Dear Friends:
Throughout its history, the United States has been blessed with men and women who have been willing to make incredible sacrifices in defense of the American dream.
This Memorial Day, the people of this nation will pause to pay tribute to those who have given all so that the freedoms of the American people can be preserved. So many of the selfless soldiers who left their loved ones behind to fight for the cause of good never came home. For them there was no return to their families and no ticker tape parades celebrating their heroism.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the heroes who willingly paid the price that was necessary to protect what is undeniably the greatest nation in the world.
Missourians Can Now Track the Use of Federal Funds in Missouri During the 2022 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly approved a state operating budget that allocates billions of federal dollars. Now, the state has launched a new website that will allow visitors to learn how the federal funds are being spent in Missouri.
Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of the new website to help guide access to Missouri’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The website will allow visitors to track the funds, and will also provide information on how Missouri organizations, non-profits, municipalities, businesses,
communities, and other entities can apply for the State’s ARPA funds.
Governor Parson said, “We want to use this historic funding to make responsible investments that best serve Missourians. This website provides a one-stop shop to see how these funds are being spent and also how to apply for funding. We owe it to the people of Missouri to be transparent in our spending efforts and ensure these funds are used in the most effective ways possible.”
During the 2022 session, the General Assembly approved HB 3020, which allocates the majority of Missouri’s ARPA funds. The governor has until July 1, when the new fiscal year begins, to take action on the bill. Until he takes action on the bill and authorizes the funding, the information provided on the new site will be limited. Under federal guidelines, ARPA funds can be used for projects or programs that support public health expenditures; to address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; to replace lost public sector revenue; or invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
Currently, the only grant programs accepting applications are the water, wastewater, stormwater, and lead service line inventory grant programs. The remaining grant programs will begin accepting applications after July 1 and into the fall.
To view the state’s new website for ARPA funding information and opportunities, please visit https://moarpa.mo.gov/.
As your Representative, I will keep you informed of any upcoming projects that are being discussed for our area utilizing these funds. I am now back in the district during the interim. My office is available to you and you can contact me via email to dale.wright@house.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-3455.