The American Rescue Plan became effective in March 2021 with the goal of alleviating the financial impact of COVID-19. The legislation included provisions for funding vaccines, directly supporting families, and assisting small businesses. How do firehouses fit into the picture, and are they eligible for relief provided by the American Rescue Plan? The answer is yes — firehouses can take advantage of these benefits, too, and find relief from the impact of COVID-19. Inform your firehouse clients about the following four ways that the American Rescue Plan Act can minimize the financial consequences of COVID-19 and help facilitate a return to normalcy.
Understand Distribution of Funds
The first thing that firehouses must understand is the protocol for the distribution of American Rescue Plan funds. These funds are not designated for direct disbursement to firehouses, but rather they are allocated to states, who then distribute the money to counties, and then local jurisdictions, and finally individual organizations such as firehouses. Because of the length of this process, firehouses should be realistic about their expected receipt of funds. Applying for and receiving funding may take several months.
Prepare Data to Support Requests
The process of applying for funds is not as simple as simply asking. Firehouses will need to be explicit about what the funds will be used for and why they are needed. To do this, they will need to prepare data that supports the request. If, for example, a firehouse needs to replace outdated communication equipment, this request should be accompanied by quantitative data identifying a specific problem that the funds would help alleviate.
Formally Submit a Proposal
Once a firehouse has identified the desired use of the funds and gathered data to support this intended use, it is time to formally submit a proposal requesting receipt of funds from the American Rescue Plan. The protocol for submitting this proposal will vary based on the jurisdiction a firehouse is located in, but it typically will entail submission to an authority such as the county commissioner. Firehouses should check with their local ordinance to confirm the correct process for proposal submission.
Wait for Funding Decisions
After a proposal has been submitted, it’s time to play the waiting game. Firehouses may have to wait weeks or even months before they receive a funding decision from their jurisdiction. While waiting, firehouses should consider how they will apply the funds if their request is approved. Creating a solid plan for use of the money can prevent mismanagement and ensure that the funds go to critical needs as the American Rescue Plan intended. Firehouses can do this by collaborating on a documented plan which outlines the anticipated sum of funds, the cost of the necessary upgrades, and the actions necessary to make those upgrades.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.