It’s been about three years since the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – Biden’s COVID-19 stimulus package – was signed into law, and spending deadlines are approaching. Any ARPA funds that haven’t been obligated by the end of this year, and spent by the end of 2026, must be returned to the federal government.
ARPA distributed over $6 million in federal funds to governmental units in Leelanau County, including over $4.2 million to the county itself and almost $2.2 million to the 14 villages and townships.
All the county’s ARPA dollars are spent or earmarked for spending, county Interim Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt said. According to michigan.gov, one of the eligible uses for ARPA funds is investing in broadband infrastructure. Leelanau County has heavily leaned into this option, with most of its relief dollars going towards a $5 million contract with Point Broadband.
