the devasting health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of ARPA, Ohio received $5.4 billion in Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds. Another $5.3 billion was designated for counties, municipalities, and townships.
The Act and implementing rules require these flexible funds to be obligated for a designated use by December 31, 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026.
Until recently, the ARPA Tracker website was focused on how lawmakers were appropriating the money. But now, the page is focused on whether the money has been expended.
Ohio has appropriated—or designated money for a certain purpose—the entire $5.4 billion and is well on its way to meet the December 31, 2024, deadline to have funds obligated. As of July 2024, more than 87 percent of the funds are obligated.