Today, the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO) provided direct guidance and expertise to American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant recipients in Rocky Mount during the largest installment yet of the ARP Expert Tour. Turnout reached nearly 200 people, marking a new attendance record for the tour, and included local government representatives responsible for managing their community’s COVID-19 economic recovery funds.
“The American Rescue Plan Act is a major opportunity for our cities and towns, but unleashing that potential can present challenges too,” said Stephanie McGarrah, NCPRO Executive Director. “We want to ensure local leaders have the right systems in place to best leverage their grants and understand how to use all the tools available to them.”
A highlight of Wednesday’s event was the expert panel, led in part by NCPRO Deputy Director Tommy Clark and Grants Administrative Director Tara Fikes who helped answer grant recipients’ questions.
“Outreach events like the ARP Expert Tour are key to NCPRO’s mission because they allow us to connect directly with local leaders – in person and in real time,” said Clark. “Recipients leave better prepared to create and execute grant strategies tailored to their community’s unique needs.”
The tour kicked off in Hickory in early September, followed by a stop in Greensboro, and is hosted by the North Carolina League of Municipalities in partnership with NCPRO and the NC Association of Regional Councils of Government. Each event is a one-stop-shop for assistance on accurately and effectively utilizing ARP funds, from eligibility and compliance to reporting and overall strategy.
The fourth and final leg of the tour is October 26 in Wallace. Participation is free, and registration is required. Sign up for the next ARP Expert Tour here.
About NCPRO and the American Rescue Plan Act
Governor Roy Cooper established the NC Pandemic Recovery Office in May 2020 to oversee the state’s fiscal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NCPRO is responsible for the distribution of $11 billion in federal aid, which includes the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021. ARPA funds directly aid local and state government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and schools, to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and recover more resiliently.