Last week, Governor Andy Beshear’s office announced that funds in excess of $162 million would be distributed to 360 cities across the state, including Corbin and Williamsburg.
These funds are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, which was established in 2021 to provide state and local governments with additional financial resources as the country goes about the business of rebuilding economically in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
This payout, which will be the second of its kind since last year, will see the City of Corbin receiving $962,320.14. Meanwhile, the City of Williamsburg will receive $704,703.75.
Last week’s press release quoted Governor Beshear as saying, “COVID has proven that Kentucky can rise to meet challenges when we work together. This funding will set eligible city governments up for success as we remain committed to building a better Kentucky.”
The press release also explained that “each allocation was based on population, per the U.S. Treasury.”
The City of Corbin voted to place their initial payout of ARPA funds into an interest-bearing account late last year. City Clerk Tori Mouser said the city commission will meet to decide what to do with this latest payout at some point in the near future, and they will meet again to determine when and how the money should be used.
Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison noted that the funds have specific usage requirements and he was immediately aware of what the money could be used for. He stated that the city plans to hire a law firm to help review the terms of the ARPA funds and what they can be used for to ensure the money is being used correctly.
