Rep. Russo: State to create "Recovery Funds" to help distribute $5.5 billion under American Rescue Plan

Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items this week, including the establishment of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which will allow Ohio to accept an estimated $5.5 billion under the recently passed American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid the state’s economic recovery once appropriated. 

“By creating the funds to receive federal relief dollars from President Biden’s American Recovery Plan, we have an unprecedented opportunity to not only continue with post-pandemic recovery, but also create long-term investments in key areas of our economic and workforce infrastructure,” said Rep. Russo.  “The distribution and infusion of these critical funds will help our schools, strengthen early childhood care and learning, protect our health and environment, support our small businesses, and invest more in our most vulnerable communities to ensure a stronger future.”

Additionally, the Controlling Board’s approval of funding from the ARP will create the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which is expected to provide an estimated $815 million to local governments, on top of funding that counties and metro areas throughout Ohio will receive directly from the Department of Treasury. The Controlling Board’s vote also created the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, which will let Ohio to receive an estimated $274 million from the federal government for vital capital projects, helping Ohioans work and learn safely during the pandemic.

The Controlling Board also transferred appropriation authority to Fiscal Year 2021 to let schools use the remaining $50.8 million from the Elementary and Secondary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds provided by the CARES Act.

In addition, $73.1 million will go to the Ohio Department of Transportation to support highway construction and improvement projects across the state, environmental investigations, and bridge and construction inspections.

Other notable items approved during this week’s Controlling Board meeting include:

• $2.3 million to support scholarships for war orphans and children of severely disabled veterans
• $2 million in grants for the Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant Program to provide for local governments, schools, non-profit organizations, and small businesses
• $8 million in new funding to support under-insured and uninsured Ohioans battling HIV and $32,496.70 to provide rapid HIV tests
• $166,612 for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide mental health instructor certification